The BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme, the world’s fastest electric car, was involved in a high-speed crash while preparing for an attempt to break its own speed record. The driver appeared to escape serious injury, and the team later resumed testing, reaching 284.5 mph as it continued working toward a 311-mph target.
Yangwang U9 Xtreme Crashes During High-Speed Testing
BYD Yangwang has been preparing the U9 Xtreme for a new record attempt targeting speeds above 311 mph (500 km/h).
During testing, the team evaluated the vehicle at different high speeds while monitoring motor temperatures to prevent overheating and other potential issues that could interfere with the attempt.
The testing continued over multiple days, with the car reaching speeds above 186 mph and 249 mph.
The crash occurred during a morning session when the team appeared to be testing the vehicle at speeds between 261 and 280 mph. The exact cause of the accident was not identified.
During an earlier test, crosswinds had reportedly caused some instability. The footage shows the car moving close to the outside barrier before becoming unstable and sliding across the track toward the inside barrier.
The impact sent the damaged vehicle spinning farther along the track.
Driver Appears to Escape Serious Injury
The U9 Xtreme sustained extensive damage in the crash, with all four wheels appearing to have been torn off. However, the passenger compartment remained intact.
The driver appeared to escape without serious injury.
Despite the accident, the team later returned to testing and completed a successful run at 284.5 mph.
The team appeared confident about reaching its 311-mph target during a planned test in the Middle East.
What Makes the BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme So Powerful?
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme is an extreme version of the standard U9 electric supercar.
The regular U9 features four electric motors producing 1,288 horsepower and 1,239 pound-feet of torque. It has a claimed top speed of 192 mph and can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 2 seconds.
The U9 Xtreme more than doubles that output, delivering 2,977 horsepower. It also features a battery with 1,200-volt architecture to provide sufficient electricity to its motors.
Yangwang U9 Xtreme Holds the Electric Car Speed Record
BYD Yangwang has already established the U9 Xtreme as the fastest electric vehicle after reaching 308 mph at a test track in Germany.
It is also, so far, the fastest car in the world based on its tested speed.
In addition to its top-speed achievements, the U9 Xtreme has recorded a lap time of less than seven minutes at the Nürburgring.
Although that is not the quickest electric vehicle lap time, the result is notable for a car designed primarily for extreme top speed rather than outright track performance.
With testing continuing after the crash, BYD Yangwang is working toward another record attempt that could push the U9 Xtreme beyond 311 mph.
