Electric vehicles have entered a new era of performance, leaving even the world’s fastest hypercars behind. The latest milestone comes from BYD’s Yangwang U9 Track Edition, which just smashed the global speed record for electric vehicles by reaching an astonishing 472.41 km/h on the Papenburg test track in Germany.

The Record-Breaking Moment

The record was achieved by German professional racing driver Marc Basseng, who had also set the previous EV speed record in 2024. After crossing the historic mark, Basseng said:

“Last year, I thought I had reached my limit. I never imagined I would break my own record so soon, but here we are, on the same track, with new technologies that have made it possible.”

Cutting-Edge Technology Behind the Speed

The U9 Track Edition is built on BYD’s e4 platform and DiSus-X architecture, with groundbreaking upgrades that made this record possible:

Feature	Specification	Impact
Vehicle Platform	1,200V ultra-high voltage system	First of its kind globally, improves efficiency & stability
Motors	Four independent 30,000 rpm motors (755 hp each)	Delivers over 3,000 hp combined
Power-to-Weight Ratio	1,217 hp/ton	Among the highest in automotive history
Suspension	DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control	Independent wheel adjustments, more grip & comfort
Aerodynamics	Carbon fiber diffuser (optional)	Reduced drag, increased downforce
Tires	Semi-slicks developed with Giti Tire	Optimized grip for extreme track performance

Why This Matters

This achievement doesn’t just represent a win for BYD — it symbolizes the rise of electric hypercars as leaders in speed, engineering, and innovation. Once seen as silent city commuters, EVs are now proving they can dominate even the most extreme racing benchmarks.

The Yangwang U9 Track Edition isn’t just a car — it’s a statement of what the future of high-performance mobility looks like.