Chinese automaker BYD has set the electric vehicle market abuzz with the launch of its latest creation – the U9 electric supercar. Positioned under BYD’s luxury brand Yangwang, introduced just last year, the U9 is touted to compete with established names like Ferrari, offering top-notch performance.
BYD claims that the U9 can achieve speeds comparable to high-end models from industry giants, reaching a top speed of 309.19 kilometers per hour (192.12 miles per hour) and accelerating to 100 kilometers per hour within a swift 2.36 seconds. These specifications put the U9 in the league of renowned supercars, such as Ferrari’s hybrid SF90 Stradale.
The electric supercar is priced at a competitive 1.68 million Chinese Yuan ($233,424), with deliveries scheduled to commence this summer, according to BYD’s press release. The U9 will be powered by the advanced e4 Platform and feature the DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System, both developed by BYD.
Utilizing BYD’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, the U9 aligns with the trend in the electric vehicle industry to use LFP batteries due to their cost-effectiveness, eliminating the need for expensive metals like cobalt. China’s prominence in LFP production positions BYD advantageously in the market.
While BYD maintains a stronghold in the Chinese electric vehicle market, the company has ambitious plans for global expansion. In 2023, BYD produced over 3 million new-energy vehicles, with a significant portion falling within the lower price range. The company’s strategic move into Europe, with plans for a production plant in Hungary, reflects its commitment to international growth.
The expansion aligns with Beijing’s encouragement for Chinese electric vehicle makers to go global, as the government actively supports the industry through measures like subsidies. However, challenges may arise as the European Union and the U.S. government aim to boost their local electric vehicle sectors.
BYD’s foray into the electric supercar market signals its intention to compete on a global scale, presenting an attractive alternative to established players like Tesla and Ferrari.
