BYD Challenges EV Range Assumptions With 1000 km Denza Z9

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In Zach’s recent article, he states that “Electric Cars Are Simply Better.” That’s the overall truth. In most cases, EVs are more convenient for regular use and drive better. Many models also offer more power, comfort, technology, and agility — in China, increasingly at a lower price than legacy ICE vehicles. However, the last two objections of some consumers tend to surround those long-distance edge cases. What if EVs offered more range than many ICE vehicles and took the same time to recharge their batteries as it takes to refill a fuel tank?

New Denza Z9 Goes to 1000 km

Recently, MIIT filings have been announced for a new Z9 from BYD’s Denza premium brand and indicate that several BEV models will be getting larger batteries that push their range beyond 1000 km. We already saw filings indicating that BYD’s super-premium flagship U7 would get over 1000 km from its new 150 kWh battery. Denza now takes the longer range to a more accessible price point.

At roughly 5.2 meters long, the Denza Z9 is about the size of a standard wheelbase S-Class. The sedan is about 9 inches longer than an SU7 or Model S. It is also loaded with technology and luxury features. A revised LiDAR-based ADAS system has been added, but we will have to wait to see what other new features will be on the refreshed model.

A new 102.3 kWh pack offers a range of 906 km as a sedan and 880 km in GT (hatchback) form. Meanwhile, the larger 122.5 kWh pack gives the sedan up to 1068 km (664 mi) of range and the GT 1036 km. That range will depend on configuration, specifically for the new 370 kW (496 hp) single-motor variants. The single motor with the smaller battery (slightly more capacity than the current car) drops ~355 kg to 2540 kg.

Meanwhile, the updated three-motor version (GT+) now offers a combined 860 kW (1140 hp), up from 710 kW (952 hp), but the 122.5 kWh battery delivers 860 km of range (up from a 100 kWh battery and 630 km of range). Despite the added power and range, the curb weight has stayed essentially flat at 2895 kg. The previous three-motor Z9 GT set a “Moose Test” record of 93.6 km/h, so it will be interesting to see what this new version can do.

Of course, those are CLTC ratings, and they would need to be downrated somewhat for more highway-centric usage. However, the range is likely still more than the 333 to 480 miles of rated range in the previously mentioned S-Class. The Z9 EV range is also likely more than many other ICE models not as focused on long-distance cruising.

In addition, new Flash Chargers are being installed at Denza dealerships. The refreshed Z9 is expected to come with 10C+ megawatt flash charging, potentially even a little faster charging than the Han L we saw last year. With an expanding flash charging network, recharging on long trips will take no longer than refueling ICE vehicles, in addition to not requiring any more stops. The over 20 million chargers in China outnumber fuel pumps and also add convenience when flash charging isn’t needed.

The current Z9 EV starts at 354,800 RMB, which is now a little over $50,000 due to a rising yuan versus the dollar. That would put it at roughly average for new cars in the US and far less expensive than competing ICE models in its class. However, that is the three-motor version. The new, longer range, single-motor versions could be a little less.

However, it will not be just China that benefits. BYD has shown the Z9 in Europe before and promised the vehicle would launch on the continent. BYD is also building thousands of flash charging stations in Europe. Tariffs and protectionism might increase the price significantly over China, but the Z9 can still easily come in below its German competitors.

Indications are that similar ranges and charge speeds will also be seen on several other BYD models. Although, we will need to wait for more details. In addition, BYD has solid-state batteries planned to start production next year, which may make 1000 km ranges even more commonplace. Competitors in China will also step up their EV ranges.… EV driving range parity with ICE vehicles could become commonplace.

The Significance of 1000

Going from around 700 km to over 1000 km of range is not overwhelming. Realistically, going from charging three to four times per month to two to three times per month for normal use isn’t going to be life changing. But it changes the consumer perspective. When the Model S started winning drag races, people stopped thinking EVs were slow. Few people would ever need that power for daily use, but the performance capability changes their perspective. Now that EVs can drive longer than some ICE vehicles, people can start changing their minds about range. With charging times on par for refueling, they can also change their perspective on charging.

There might still be some edge cases where people would want even more range. Some BYD PHEVs have combined ranges over 2000 km. Car News China reports that a PHEV version of the Denza Z9 with a 63.82 kWh battery pack is also in the works. That is expected to offer a CLTC electric range exceeding 400 km, in line with many small BEVs. With that much range, how often will the ICE range extender be useful? As flash charging expands, how much longer will those edge cases stay relevant?

Having a range of over 1000 km of range attracts attention now. However, it could ultimately be the beginning of the end for people paying attention to range. People will start seeing EV range as “more than enough” — like ICEV buyers now, who rarely look at overall driving range. Many will likely be fine with a little less range, just as many are fine with slower 0–60 mph times. With range no longer being a major concern, all the other attributes that make EVs shine will really stand out.