BYD’s Yangwang launches e4 Platform-based concept car, supercar-dedicated platform

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- The Auto Guangzhou 2023, which kicked off on November 17th, witnessed the grand launch of Yangwang's supercar-dedicated platform and a concept car based on the e4 Platform, as well as the display of the Yangwang U8 Premium Edition and the Yangwang U9 supercar.

e4 Platform-based concept car; photo credit: Yangwang

In a groundbreaking move, the e4 Platform-based concept car showcased a departure from conventional steering and braking systems. Employing an innovative three-in-one technology for driving, braking, and steering, it eliminates the reliance on traditional mechanical structures, achieving comprehensive vehicle-level safety redundancy.

The e4 Platform boasts four major vehicle-level redundancies: drive redundancy, power redundancy, braking redundancy, and steering redundancy. With four independent motors for drive redundancy, even if only one motor is operational, the vehicle retains basic driving capabilities.

For power redundancy, on the e4 Platform dedicated to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), it achieves dual redundancy for both power and low-voltage sources.

Regarding braking redundancy, the e4 Platform enables precise calculation of the maximum friction force between each wheel and the ground by virtue of establishing independent drive kinematics and tire mechanics models for all four wheels. The four large motors, ranging from 220kW-240kW, employ precise motor torque and speed control. Coupled with a high-powered Blade Battery, advanced SiC-enabled electronic control, and cutting-edge thermal management technology, the platform achieves a maximum braking deceleration of 1g. Besides, independent braking adjustment on each of the four wheels ensures controlled and anti-lock braking throughout the braking process.

The e4 Platform incorporates steering redundancy by utilizing the steering wheel angle to discern the driver's intended direction. It employs a control model based on the differential torque from the four motors and the vehicle's steering characteristics. This model calculates the target torque for all four wheels under the given steering characteristics. With precise control of motor torque and speed, it achieves steering effects comparable to a conventional steering system, said the automaker. The platform boasts a minimum turning radius of 12 meters and, in an 18-meter slalom test, attains a maximum passing speed of 60 km/h without losing control or experiencing wheel lock.

Both the braking and steering redundancies have yet to be implemented in mass-produced models.

At the Auto Shanghai 2023 held in April this year, Yangwang introduced its high-end new energy vehicle architecture—the Yangwang Architecture. This framework incorporates six core technologies: e4 Platform, DiSus, Blade Battery, Super Body, Intelligent Cockpit, and Intelligent Driver Assistance. Based on these core technologies, the Yangwang Architecture offers a flexible combination, catering to various scenarios such as off-road, track, and urban driving, like a versatile puzzle.

The U8 Premium Edition marked the first application of the Yangwang Architecture's off-roader platform.

Yangwang supercar Platform; photo credit: Yangwang

Simultaneously, the Supercar Platform under this architecture was officially launched at the Auto Guangzhou, debuting on the U9 model.

At the heart of the e4 Platform, featuring four independent e-motors, is the core driving force for the U9, delivering a staggering power of over 1,300 horsepower. With four-wheel independent torque vectoring control, the U9 showcases exceptional cornering abilities, achieving an instantaneous maximum lateral acceleration of 1.7g during track tests.

Yangwang supercar Platform; photo credit: Yangwang

In terms of aerodynamic performance, the U9 introduces innovative "Space Shuttle" body layout and "Space-Time Tunnel" wind channel design. The vehicle is equipped with 12 sets of active and passive aerodynamic kits, adapting to different driving scenarios by intelligently adjusting drag and downforce.

The U9's Super Body integrates three major innovative technologies—Super Carbon Cockpit, the new CTB (Cell-to-Body), and the Super Hybrid Structure—resulting in an impressive vehicle twist stiffness of 54,425N·m/° and a lightweight coefficient of 0.95.

At the Auto Guangzhou 2023, the U9 revealed its interior to the public, showcasing a highly tech-savvy and sporty cockpit. The sports seats feature active side-wing adjustment, covered in suede and extensive carbon fiber. The Yangwang Link system incorporates multiple intelligent screens complemented by a premium sound system from the Dynaudio's Evidence series.