YangWang U8: an SUV that can do more than meets the eye

Just a few years ago, the idea of an SUV that can drive on four electric motors, turn on the spot like a tank and even swim seemed like a fantasy. But now it is a reality. And this reality is called the YangWang U8. This is the first model of the premium brand YangWang, which is owned by the Chinese car giant BYD.

The U8 doesn't try to be "just another luxury SUV". It immediately puts itself in a different league, where technology is ahead of the brand. And despite the fact that we associate BYD more with affordable electric cars like Dolphin or Seagull, they play by different rules here. This SUV is already available for order in Ukraine, and it is truly impressive.

We remind you that you can purchase home and commercial charging stations in our online storeand also use the public charging stations ECOFACTORcharging points located throughout Ukraine. For convenient access to charging infrastructure, we recommend using our mobile applicationwhich is available on iOS and Android.

Dimensions that cannot be overlooked

The YangWang U8 is hard to miss on the road. This is a large five-seater SUV with such dimensions:

• length: 5319 mm
• width: 2050 mm
• height: 1930 mm
• wheelbase: 3050 mm

To get a sense of scale: it is half a metre longer than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and its wheelbase is 160 mm longer. But it doesn't have a third row of seats. The U8 weighs almost 4 tonnes, and to be honest, it doesn't look bulky - it looks convincingly powerful.

A game-changing platform

The YangWang U8 is based on the all-new E4 architecture, and this is not just a change in the technical base - it is a rethinking of the approach to all-wheel drive SUVs. Unlike classic 4×4s, where torque is distributed through differentials, each wheel has its own electric motor. This allows for completely independent traction control on each wheel - ideal for difficult road conditions, icy conditions or mountain serpentines.

Each engine delivers 220 kW, which means a total of 880 kW or 1197 horsepower. Thanks to this power, the U8 accelerates to hundreds in 3.6 seconds, which is incredible for a nearly 4-tonne SUV. And even so, the top speed is electronically limited to 200 km/h, which is a reasonable limit given its size and weight.

There is also the Disus-P system, which allows the body to be raised and lowered by 150 mm to adapt to the terrain. Interestingly, it also allows the car to move even after a puncture of one of the wheels - on three. This is not an advertising gimmick, but a real function that can save the day in a situation where the spare tire does not help.

Unique driving modes: not marketing, but function

The YangWang U8 has a set of modes that look more like a set of survival tools than a typical SUV option. And each of them has a practical value:

• Tank turn: the system switches on the opposite rotation of the left and right wheels, and the car turns in place - useful in narrow parking lots or when turning in a tight space.
• Crab modeThe car is able to move diagonally or sideways, which is a great help in the mountains, on sand or when parking between objects.
• Fording modeIn the standard version, you can enter water up to 1 metre deep, and in the off-road version with a snorkel, up to 1.4 metres. And it's not just driving through a puddle - it's a real river entrance.
• Swimming modeWhen the car detects that the water level exceeds the permissible depth, it switches to the emergency swimming mode. The suspension is raised, the windows are closed, the engine is switched off and the electric drive is activated. The U8 can swim for up to 30 minutes at a speed of up to 3 km/h and even steer by turning the wheels.

These modes are not for show, but for real use in the elements, floods or extreme off-road situations.

How it works: EREV, not just an electric car

Unlike conventional electric vehicles, the U8 operates as an EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle). This means that it has a petrol engine, but it does not drive the wheels directly. Instead, the 2-litre turbo engine works as a generator, recharging the battery as you drive. This avoids situations where the car becomes completely "dead" without electricity.

The technical parameters are also impressive:

• Battery type: Blade, capacity 49.05 kWh, LFP chemistry
• Pure electric range (CLTC): 180 km
• Total range with a full tank (75 l): up to 1000 km

Another special feature is Cell-to-Chassis (CTC) technology - the battery is integrated into the chassis, which increases stability and safety.

This hybrid approach combines the advantages of an electric vehicle with the reliability of a car that can always be refuelled with conventional fuel.

Charging and powering external devices

The U8 supports fast DC charging of up to 110 kW. This allows the battery level to be raised from 30% to 80% in around 18 minutes - a figure that is already being conveniently integrated into real life.

But even more interesting is the VTL (Vehicle to Load) function. It enables the car to be used as a portable power station. Power up to 6 kW can be supplied:

• fridge
• coffee machine
• electric cooker
• construction tools
• laptops or lighting

And all this - up to 25 hours on a single charge. This can be critical in the field or during a power outage at home.

Inside: luxury without frills

The interior of the U8 is not trying to impress with pathos - it's more about convenience, quality and technology. Nappa leather, thoughtful lighting, matte panels - everything is in its place.

Multimedia is also very serious:

• 23.6-inch instrument cluster
• 12.8-inch centre display
• 23.6-inch front passenger screen
• two separate screens for rear passengers
• additional display between the rear seats
• HUD projection by 50 inches

The sound is provided by 22 Dynaudio speakers, and there is support for Dolby Atmos. In fact, you get a full-fledged cinema on wheels.

Digital brains and security

Computing is powered by the powerful Nvidia Drive Orin platform, which processes up to 508 trillion operations per second (TOPS). The U8 supports L2 autopilot and has a range of sensors:

• 3 LiDAR
• 13 cameras
• 12 ultrasonic sensors
• 5 millimetre radar

It also has a thermographic camera and a satellite phone. In real off-road conditions, this can be more useful than the most expensive driver assistance systems.

What are the configurations?

The U8 is available in two main versions:

• Premium EditionMore comfortable, with a classic look, suitable for city, highway, travel and even moderate off-road use.
• Off-road Master EditionThe new version is designed for tough off-road conditions and is equipped with a reinforced frame, snorkel, roof rack and bumpers with enhanced protection. This version is designed for serious off-road use and difficult conditions.

Both versions are equipped with a full-size spare wheel, tools, and additional protective elements. They also differ visually - the Off-road version has a rougher, more functional look.

How much does it cost and where to buy in Ukraine?

The price of YangWang U8 Premium Edition in China starts from 1,089,000 yuan, which is approximately 150,000 US dollars. The price in the Ukrainian market may be higher due to duties, logistics and certification.

The cost also depends on the chosen configuration:

• Deluxe / Premium: approximately from $200 000
• Off-road Master: 5-10% more expensive depending on the market

The U8 will be available in Ukraine through companies that import electric vehicles to order. Deliveries have already begun, and the first cars should be available in showrooms in the coming months. There are also gradually emerging opportunities to buy a car on credit, with options for pre-ordering and individual configuration.

Charging infrastructure for cars like the YangWang U8: ECOFACTOR

When it comes to electric vehicles like the YangWang U8, it's clear that the technical capabilities of a car are only half the battle. The other half is a convenient, reliable and extensive charging infrastructure. This is what we at ECOFACTOR have been working on for over 10 years.

We create solutions that are suitable not only for lightweight city electric cars, but also for powerful hybrids and SUVs with an extended range. Therefore, charging the YangWang U8 - with its large battery and VTL capability - is a breeze both at home and on the road. And we already have the tools to do it.

What we offer:

• AC stations up to 44 kW and DC stations up to 420 kW: suitable for private homes, business centres, car parks, services or service stations
• Mobile charging stationsCan be used in stand-alone operation or temporary locations
• Online shop with accessories: range cables and adapters different formats (Type 1, Type 2, GB/T, etc.) and other accessories
• Map of charging stations in Ukraine: constantly updated - this helps you find the nearest station in seconds
• Mobile application on iOS and AndroidAllows you to control charging, manage payments, see usage statistics and access operator platform functions

Infrastructure for business and private use

At ECOFACTOR, we work with both private owners and businesses. If you want to charge your U8 at home, we will help you choose the best station and install it. If we are talking about hotels, restaurants, business centres or residential complexes, there are options for opening your own network of charging points with our management platform.

Today, our network comprises more than 18,000 in-house stations supported by the ECOFACTOR platform. More than 215,000 drivers are registered in the app and use our services on a daily basis.

Conclusion.

YangWang U8 is not an SUV that simply adds electric motors to a standard body. This is a car that redefines what a modern SUV should be from the ground up. Four electric motors, a hybrid powertrain, a floating mode, a tank turn, adaptive suspension, autonomous power supply for equipment - all this does not look like a set of loud features for the sake of effect. These are tools that can really help out in real-world conditions, especially in Ukraine, where roads, climate and circumstances often challenge vehicles.

Yes, it is an expensive car. But if you invest in something exceptional, the U8 gives you more than just status. It gives you the feeling that you are ready for anything - for adventures, for bad weather, and even for surprises on the road. And what's important is that it is already possible to charge it in Ukraine. At home, on the road, and even in remote places thanks to the infrastructure we are developing at ECOFACTOR.

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