BYD reveals awe-inspiring off-road test track, boasting the world's tallest indoor sand dune record

The Zhengzhou All-Terrain Circuit, a groundbreaking project by BYD, is revolutionising the electric vehicle (EV) landscape in China and beyond. Located in Zhengzhou, this extreme driving playground is designed to push EVs and their drivers to the limits.

The circuit spans over 1.758km, featuring nine corners and a 550-meter straight for acceleration blasts. But the Zhengzhou All-Terrain Circuit is more than just a racetrack; it's a testing ground for EVs, equipped with a dynamic paddock that spans 15,300m². This expansive area is utilised for slalom runs, moose tests, and automated parking practice.

Urban SUVs are invited to take on the off-road challenges at the circuit, where they can test their mettle against the challenging terrain. The circuit offers 27 off-road challenges, ranging from beginner-friendly climbs to hardcore trails.

Two unique features that set the Zhengzhou All-Terrain Circuit apart are the indoor sand dune and the Low Friction Circle. The indoor sand dune boasts a 26.9-meter vertical drop and a 28-degree slope, recognised as the largest dune-climbing structure in the world by Guinness. The sand at the circuit is built to replicate the Alxa Desert, offering dune-bashing thrills typically requiring a trip to Mongolia.

The Low Friction Circle, on the other hand, is China's first 44-meter drift ring, constructed from 30,000 basalt bricks and covered in a slick water layer. This allows drivers to perform ice-like drifts with surgical precision, thanks to BYD's lightning-fast electronic control systems.

The Zhengzhou All-Terrain Circuit is also home to the Kick-Plate zone, which simulates ice-road disasters, sending vehicles into controlled skids across a wet cement surface. The circuit's water-crossing pool, measuring 70 meters, is another testing ground, where the BYD's YANGWANG U8 SUV is demonstrated driving, steering, and reversing submerged in water.

BYD's commitment to expanding racing culture and lifestyle experiences related to new energy vehicles in China is evident in its plans to create two more ambitious racing circuits, following the model of the Zhengzhou All-Terrain Circuit. This initiative, dubbed the "New Race Track", is part of BYD's vision to blend entertainment with innovation and foster a new culture around NEVs.

The Zhengzhou All-Terrain Circuit is more than just a test track; it's a destination. The circuit includes a camping zone, emphasising its ambition to provide a complete experience, not just a test. This radical driving playground embodies BYD's "Technology for All" philosophy, where entertainment meets innovation, and a new culture around NEVs is fostered.