KATHMANDU: BYD’s nearly 3,000-horsepower electric hypercar, the Yangwang U9 Extreme, has crashed during high-speed testing. The vehicle was severely damaged after hitting a barrier, but the driver reportedly escaped without serious injuries.
A video shows the electric hypercar crashing into a barrier at an undisclosed testing location. The front and rear sections of the vehicle were almost completely destroyed, while the central passenger compartment remained largely intact. No battery fire was reported following the crash.
According to CarNewsChina, the accident may have occurred during an attempt to achieve a new speed record. BYD was reportedly targeting 500 kmph with the Yangwang U9 Extreme.
Despite the extensive damage, the survival of the driver highlights the importance of the vehicle’s passenger protection structure.
BYD says the Yangwang U9 Extreme uses a carbon-fibre passenger cell designed to provide high torsional rigidity and improved occupant protection during a crash.
The central cabin remained relatively intact despite the severe impact. The condition of the vehicle’s front and rear sections suggests that the impact caused extensive structural damage outside the passenger compartment.
The Yangwang U9 Extreme is the most powerful version of BYD’s electric supercar. It produces 2,977 hp through four electric motors, with one motor powering each wheel.
The vehicle uses a 1,200-volt electrical architecture and a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery featuring a 30C discharge rate.
Its braking system includes titanium calipers and carbon-ceramic discs, while GitiSport e-GTR2 Pro semi-slick tires have been specifically developed to handle speeds of up to 500 kmph.
BYD plans to produce only 30 units of the Yangwang U9 Extreme.
