Chinese automaker BYD recently demonstrated a new active suspension system for future electric vehicles in a spectacular way: with a jump of the car itself.
The system, formally known as the BYD DiSus Intelligent Body Control System, is similar to active suspension systems like Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control and Mercedes-Benz Magic Body Control. BYD claims that DiSus is the first of its kind from a Chinese automaker and, like existing systems, actively adjusts to cancel out body roll and could lower the car at particular speeds to reduce aerodynamic resistance and increase efficiency. But it can also do some other things.
BYD unveiled DiSus in a company presentation on Monday about its Yangwang U9, an electric sports car from the company’s new luxury brand Yangwang. The car was shown dancing like a lowrider and driving without one wheel, while the suspension at the other three corners held it upright. Although it has an extremely rapid response, it resembles the hydraulic suspension of older Citroëns, which could be raised so drivers could change a tire without a jack.
The car used in the demonstration was equipped with a version of the system called DiSus-X, one of the four described by BYD. Initially, a version called DiSus-P will be launched in the Yangwang U8 SUV, according to a company press release, followed by DiSus-A in the Denza N7, another BYD brand. Another variation, DiSus-C, will be added to other Denza models, as well as BYD Han and Tang, with activation through a wireless software update, according to the company.
BYD has positioned the Tesla Model S-sized Han EV as an innovative model for markets beyond China. BYD announced plans to bring the Han sedan, as well as the Tang and Atto 3 crossovers, to certain European markets by late 2022. At that time, BYD said sales would begin in Sweden and Germany, then expand to Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, and France and the UK. However, no U.S. plans have been announced.
As the driving force behind LFP batteries, which automakers are finally starting to adopt for the U.S. market, BYD has positioned its latest Blade battery as a leader in packaging and safety. And a next-generation EV platform with a maximum range of up to 600 miles and 800-volt fast charging was revealed.
