Having overtaken Bugatti, BYD is now targeting Rolls-Royce with a luxury electric vehicle equipped with solid-state batteries

Currently, the BYD group has four brands: the original BYD, the premium brands Denza and Fang Cheng Bao, and the luxury brand Yangwang. The latter has become particularly famous for the U8, an SUV capable of floating on water and even sailing, and the U9, a hypercar that became the fastest production car in the world, surpassing the Bugatti Chiron.

Now, the manufacturer has set itself a new goal: to launch a sedan that can compete with Rolls-Royce. Early spy photos of the new model show it will have a fairly classic silhouette, though the front will feature C-shaped lighting units similar to those on the U8. Just like the Rolls-Royce Phantom, the rear doors will open in reverse direction.

Rumors suggest it could become BYD’s first vehicle equipped with solid-state electrolyte batteries: given that initial production volumes will be very low, using them in a vehicle with limited range like the one discussed here makes perfect sense (Toyota will adopt a similar strategy with the upcoming Lexus LFA).

Like most of the group’s latest models, it features a LiDAR sensor on the roof, which is likely supplemented by additional sensors to support God’s Eye A, the company’s most advanced semi-autonomous driving system to date.

BYD will launch its solid-state batteries next year

The vehicle has been photographed next to a next-generation ultra-fast BYD charging station, which means it will be compatible with the Flash Charging 2.0 system. It’s worth noting that while second-generation Blade batteries achieve a charging rate of up to 10C, solid-state batteries may be able to exceed this figure.

Therefore, it wouldn’t be surprising if BYD’s new flagship model could take advantage of the up to 1,500 kW of power provided by these charging stations. Recall that second-generation Blade batteries can go from 10% to 70% in 5 minutes and from 10% to 97% in 9 minutes, so exceeding these rates would once again put BYD at the forefront of the industry.

Like other models from Yangwang, the propulsion system will consist of a total of four electric motors; thus, its combined power is likely to exceed 1,000 horsepower. Of course, an intelligent DiSus suspension will also be included, enabling the vehicle to deliver a ride comfort that meets customers’ expectations.

Source | CarNewsChina