BYD Opens China’s First NEV-Dedicated All-Terrain Circuit in Zhengzhou, Ushering in a New Era of Driving Experiences
Zhengzhou, China – On August 14, BYD officially inaugurated its latest milestone in automotive innovation: the BYD Zhengzhou All-Terrain Circuit, one of China’s first driving complexes designed specifically for new energy vehicles (NEVs). The project forms part of BYD’s broader vision of rolling out multiple such facilities nationwide under its “Technology for All” philosophy. The Zhengzhou circuit is not just a driving track—it is an immersive venue where customers, enthusiasts, and professionals can experience the versatility, safety, and advanced technologies of BYD’s electric vehicle lineup in extreme yet controlled environments.
The facility has been purpose-built to advance NEV culture in China. It will serve as a hub for track racing, professional racer training, consumer driving experiences, and public education, showcasing the fun, safety, and capability of NEVs.
A Venue Designed for Variety
Unlike conventional test tracks that typically focus on a single aspect of performance, the Zhengzhou circuit features eight distinct experience zones that cover a wide spectrum of driving scenarios. These zones include:
- Indoor Sand Dune
- Low-Friction Ring
- Kick-Plate Safety Simulation
- Wading Pool
- Dynamic Paddock
- Race Track
- Off-Road Park
- Camping Area
This multi-faceted design ensures that visitors can try out everything from desert-style dune climbing to precision drifting, all in one location.
Record-Breaking Indoor Sand Dune
One of the most eye-catching attractions is the indoor sand dune, which immediately sets the Zhengzhou circuit apart from any other driving facility. With a 29.6-meter vertical drop and a 28-degree slope, it has been certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s highest and largest indoor dune facility built for cars.
Constructed with 6,200 tons of sand imported to mimic the granular structure of the Alxa Desert, the dune creates an authentic off-road climbing and dune-bashing experience. Visitors can drive NEVs up steep inclines and test how modern electric drivetrains respond under extreme traction conditions.
Water-Crossing Adventure
Another highlight is the 70-meter-long wading pool, designed primarily to demonstrate the off-road capability of the YANGWANG U8 SUV. Thanks to BYD’s e⁴ platform, which enables precise four-motor independent control, the vehicle can drive through water with remarkable stability. Visitors watching through the underwater observation glass panels can see the U8 maneuver forward, turn, and even reverse underwater—a feat that redefines safety and vehicle resilience in extreme conditions.
Safety and Handling Demonstrations
Safety innovation is a key theme of the Zhengzhou facility. The Kick-Plate Zone replicates sudden skidding conditions with a wet, polished cement surface, combined with movable suction plates that force vehicles into controlled loss-of-traction scenarios. Drivers learn how to handle emergency situations without risk.
Similarly, the Low-Friction Circle, China’s first circular track of its kind, measures 44 meters in diameter and is built from 30,000 basalt bricks topped with a 3 mm water layer. This setup maintains a friction coefficient comparable to icy roads. With BYD’s millisecond-level electronic control systems and intelligent body control, even casual drivers can practice drifting safely.
Race Track and Off-Road Zones
For enthusiasts who enjoy speed, the 1,758-meter race track features nine technical curves and a 550-meter straight acceleration lane, providing the thrill of high-speed driving while testing vehicle handling precision.
The 15,300-square-meter dynamic paddock introduces drivers to a variety of exercises such as slalom, moose test simulations, and automated parking demonstrations. These setups are intended to highlight how BYD integrates intelligent systems into everyday driving scenarios.
Off-road lovers can explore 27 off-road challenges, spanning from beginner-friendly paths to highly advanced routes. Importantly, the design ensures that even urban SUVs with intelligent all-wheel drive can manage entry-level trails, thereby making off-roading more accessible to ordinary drivers.
Expanding Nationwide
The Zhengzhou site is only the beginning. BYD is preparing to open additional circuits in Hefei and Shaoxing. The Shaoxing facility will feature an expansive 2,000-acre off-road zone located at an altitude of 500 meters, offering even more challenging terrain for adventure-seeking drivers.
Growing China’s NEV Racing Culture
To complement these facilities, BYD has partnered with the Federation of Automobile and Motorcycle Sports of China (CAMF) to launch the “New Track Scheme.” This program aims to introduce professional NEV racing culture to the public, targeting an outreach of 1 million people while developing 100 new professional racing drivers.
“BYD Circuits will accelerate the professionalization of China’s NEV racing events and reshape China’s automotive culture,” said Guojun Zhan, president of CAMF. According to Zhan, these circuits represent more than just physical venues; they are part of a larger mission to transform how people perceive, engage with, and adopt new energy vehicles.
About BYD
Founded in 1995, BYD (Build Your Dreams) began as a rechargeable battery manufacturer and has since grown into a multinational high-tech conglomerate operating across automobiles, rail transit, new energy, and electronics. The company has established over 30 industrial parks worldwide and maintains a presence in more than 110 countries across six continents.
As a Fortune Global 500 company, BYD is committed to advancing zero-emission energy ecosystems, spanning energy generation, storage, and mobility applications. Today, BYD stands as one of the world’s largest NEV manufacturers, leveraging technology to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and accelerate the global transition to sustainable transportation.
With the launch of the Zhengzhou All-Terrain Circuit, BYD has taken another step toward integrating advanced NEV technologies with engaging driving experiences, while also shaping the future of China’s automotive culture.
