Revolutionary BYD Electric SUV: Levitating, Floating, and Back to the Road

YangWang’s U8: The Electric SUV That Can Drive in the Water

The world of electric vehicles has come a long way, and with the rise of innovative manufacturers like YangWang, we’re seeing some truly remarkable capabilities. Take the U8, a luxury SUV that’s part of the BYD family, for instance. When it was first launched, one of its most impressive features was its ability to float in water. What’s the point of this, you ask? Well, what if you’re driving in a region where encounters with water are not uncommon, and you find yourself unexpectedly in a situation where you need to cross a river or drive through a flooded area? The U8 is designed to get you to safety, even in these conditions.

A recent video from DiscoverChinaAuto showcases the U8’s capabilities in a rather fascinating way. Set up in a massive pool, the U8 is carefully driven into the water, allowing onlookers to see exactly how it handles in this situation. With its four-cylinder combustion engine serving as a range extender for its quad-motor, 1,180-horsepower electric powertrain, the U8’s front-heavy nose dips into the water as it makes its way around. As it floats, the SUV’s tank all-wheel-drive ability comes into play, allowing it to steer with precision.

In this unique situation, the U8’s ability to stay afloat is quite impressive. According to BYD, it can manage this feat for up to 30 minutes. What’s not shown in the video, however, is the amount of water that entered the cabin during this test – a significant amount of water exits the SUV’s door and tailgate sills as it drives out of the pool. While passengers might not be too concerned about getting wet, the U8’s primary goal is to get everyone to safety.

Interestingly, this feature isn’t a new concept. The late Christian von Koenigsegg, a famous vehicle engineer and entrepreneur, has long claimed that his company’s impressive amphibious capabilities, including the ability to cross rivers and lakes, are a major selling point. Of course, there are also the likes of the Amphicar 770, which successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean back in the 1960s. Today, with electric powertrains and advanced technology, the possibilities are limitless – or are they?

Related Reading: "The 20,000-Mile Tesla Cybertruck Review: A Wild Ride"

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