BYD showcases Yangwang U9 EV that goes 0-60 mph in 2 seconds… Oh, and it can ollie
A year after its digital premiere, BYD has officially showcased the U9 EV under its new Yangwang luxury sub-brand. The quad motor supercar debuts atop BYD’s new e⁴ platform featuring a DiSus vehicle body control system being hailed by its makers as the “most advanced in the global industry.” As you’ll see below, this EV can actually jump up and down.
A week ahead of the Shanghai Auto Show, BYD already began showing off its “dance moves” during its tech launch event today, showcasing its new intelligent body control system, called DiSus. BYD’s latest technology was demonstrated on upcoming EVs under its new Yangwang luxury brand, which was officially launched in early January.
During that presentation, BYD unveiled its new e⁴ platform, in which its upcoming Yangwang U8 SUV sits atop. At the time, the audience was excited by a crabwalk feature that utilizes the DiSus system BYD describes as the first in-house intelligent body control technology introduced by a Chinese automaker.
Crabwalks are so passé, so BYD has upped its game with the Yangwang U9, which made its first physical debut in China after a digital launch last year. As you’ll see below, DiSus allows this all-electric supercar to dance, adjust its height, and even hop off the ground.
BYD’s new Yangwang EV can drive on three wheels and jump
On the outside, the star of BYD’s show today was the Yangwang U9, but it was actually the intelligent control system within it that is the most exciting to think about for the future of EVs. BYD’s new EV architecture allows for electrical signal control rather than traditional mechanical control.
The new DiSus system comes equipped with a number of sensing technologies with a fusion of advanced deep intelligence that not only has increased perception but also combines a systematic approach to vertical motion – a phrase we don’t normally associate with cars.
BYD explained that its DiSus system is divided into three different categories:
- DiSus-C – Intelligent Damping Body Control System
- Adjusts the damping of the EV by controlling the damper solenoid valve, enabling significant improvement in driving comfort compared to vehicles with passive suspension.
- DiSus-A – Intelligent Air Body Control System
- Similar to traditional air suspension, offering adjustments up to 150 mm (nearly 6 inches).
- Offers over a dozen different height modes, including adjusting to the EV’s speed, welcome mode, and height safety lock mode.
- DiSus-P – Intelligent Hydraulic Body Control System
- The most advanced of the three groups, described by BYD as “the world’s first intelligent hydraulic body control system.”
- Controls the oil intake of the damper, damping adjustment valve, and stiffness adjustment valve to achieve a dynamic adjustment of body control.
- When the EV is in sharp acceleration and deceleration or high-speed cornering, DiSus-P can provide an instant 200% increase in stiffness to achieve better handling.
- Offers adjustable suspension up to 200 mm (7.87 inches) and can lift each wheel independently or all four simultaneously.
BYD states that DiSus-P will debut on the aforementioned Yangwang U8 SUV, while DiSus-A will emerge on the Denza N7. DiSus-C will become available to certain BYD Han and Tang owners with the necessary hardware as an over-the-air (OTA) update.
To cap off today’s event, BYD rolled out its Yangwang U9 supercar equipped with a fourth category of vehicle control it calls DiSus-X. This system allows the EV to dance, drive on three wheels, and even jump from a standstill.
This upcoming supercar has four motors, travels 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 2.0 seconds and starts at a price of around $150,000. Watch it roll out, do a little dance, and then ollie for the crowd in the video below.
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Jaque Silva | Nurphoto | Getty Images
OpenAI is distancing itself from Robinhood‘s latest crypto push after the trading platform began offering tokenized shares of OpenAI and SpaceX to users in Europe.
“These ‘OpenAI tokens’ are not OpenAI equity,” OpenAI wrote on X. “We did not partner with Robinhood, were not involved in this, and do not endorse it.”
The company said that “any transfer of OpenAI equity requires our approval — we did not approve any transfer,” and warned users to “please be careful.”
Robinhood announced the launch Monday from Cannes, France, as part of a broader product showcase focused on tokenized equities, staking, and a new blockchain infrastructure play. The company’s stock surged above $100 to hit a new all-time high following the news.
“These tokens give retail investors indirect exposure to private markets, opening up access, and are enabled by Robinhood’s ownership stake in a special purpose vehicle,” a Robinhood spokesperson said in response to the OpenAI post.
Robinhood offered 5 euros worth of OpenAI and SpaceX tokens to eligible EU users who signed up to trade stock tokens by July 7. The assets are issued under the EU’s looser investor restrictions via Robinhood’s crypto platform.
“This is about expanding access,” said Johann Kerbrat, Robinhood’s SVP and GM of crypto. “The goal with tokenization is to let anyone participate in this economy.”
The episode highlights the dynamic between crypto platforms seeking to democratize access to financial products and the companies whose names and equity are being represented on-chain
U.S. users cannot access these tokens due to regulatory restrictions.
Despite the warnings, BYD continues introducing new discounts. On Wednesday, BYD’s luxury off-road brand began offering over 50% Huawei’s smart driving tech.
BYD introduces new discounts on smart driving tech
After BYD cut prices again in May, the China Automobile Manufacturers Association (CAMA) warned that the ultra-low prices are “triggering a new round of price war panic.”
Although they didn’t single out BYD, it was pretty obvious. BYD slashed prices across 22 of its vehicles by up to 34%, triggering several automakers to follow suit in China.
BYD’s cheapest EV, the Seagull, typically starts at about $10,000 (66,800 yuan). After the price cuts, the Seagull is listed at under $8,000 (55,800 yuan).
It doesn’t look like China’s EV leader plans to slow down anytime soon. Fang Cheng Bao, BYD’s luxury off-road brand, introduced new discounts on Huawei’s smart driving tech on Wednesday.
The limited-time offer cuts the price of Huawei’s Qiankun Intelligent Driving High-end Function Package to just 12,000 yuan ($1,700).
Buyers who order the smart driving tech in July will save over 50% compared to its typical price of 32,000 yuan ($4,500).
Earlier this year, Fang Chang Bao launched the Tai 3, its most affordable vehicle, starting at 139,800 yuan ($19,300). The Tai 3 is about the size of the Tesla Model Y, but costs about half as much.
The Tai 3 will spearhead a new sub-brand of electric SUVs following the more premium Bao 8 and Bao 5 hybrid SUVs.
BYD’s luxury off-road brand sold 18,903 vehicles last month, up 50% from May and 605% compared to last year. Fang Cheng Bao has now sold over 10,000 vehicles for three consecutive months.
The Chinese EV giant sold 382,585 vehicles in total in June, an increase of 12% from last year. In the first half of the year, BYD’s cumulative sales reached over 2.1 million, a YOY increase of 33%.
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Every year, it seems like there’s a new headline about the world’s lightest electric bike. Each year, engineers manage to shave a few more grams off of an exotically designed frame built with even more exotic materials. And each year, the continuously lower weight is balanced by continuously higher prices – often exorbitantly high. But now Dahon has bucked that trend, offering us an incredibly lightweight electric bike at a price that normal e-bike riders can afford. Meet the Dahon K-Feather.
To put things in perspective, some of the previous lightest electric bicycles have included the 11.8 kg (26 lb) LeMond Prolog at US $4,500, the 11.75 kg (12.59 lb) Trek Domane+ SLR at US $8,999, and the 10 kg (22 lb) Hummingbird Flax folding e-bike at US $6,050.
So with that in mind, please allow me to introduce you to the new Dahon K-Feather. This is a 12 kg (26.5 kg) folding electric bike priced at an incredibly reasonable US $1,199 in North America or €1,499 in Europe.
Sure, it’s not the absolute lightest folding e-bike we’ve ever seen, but it’s 90% of the way there and at a quarter of the price. Plus, it comes from Dahon, which is one of the most respected names in the folding bike world and is largely credited with paving the way for the booming folding bike industry we see today. Since the 1980s, Dahon’s innovative designs have been imitated around the world, yet the folding bike maker has continued to innovate and stay several steps ahead of competing brands.
The K-feather achieves its extra low weight through the combination of a novel frame design employing Dahon’s patented frame designs, including the company’s DELTECH technology and “super down tube,” which help improve rigidity and robustness while reducing weight.
The electrical system on the K-Feather is also a featherweight, keeping the e-bike largely in the last-mile category. While the battery claims a maximum range of up to 24.8 miles (40 km), real-world riding and hilly terrain could reduce that range. Still, clever designs like a system that automatically shuts off the extra motor power when detecting a downhill segment help to eke out more range from the small 24V and 5Ah battery.
The ultra-lightweight 250W hub motor also offers just 32 Nm of torque, meaning the assist is more of a helpful push than a powerful shove. But with the inclusion of a torque sensor for the pedal assist, that push comes on quickly and reliably, making the bike feel more like a traditional analog bike being pedaled by someone with extra strong legs.
With 16″ dual-wall rims and 14g spokes, this isn’t the heavy fat tire folding e-bikes we’re used to in North America, and the capacity reflects that. The K-Feather is rated to support riders weighing up to 105 kg (231 lb), though the highly adjustable seating position can support a range of rider heights from 145 to 190.5 cm (4’9″ to 6’3″).
Coming in six colorways, the Dahon K-feather folding e-bike is now available in the US and has launched for pre-order in Europe, with shipments there expected in September.
I had a bit of a preview of the K-feather on my last trip to China when I was able to visit Dahon’s headquarters and test ride the bike.
I still can’t believe how light it felt, both underneath me and while folding it up and carrying it around. Be on the lookout for that full experience from my trip, coming soon.
Electrek’s Take
The K-Feather represents a compelling milestone not just for Dahon, but for the entire folding e-bike market. By delivering a truly lightweight, compact, and fully electric folder at an impressively affordable price point, Dahon has made minimalist e-mobility more accessible than ever.
It’s not just a bike for die-hard lightweight e-bike connoisseurs; it’s a real-world solution for commuters, travelers, and apartment dwellers who want the freedom of electric assist without the bulk or the sticker shock. If the goal is to get more people on two wheels, the K-Feather might just be one of the most important steps forward yet.
Coming in at less than half the weight of most folding e-bikes, and still a fraction of most lighter-duty folders, the K-Feather’s modest performance makes it a great urban ride for those who favor compact size and light weight. In fact, I think it might be perfect for my mother-in-law, who needs an e-bike to get to and from the train she takes to work, but also needs it to be light enough to carry up to her second-story apartment. Hmmm, perhaps I should have her do a review for us…
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