Chinese biggest NEV maker BYD has officially opened its all-terrain circuit in Zhengzhou, one of the first in China designed specifically for New-Energy Vehicles, and confirmed plans for several others.
The Zhengzhou facility embodies BYD’s concept of ‘Technology for All’, serving as a venue for track racing, professional racer training and diverse circuit experiences, in order to foster NEV culture.
The circuit includes eight experience zones: Indoor Sand Dune, Low-Friction Ring, Kick-Plate, Wading Pool, Dynamic Paddock, Race Track, Off-Road Park and Camping Area.
First all-terrain circuit offers diverse driving experience
Differing from conventional single-track designs, BYD’s Zhengzhou All-terrain Circuit provides a distinctive experience that integrates vehicle water-crossing, indoor sand-dune climbing and off-roading, among others, allowing visitors to explore diverse scenarios at one stop.
Featuring a 29.6-meter vertical drop and a 28-degree slope, the Zhengzhou indoor sand dune has been certified by Guinness World Records as the highest and largest dune-climbing facility for car testing. Constructed with 6,200 tons of sand to mimic the granular composition of the Alxa Desert, it offers an authentic dune-bashing experience for all.
The 70-meter-long water crossing pool is exclusively designed for the YANGWANG U8. Through the underwater observation glass, visitors can witness the vehicle effortlessly maneuvering forward, turning, or reversing in the water under the control of the e4 platform, which has redefined safety standards in extreme driving scenarios.
While delivering exceptional driving experiences, the circuit also serves as an ideal place for demonstrating safety technologies in NEVs. The Kick Plate simulates icy road conditions with a wet, polished cement surface. Using movable suction plates to simulate the loss of control, it allows drivers to experience emergency situations in a controlled environment.
The Low Friction Circle, China’s first 44-meter-diameter circular track, consists of 30,000 smooth basalt bricks paired with a 3 mm water covering. This ensures a constant friction coefficient between that of ice and snow. Users can easily achieve stable drifting with BYD’s millisecond-level electronic control response and intelligent body control systems in this zone, delivering the fun of drifting to everyone.
From Race Track to Off-Road Fun
The 1,758-meter race track includes nine curves and a 550-meter straight acceleration section. Drivers can experience the thrilling acceleration on the straightaway or test vehicles’ steering precision in extreme corners.
The 15,300-square-meter dynamic paddock features over a dozen scenarios, such as standard slalom, moose testing and automated parking, showcasing the full range of BYD’s intelligent technology.
A total of 27 off-road scenarios, ranging from beginner to advanced levels, enable the fun of off-road driving to be accessible to a wider audience. Even an urban SUV can confidently navigate through beginner-level terrain with intelligent all-wheel drive.
Two More Circuits to Come
In addition to the Zhengzhou Circuit, BYD will soon open facilities in Hefei and Shaoxing. Notably, the off-road area in Shaoxing covers 2,000 acres at an altitude of 500 meters.
BYD and the Federation of Automobile and Motorcycle Sports of China (CAMF) officially announced the “New Track Scheme” to introduce racing culture to more people, targeting 1 million users and nurturing 100 professional racers.
“BYD Circuits will accelerate the professionalization of China’s NEV racing events and reshape China’s automotive culture,” said Guojun Zhan, the president of CAMF.
The All-terrain circuits of BYD mark more than a collection of venues; they represent a reimagining of the NEV driving experience collectively. By making cutting-edge technologies, professional facilities, and extreme scenarios tangible and accessible, the circuits aim to break down barriers, serving both as a showcase for NEV innovations and a bridge to popularize NEV culture.
