In a move that is set to redefine automotive testing and culture, BYD has secured not one, but two Guinness World Records titles on the grand opening of its new all-terrain racetrack in Zhengzhou, China. The facility, which is China’s first to be dedicated to New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), made history on August 14 with its monumental sand dune simulation course.
The records were awarded to the track’s indoor sand dune testing area, a feat of engineering designed to put vehicles to the ultimate off-road test. The facility was officially certified as having the greatest vertical height of a sand dune simulation facility for car testing, measuring an incredible 29.614 meters (97 feet).
Furthermore, the same facility was also recognized for being the largest sand dune simulation facility for car testing, covering a vast sandy expanse of 3,612.32 square meters (38,882 square feet).
The record-breaking dune, which was constructed using 6,200 tons of sand to mimic the granular composition of the Alxa Desert, is part of a broader, state-of-the-art complex. The facility features eight unique “experience zones,” including a water-crossing pool, a low-friction ring that simulates icy roads, and a traditional race track.
BYD officials stated that the new track, which is open to the public, is a testament to the company’s commitment to showcasing the safety and performance of its electric vehicles in extreme conditions. The Zhengzhou track is the first of several planned facilities, with two more set to open in Hefei and Shaoxing, as BYD aims to popularize NEV culture and make professional driving experiences accessible to all.
