BYD has just done something no one expected. While most brands reserve their fastest, flashiest tech for high-end models, BYD has taken its most advanced electric motor yet and placed it squarely inside two mid-range family cars: the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV. This new motor spins at an eye-watering 30,511 rpm, topping the charts as one of the fastest in the mass-production game. That’s quicker than the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra’s V8s motor and even the mighty Tesla Model S Plaid. But why put this much power in everyday cars, and how does it work?
High Performance at the Heart of the Drive
At the core of this innovation lies BYD’s 580 kW motor, supported by the company’s in-house 1500V silicon carbide power module. Using N50EH magnets, the motor sees an 18 percent boost in magnetic strength. To reduce heat and energy waste, the design includes an ultra-thin 0.2 mm silicon steel sheet, lowering iron loss, and a ten-layer winding system that cuts copper loss by 21 percent.
The motor's dynamic balance is also remarkably precise, staying within 50 mg. In a world where the norm is double that figure, BYD is making a strong statement about reliability and performance. Cooling, which is critical at this level of speed and power, is handled by direct refrigerant technology that efficiently manages heat during aggressive driving.
Blistering Speed in Family-Friendly Packages
If numbers could speak, they’d be shouting. The Han L rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds and from 100 to 200 km/h in 4.74 seconds. The Tang L, with its SUV frame, is only slightly behind, hitting 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and 200 km/h in 6.19 seconds. These figures are enough to rival supercars, yet they come from two models meant to be practical family vehicles.
That unexpected pairing has sparked debate. While the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is designed for younger thrill seekers, the Han L and Tang L have always been seen as the calm, capable choices for urban families. With this level of speed, questions are being raised about safety, especially for drivers used to conventional cars like the Honda CR-V.
Performance Meets Practicality, but Is It Too Much?
The decision appears strategic. BYD wants to elevate the status of its mainstream models by infusing them with top-tier engineering. It’s a bold move to break the stereotype that only luxury or sport-focused EVs deserve the best performance. However, with great power comes the need for great control.
Some online voices have expressed concern over the technology being too advanced for the average driver. There’s hope that BYD will introduce a gradual unlocking system for the motor’s most extreme performance modes, similar to how Xiaomi handles its driving modes. It’s not just about raw speed, after all, but also about ensuring every driver can handle it safely.
Whether this move proves to be a visionary leap or a controversial gamble, one thing is certain: BYD is rewriting the rules of what a family car can be.
Yasir Al-Mansouri have more than 10 years of experience in the automotive journalism world. He is an expert of automotive news articles, features, and reviews on cars, from the latest models to industry trends. He've built strong relationships with car manufacturers and industry experts. Connect with Yasir Al-Mansouri on LinkedIn to stay updated on all things automotive and join our exciting journey in exploring the world of automobiles.
