This past weekend, Chinese car manufacturer BYD announced the launch of a new electric supercar, the U9, promising performance levels akin to those of top-tier supercars from iconic brands such as Ferrari. The U9 is set to be a flagship model under BYD’s premium Yangwang brand, which only debuted last year and has since introduced two other vehicles.
BYD claims that the U9 can achieve a maximum speed of 309.19 kilometers per hour (192.12 miles per hour) and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 2.36 seconds. This performance metric places the U9 in direct competition with high-performance vehicles like the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, which boasts a 0 to 100 kilometers per hour acceleration time of 2.5 seconds as listed on its official website.
The starting price for the U9 is set at 1.68 million yuan (approximately $233,424), with BYD announcing plans to commence deliveries during this summer.
The supercar’s impressive capabilities are attributed to BYD’s e4 Platform and the proprietary DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System. Continuing its trend of utilizing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, the U9 will also feature this battery technology. LFP batteries are noted for their affordability due to the absence of expensive metals like cobalt, and China is recognized as a major producer of these batteries.
In its latest production figures, BYD reported manufacturing over 3 million new-energy vehicles in 2023, with battery-only passenger cars accounting for about 1.6 million units and hybrid vehicles making up the remaining 1.4 million. Despite the premium positioning of the U9, many of BYD’s vehicles are offered at more accessible price points, with popular models starting from as low as 73,800 yuan.
BYD’s ambitions extend beyond its domestic market, as evidenced by its plans for international growth. This includes the establishment of its first European factory, with the Hungarian government recently confirming discussions between Prime Minister Viktor Orban and BYD executives about a new production facility.
The drive for global expansion comes amid supportive policies from Beijing, aimed at promoting Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers on the international stage. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to advance the country’s automotive industry, supported by government subsidies and other incentives. However, the push for global presence comes at a time when regions like the European Union and the United States are focusing on bolstering their own electric vehicle sectors, posing potential challenges to BYD’s international aspirations.
