Mate Rimac Questions Whether China’s 3,000 HP Hypercar Can Truly Perform | Carscoops

      Concerns have been raised by industry experts regarding the claim that a Chinese hypercar boasts nearly 3,000 hp, prompting inquiries into battery limitations, traction, and actual performance.

      According to data from the Chinese MIIT, the YangWang U9 Track Edition is said to achieve an impressive 2,977 hp. Mate Rimac has cast doubt on this assertion, noting the battery discharge limitations of typical Chinese electric vehicle technology. The Rimac Nevera R, utilizing advanced battery cells, reaches a maximum of approximately 2,107 hp.

      Recent reports from China indicate that the YangWang U9 Track Edition might produce a remarkable 2,977 hp. If accurate, this would surpass the Rimac Nevera R by 870 hp. However, Mate Rimac has expressed skepticism, suggesting that the U9's power figures may have been "misadvertised" or "misunderstood."

      In a post on the Apex Automotor Facebook group, Rimac pointed out that “most Chinese EVs use LFP cells,” expressing doubts about their ability to achieve the 20+C discharge rates necessary for delivering over 2 megawatts of power.

      Battery Constraints

      Rimac further stated that the Nevera R is equipped with “the latest in performance battery cell technology” and is restricted to approximately 1.5 megawatts of power, translating to exactly 2,107 hp. He noted that while the battery could potentially provide more power, the motors and inverters are already functioning at their maximum capacity. He believes the system could reach 2 MW for brief moments but would require enhancements to the entire powertrain to maintain such output.

      There’s also the issue of tires; Rimac mentioned that the Nevera R already exceeds the traction limits of the highest-performing road tires available until 100 mph. Therefore, if the YangWang U9 Track Edition has nearly 1,000 hp extra, it “probably wouldn’t be able to put that power down until reaching 150+ mph.” He underscored that peak power is merely a figure and emphasized the importance of how that power is delivered and sustained.

      Official Specifications

      The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) reports that each of the four electric motors in the BYD YangWang U9 Track Edition produces 744 hp, or 555 kW, culminating in a total of 2,977 hp. Nevertheless, there is no verification that all four motors can operate at peak output concurrently in practical driving conditions.