Imagine a future where electric vehicles (EVs) can travel over 1,000 kilometers on a single charge—a reality that’s already here, thanks to China’s automotive innovation. But here’s where it gets controversial: while BYD leads the charge with its premium models dominating the ultra-long-range EV market, the rest of the competition is struggling to keep up. Is this a triumph of battery scale or a missed opportunity for efficiency breakthroughs? Let’s dive in.
China’s latest EV range comparison reveals a stark divide in the long-range market. According to New Energy Experience Expert, BYD stands alone at the top, with three models—the Denza Z9, Denza Z9 GT, and Yangwang U7—breaking the 1,000 km barrier under the CLTC testing cycle. These vehicles, all part of BYD’s premium portfolio, boast battery capacities exceeding 120 kWh, setting them apart from the pack. Meanwhile, most competitors, including Xiaomi, Zeekr, and Mercedes-Benz, are clustered below the 900 km mark, highlighting BYD’s dominance.
And this is the part most people miss: The CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) isn’t just a lab test—it’s designed to mimic real-world Chinese driving habits. Vehicles are tested under conditions that include 28.61% acceleration, 26.44% deceleration, 22.83% cruising, and 22.11% idling, focusing on urban and mixed driving scenarios. This makes BYD’s achievement even more impressive, as it reflects practical performance rather than theoretical potential.
Here’s a closer look at the rankings:
| Rank | Brand | Model | Battery Capacity (kWh) | Range (km, CLTC) | Energy Consumption (kWh/100 km) | MSRP (USD) |
|----------|-----------------|-------------------|----------------------------|----------------------|-------------------------------------|----------------|
| 1 | Denza | Denza Z9 EV | 122.5 | 1068 | 11.47 | To be determined |
| 2 | Denza | Denza Z9 GT EV | 122.5 | 1036 | 11.82 | To be determined |
| 3 | Yangwang | Yangwang U7 EV | 150 | 1006 | 14.91 | To be determined |
| 4 | Xiaomi | Xiaomi SU7 | 96.3 | 902 | 10.68 | To be determined |
| 5 | Zeekr | Zeekr 007 | 100.01 | 870 | 11.50 | 33,200 |
| 6 | Mercedes-Benz | CLA EV | 89 | 866 | 10.28 | 36,000 |
| 7 | Luxeed | Luxeed S7 | 100 | 855 | 11.70 | 36,200 |
| 8 | Hongqi | Tiangong 05 | 98 | 850 | 11.53 | 30,800 |
| 9 | Mercedes-Benz | EQS | 122 | 840 | 14.52 | 127,400 |
| 10 | Tesla | Model 3 | 78.4 | 830 | 9.45 | 37,500 |
Beyond the 1,000 km tier, Xiaomi’s SU7 takes fourth place with a 902 km range, followed by Zeekr’s 007 and Mercedes-Benz’s CLA EV. Models like the Luxeed S7, Hongqi Tiangong 05, and Tesla Model 3 form the upper mainstream segment, offering ranges between 830–855 km.
Here’s the bold question: Is bigger always better? Battery capacity is clearly the primary driver of long-range performance, but it comes with trade-offs. The Yangwang U7, despite having the largest battery (150 kWh), consumes more energy (14.91 kWh/100 km) compared to the Denza Z9 series (11.47–11.82 kWh/100 km). Tesla’s Model 3, on the other hand, achieves the lowest consumption (9.45 kWh/100 km) with a smaller battery, showcasing the importance of efficiency.
From a market perspective, ultra-long-range EVs are currently limited to larger, premium vehicles, leaving mid-segment sedans behind. This raises another question: Will this technology trickle down to more affordable models, or will it remain a luxury feature?
As BYD continues to lead the race, the industry is left to ponder whether the future of long-range EVs lies in larger batteries or smarter efficiency solutions. What do you think? Is battery scale the ultimate answer, or should manufacturers focus on optimizing energy use? Let us know in the comments!
Updated: 11/02/2026 11:11 China time
Adrian, an Electrical and Computer Engineering graduate with a passion for cars, brings his expertise and enthusiasm to every test at CarNewsChina. When not testing vehicles, he enjoys audio, photography, and staying active.
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