For decades, the ultimate measure of automotive supremacy was top speed—and combustion engines ruled that domain. Bugatti’s Chiron Super Sport 300+ famously hit 304.77 mph in 2019, setting a benchmark few thought an electric car could ever challenge. Fast forward to 2025, and the game has changed.

The New King of Speed

The Yangwang U9 Xtreme, an all-electric hypercar from BYD’s luxury sub-brand, smashed expectations by reaching 308.4 mph (496.22 km/h) at Germany’s ATP Papenburg oval. This isn’t just an EV milestone—it’s the fastest production car in the world, dethroning Bugatti and proving electric propulsion can dominate even the most extreme performance metrics.

Why EVs Are Winning

1. Instant Torque Advantage
   Unlike combustion engines that build power through revs, EV motors deliver peak torque instantly. At high speeds, this translates into relentless acceleration without gear-shift delays.

2. High-Voltage Architecture
   The U9 Xtreme uses a 1,200 V platform—far beyond typical EV systems—feeding four motors spinning at up to 30,000 rpm. Combined output? Around 3,000 hp, rivaling or surpassing the most powerful ICE hypercars.

3. Battery Innovation
   Its Blade battery supports ultra-high discharge rates, enabling sustained power delivery without overheating—a challenge for both EVs and ICE cars at extreme speeds.

4. Precision Control
   Advanced torque vectoring and active suspension allow EVs to manage traction dynamically, something combustion cars struggle with at 300+ mph.

Combustion’s Last Stand?

Bugatti’s achievement was monumental, but it relied on massive displacement engines, complex cooling, and aerodynamic compromises. EVs, by contrast, scale performance through software and electrical architecture—making future gains easier and more sustainable.

Beyond Speed: The Bigger Picture

• Efficiency vs Excess: EV hypercars like the U9 Xtreme show that electric power isn’t just eco-friendly—it’s capable of redefining performance.
• Maintenance & Reliability: Fewer moving parts mean less wear compared to ICE engines pushed to their limits.
• Future-Proofing: As regulations tighten on emissions, EV hypercars will dominate not just speed records but the entire high-performance segment.

The Verdict

The Yangwang U9 Xtreme’s record-breaking run signals a paradigm shift: electric vehicles have surpassed combustion engines at the pinnacle of automotive performance. Speed, acceleration, and control are no longer ICE-exclusive domains. The future of hypercars—and perhaps all cars—is electric.