Accident Involving Chinese Electric Vehicles
The Yangwang U9 electric hypercar, known for its ability to jump over obstacles on the road, was involved in a serious accident in China. The incident occurred in Zhejiang province and involved several vehicles.
Event Details
According to reports on social media, the accident happened near an intersection when an electric minivan, the Zeekr 009, stopped at a red light. The Yangwang U9, traveling at high speed, crashed into the Zeekr and then continued moving, colliding with roadside greenery and an advertising billboard on the divider. A compact electric BYD Seagull was also caught in the chain of collisions.
Fortunately, preliminary data indicates that no one in any of the vehicles sustained serious injuries, and there were no fatalities.
One thing observers noted is what did not happen. Despite the severity of the accident, there were no reports of battery fires in any of the cars, including the U9.
Condition of the Cars After the Accident
Photos from the scene show significant damage to the front of the Yangwang U9. The Zeekr 009 also sustained serious damage—according to information, one of its front wheels was torn off.
Technology and Reality
The Yangwang U9 gained fame through videos showing it using its innovative Disus X suspension to jump over small road obstacles, dance, and even drive on three wheels. However, this accident serves as a reminder that some laws of physics cannot be circumvented.
The standard version of the U9 is equipped with a powertrain featuring four electric motors producing 1287 hp. Last fall, a limited U9 Extreme series with nearly 3000 hp demonstrated a top speed of over 490 km/h.
This case is another example of how even the most advanced safety technologies and unique engineering solutions cannot fully protect against the consequences of traffic violations or unforeseen situations. At the same time, the absence of battery fires in all three electric vehicles after such a powerful impact may indicate progress in ensuring the safety of electric vehicles, which is a critically important aspect for the entire industry. Such incidents always draw attention not only to driver behavior but also to the real-world effectiveness of advertised “signature” car features under extreme conditions.