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BYD Yangwang U8 and Fang Cheng Bao 5 are coming to Europe

After seriously threatening the competition in the electric car segment with the BYD Seal and Dolphin models, but also by lowering prices by 15%, the Chinese car manufacturer is now attacking the SUV segment in Europe. Their two new SUV models (Yangwang U8 and Fang Cheng Bao 5) which should arrive on the market soon, will be BYD’s main power in Europe against Land Rover Defender, Mercedes G-Class and Ford Bronco.

Set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the Yangwang U8 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo petrol engine paired with four electric motors (one at each wheel) totaling 1,180 hp (833 kW) and 944 lb-ft (1,280 Nm) of torque. moment. It is equipped with a new electronically controlled all-wheel drive system that is 100 times faster than a conventional all-wheel drive system, and a 49 kWh battery that enables a range of 1,000 km (620 mi) (CLTC).

Thanks to electric motors in each wheel, the car can rotate in place like a tank and move sideways to a parking spot. BYD claims that this SUV can float in water for half an hour up to a depth of 1.4 meters, despite its weight of 3.5 tons. When it comes to price, this model costs around 140,000 euros in China.

Fang Cheng Bao 5 is powered by a 1.5-liter 145 kW (194 hp; 197 PS) turbocharged petrol engine combined with two electric motors with a total power of 677 hp (505 kW) and 561 lb-ft (760 Nm) of torque. It is equipped with a 31.8 kWh battery that provides a range of 1,200 km (746 mi) (CLTC), all-wheel drive and accelerates from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 4.8 seconds. When it comes to price, this model costs around 40,000 euros, which makes it much more affordable than the competition.

BYD aims to be among the top five best-selling brands in Europe by the end of the decade. The construction of a factory in Hungary with an initial capacity of 200,000 units per year will help them in this.

Source: BYD

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BYD Yangwang U8 and Fang Cheng Bao 5 are coming to Europe
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Nissan and JLR Group will use Formula E technology

The use of racing car technology in road legal cars is nothing new, but many manufacturers are choosing this way to increase the performance of their new electric models. One of them is Nissan and the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Group, which, using the experience from their Formula E teams, are trying to keep up with the growing competition in the electric vehicle segment.

Formula E is ideal for the development of electric mobility, and it should be noted that Formula E cars start each race with only 60% battery capacity, and the rest must be generated by braking. This forces manufacturers to develop more efficient systems and better software to improve performance and autonomy.

The Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Group is investing £15 billion in the production of electric vehicles, and will use silicon carbide inverter technology. This solution was primarily developed for their Formula E cars, but will also be used to improve efficiency in future premium electric models. JLR has already used the knowledge gained from managing battery temperatures to improve the range of the Jaguar I-Pace by 20 kilometers.

Nissan also plans to produce 19 all-electric models over the next two years, and Nissan Formula E team boss Tommaso Volpe said their race car’s software was originally based on that of the Nissan Leaf.

Source: Reuters

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Maserati MC20 Folgore EV announced for 2025

Maserati plans to electrify all its cars by the end of the decade, and that includes the fully electric models Quattroporte, Levante and MC20. A few days ago, Maserati announced the arrival of the MC20 Folgore EV in the coming year.

“Driven by our Modena heart, we are going full throttle to lead change on electrification, with two of our iconic models already available for purchase in their 100 per cent electric versions, and another on the way this year,” said Maserati boss Davide Grasso .

Although it was most likely that it would arrive on the market in 2022, that did not happen and Maserati is now saying that it will offer its preferred customers the most powerful Maseratis ever, pushing the boundaries of driving pleasure to a new era.

The Maserati MC20 Folgore should be powered by three electric motors with a total power of 700 hp (522 kW) and will have all-wheel drive. It will be 100 kg heavier than the ICE-powered model, and will accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.0 seconds. Whether this means it will have the same configuration as the GranTurismo Folgore, which is also powered by three electric motors with a total power of 750 hp (559 kW), is unknown.

“With our long-term strategic vision and plan, we want to make a mark in the luxury world with unique Italian manufacturing excellence, constantly pushing distinctive quality and building our future with a dedicated business model that guarantees our customers the best products that reflect the Trident’s values,” the company said.

Source: Maserati, Top Gear

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