BYD’s luxury brand says it's just made the world’s longest-range EV, with a monster 644 miles between charging stops
BYD’s luxury sub-brand, Yangwang, has revealed that its upcoming U7 flagship sedan will feature a record-breaking driving range of 1,036 kilometers (approximately 644 miles) on a single charge according to China’s CLTC testing cycle. This milestone positions the U7 as one of the longest-range mass-produced electric vehicles globally, surpassing previous leaders in the segment. The achievement is made possible by a massive 135.5kWh "Blade" battery pack, which utilizes stable lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. To maximize this energy capacity, Yangwang has focused heavily on aerodynamic efficiency, resulting in a drag coefficient of just 0.195 Cd, one of the lowest in the automotive industry.
The Yangwang U7 is not just focused on endurance but also on extreme performance, utilizing the brand's proprietary "e4" platform. This system employs four independent electric motors to generate nearly 1,300 horsepower, enabling a top speed of 168 mph despite the vehicle's significant curb weight of nearly 3.5 tonnes. By comparison, the U7’s range figures notably exceed those of the Lucid Air Grand Touring, which offers 516 miles under the US EPA cycle, and even the high-capacity Zeekr 001.
Priced at approximately one million yuan (around $140,000), the U7 represents BYD's strategic move to dominate the high-end EV market. While the CLTC range estimates are typically more generous than EPA ratings, the sheer size of the battery and the vehicle's efficiency suggest that its performance will still be world-class. The sedan is expected to compete directly with established luxury marques by combining cutting-edge battery technology with high-end interior features and advanced intelligent chassis control systems.
The Yangwang U7 is not just focused on endurance but also on extreme performance, utilizing the brand's proprietary "e4" platform. This system employs four independent electric motors to generate nearly 1,300 horsepower, enabling a top speed of 168 mph despite the vehicle's significant curb weight of nearly 3.5 tonnes. By comparison, the U7’s range figures notably exceed those of the Lucid Air Grand Touring, which offers 516 miles under the US EPA cycle, and even the high-capacity Zeekr 001.
Priced at approximately one million yuan (around $140,000), the U7 represents BYD's strategic move to dominate the high-end EV market. While the CLTC range estimates are typically more generous than EPA ratings, the sheer size of the battery and the vehicle's efficiency suggest that its performance will still be world-class. The sedan is expected to compete directly with established luxury marques by combining cutting-edge battery technology with high-end interior features and advanced intelligent chassis control systems.