THREE-CAR CRASH TEST
Volvo Leads Again
Image © VOLVO
Volvo Cars continues to lead the automotive industry in safety with a groundbreaking three-car crash test featuring its all-electric EX90, setting a new benchmark in real-world protection. Conducted in South Africa, where over 12,400 road deaths were recorded in 2022, this world-first demonstration underscores Volvo’s commitment to surpassing regulatory standards. The test, involving three EX90s, simulated complex crash scenarios to showcase the Volvo Cars Safety Standard.
In the sequence, the first EX90, travelling at 50 km/h, utilised its advanced City Safety system to brake and avoid colliding with the second vehicle. Meanwhile, a third EX90, moving at 55 km/h, struck the second car’s side, engaging the safety cage, side airbags, and inflatable curtains. Data from crash test dummies confirmed no serious injuries, highlighting the EX90’s robust crash protection.
As an unregulated test, not required by any regulatory body, this test demonstrates Volvo’s commitment to automotive safety, surpassing five-star ratings.
Since introducing the three-point seatbelt in 1959 – shared freely with the industry – Volvo has led safety innovation, from side-impact protection in the 1990s to this electrified era. By pushing beyond compliance, Volvo continues its legacy of saving lives while applying decades of expertise to the electrification of its vehicles.
The EX90 crash test not only demonstrates cutting-edge technology but also reaffirms Volvo’s unwavering dedication to safety in an unpredictable world.
496 KM/H!
BYD Surpasses Bugatti
Image © BYD
In a blistering display of electric supremacy, Yangwang – the luxury arm of BYD – has shattered world speed records, crowning its U9 Xtreme the world’s fastest production car at a jaw-dropping 496.22 km/h. Achieved at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track in Germany last month, this feat eclipses the previous benchmark of 490.484 km/h set by the internal combustion engine Bugatti Chiron, ushering in a zero-emissions era for hypercars.
Evolving from the U9 Track Edition now on sale in China, the production-ready U9 Xtreme harnesses BYD’s cutting-edge engineering to unlock unprecedented performance. At its core lies an upgraded 1,200V ultra-high-voltage powertrain and a lithium-iron-phosphate Blade Battery boasting a 30C discharge rate.
In the context of the Yangwang U9 Xtreme’s Blade Battery, the 30C discharge rate is a key factor in achieving the hypercar’s staggering 3,000 PS (approximately 2,206 kW) output. This allows the battery to supply the massive current needed to drive four ultra-high-speed electric motors spinning at up to 30,000 rpm, enabling the U9 Xtreme to reach its record-breaking top speed. High C-rates are crucial for applications that demand rapid energy bursts, such as acceleration in hypercars or high-performance track driving, while the LFP chemistry ensures safety, stability, and durability under such intense conditions.
Track-optimised semi-slick tyres and a recalibrated DiSus-X suspension system conspired to tame the immense forces, ensuring poise at the edge of physics.
Behind the wheel was German endurance racing ace Marc Basseng, whose expertise turned raw specs into record reality. “This record was only possible because the U9 Xtreme simply has incredible performance,” Basseng enthused. “Technically, something like this is not possible with a combustion engine. Thanks to the electric motor, the car is quiet, there are no load changes, and that allows me to focus even more on the track.”
Limited to just 30 units, the U9 Xtreme proves that electric hypercars can dominate without compromise. As the automotive world accelerates toward electrification, the U9 Xtreme isn’t just the fastest – it’s the future.
A REVOLUTION IN BATTERY EFFICIENCY
Peugeot E-3008 Unveils IBIS
Image © STELLANTIS
Stellantis have unveiled a revolutionary prototype Peugeot E-3008, equipped with the Intelligent Battery Integrated System (IBIS), marking a significant leap in battery innovation.
Launched in Paris last month, this French collaborative project reimagines battery design by integrating the charger and inverter functions directly into the battery. Now undergoing real-world testing, the IBIS-equipped E-3008 promises enhanced efficiency, performance, and endurance for both mobile and stationary energy applications.
By eliminating separate charger and inverter components, this intelligent system helps reduce vehicle weight by approximately 40 kg and frees up 17 litres of space. It delivers a 10% boost in energy efficiency, a 15% increase in power (from 150 kW to 172 kW), and a 15% reduction in charging time. Maintenance is simplified, and second-life battery reuse is enhanced, supporting automotive and stationary applications, including rail, aerospace, and data centres.
Developed in collaboration with CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, and other partners, IBIS builds on a stationary demonstrator that has been operational since 2022, positioning Stellantis as a leader in scalable electrification across multiple platforms and applications.
