BYD opens $700 million test track in China with a wading pool to test its swimming abilities
Published on Aug 25, 2025 at 1:05 PM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody
Last updated on Aug 25, 2025 at 1:05 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
The new test track at the BYD Zhengzhou proving ground is a $700 million site designed to test EVs in some of the most demanding conditions.
It covers more than 2,000 acres and contains 100 different sections.
Among the features are high-speed straights, off-road climbs, and a pool built for water-fording tests.
The size and variety of the facility reveal just how BYD is preparing vehicles for markets with different safety and performance requirements.
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BYD test track sets new precedent
The BYD test track includes road surfaces ranging from smooth asphalt to gravel and mud.
Engineers can run vehicles over steep gradients, tight corners, and low-grip areas to measure handling and stability.
The water pool is designed to replicate flooded roads and assess how BYD EVs cope with challenging depths.
The BYD proving ground brings all of the company’s testing into one location.
In the past, vehicles were split between smaller domestic sites or rented tracks overseas.
The Zhengzhou facility allows complete test programs to be carried out without relying on outside operators.
At $700 million, the project is one of the largest investments of its type in China.
Comparable grounds are run by global automakers such as Toyota and Volkswagen.
BYD will also use the facility for advanced driver-assistance development, with safe closed-road conditions for software and sensor trials.
BYD Zhengzhou testing is fully in-house
The BYD Zhengzhou testing ground comes amid a period of rapid international growth.
In 2024, BYD surpassed Tesla in global EV sales, and its vehicles are now shipped to more than 60 markets.
The new track supports this expansion by offering the ability to trial vehicles under conditions similar to those found in various countries around the world.
The BYD proving ground allows engineers to test battery performance, braking, and crash safety before exporting vehicles.
Models including the Dolphin, Atto 3, and Seal can be validated at Zhengzhou before they enter foreign markets, improving efficiency and consistency.
China’s regulators are also pushing for higher standards in the EV sector.
The BYD test track gives the company the ability to meet those requirements while also preparing for certification processes in Europe and beyond.
The BYD Zhengzhou site ties into the company’s global production network.
With factories operating or planned in Thailand, Brazil, and Hungary, centralizing testing in Zhengzhou helps shorten development cycles and confirm compliance before vehicles are sold overseas.
The BYD test track and proving ground provide a permanent base for endurance testing, safety evaluations, and new technology trials.
By consolidating this work into one location, BYD gains greater control over the development process as it continues to expand its presence in the global EV market.
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Callum Tokody is a content writer at Supercar Blondie, where he covers the latest in the automotive world with a focus on design and performance. Callum has a background in automotive journalism and has contributed to a range of publications in Australia and the UK. Outside of work, he’s a design enthusiast with a soft spot for anything with a V8 and a good story.
