BYD’s Denza Is the World’s Longest-Range BEV
In February 2026, CarNewsChina reported China’s BYD introduced an updated version of the Denza Z9 GT, positioning it as the world’s longest-range battery electric vehicle. The top specification trim is equipped with a 122.496 kWh Blade battery pack. Notably, regulatory filings with China’s MIIT indicate that the updated Denza Z9 BEV sedan variant carries a CLTC range of 1,068 km (643.7 miles), although BYD has not formally branded that model as the global range leader.
The Z9 GT continues to be offered in both BEV and plug-in hybrid configurations. The BEV lineup includes rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants paired with 102.33 kWh or 122.496 kWh battery packs, delivering five CLTC range options: 820 km, 860 km, 880 km, 1,002 km, and 1,036 km.
The new RWD version features a 370 kW (496 hp) motor and a 240 km/h top speed. The AWD configuration integrates a 230 kW front motor and dual 310 kW rear motors, producing a combined 850 kW (1,140 hp), an increase of 140 kW over the prior setup. Top speed rises to 270 km/h.
The PHEV variant adopts a substantially larger 63.82 kWh battery, nearly double the previous capacity, enabling a 400 km pure-electric CLTC range. Its powertrain combines a 2.0T engine rated at 152 kW with three electric motors generating a combined 640 kW (858 hp). Top speed is 230 km/h.
Dimensions remain unchanged at 5,195 mm in length, 1,990 mm in width, and up to 1,500 mm in height, with a 3,125 mm wheelbase.
Inside, the cabin retains a symmetrical layout centered around a 17.3-inch display and dual 13.2-inch 2.5K screens, powered by a 4 nm DiLink cockpit chip. Advanced driver assistance is standard, featuring BYD’s DiPilot 300 “God’s Eye” B 5.0 system.
EVinfo.net’s Take: EV Range Expands Across North America’s 2026 Model Lineup
Most EV innovations come out of China these days, and make their way to North America later.
For over a decade, “range anxiety” has been the phrase that summarized North American reluctance to go electric. The fear of being stranded, of watching the battery percentage drop on a highway with no charger in sight, kept millions of otherwise interested buyers on the sidelines. And in the early EV era, that fear was not entirely irrational. First-generation EVs often delivered 80 to 120 miles of real-world range. In a continent built around long drives, road trips, and suburban sprawl, that simply wasn’t enough for most people.
The newest generation of EVs has largely dismantled that anxiety, with enough range to cover the average North American driver’s weekly driving needs several times over before needing a charge.
Electric vehicle range continues to trend upward in North America for the 2026 model year, with several automakers pushing well beyond the 300-mile benchmark.
The Lucid Gravity is expected to deliver up to 450 miles of range, positioning it among the segment leaders. The Rivian R1S follows with an estimated 410 miles, while the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is projected to reach 390 miles.
Mainstream and premium crossovers are also seeing improvements. The refreshed Hyundai Ioniq 5 is targeting up to 310 miles per charge. BMW’s forthcoming BMW iX3 aims for approximately 400 miles, supported by a 109 kWh battery pack.
The upcoming Lexus LF-ZC signals Toyota’s luxury ambitions, with claims it could potentially double the range of many current EVs, expected to feature a 1,000 km (approx. 622 miles) range.
Additional contenders include the Polestar 3 at roughly 350 miles, the Chevrolet Blazer EV at 334 miles, and the Chevrolet Silverado EV with an impressive maximum range of 460 miles. The Cadillac Lyriq is projected to offer about 326 miles.
More Models, More Drivers, Why Choice Is the Key to EV Adoption
The explosion of new electric vehicle models arriving across North America represents far more than an automotive trend. It is a structural shift in what the market offers, and consumer psychology tells us that when people find a product that genuinely fits their needs, they buy it.
Inside EVs reported that over 30 new EVs are launching in 2026, and that’s not even including the dozen or so existing models that are getting big upgrades or price cuts.
Public charging infrastructure is important. Government incentives matter. But the single most underappreciated driver of North American EV adoption may simply be: are there enough different kinds of EVs for enough different kinds of people?
Low cost models have been mostly missing so far, but the exciting new Chevy Bolt and capable new Nissan Leaf are changing that.
Overall, 2026 reflects a clear industry-wide push in North America toward longer range, higher efficiency, more new models and updates to existing models, and broader consumer appeal, inching closer to long-awaited mass EV adoption.
