China’s latest electric vehicle (EV) range comparison reveals a clear shift in the long-range market hierarchy. According to compiled regulatory and industry data, BYD leads China’s EV range rankings as the only automaker with multiple production models exceeding the 1,000 km mark under the CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle). This milestone firmly places BYD at the top tier of the ultra-long-range EV segment.
The Exclusive 1,000 km Club
At the summit of the rankings are three premium models from BYD’s high-end portfolio:
| Rank | Brand | Model | Battery Capacity (kWh) | Range (km, CLTC) | Energy Consumption (kWh/100 km) | MSRP (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Denza | Denza Z9 EV | 122.5 | 1068 | 11.47 | To be determined |
| 02 | Denza | Denza Z9 GT EV | 122.5 | 1036 | 11.82 | To be determined |
| 03 | Yangwang | Yangwang U7 EV | 150 | 1006 | 14.91 | To be determined |
| 04 | Xiaomi | Xiaomi SU7 | 96.3 | 902 | 10.68 | To be determined |
| 05 | Zeekr | Zeekr 007 | 100.01 | 870 | 11.50 | 33,200 |
| 06 | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz CLA EV | 89 | 866 | 10.28 | 36,000 |
| 07 | Luxeed | Luxeed S7 | 100 | 855 | 11.70 | 36,200 |
| 08 | Hongqi | Hongqi Tiangong 05 | 98 | 850 | 11.53 | 30,800 |
| 09 | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz EQS | 122 | 840 | 14.52 | 127,400 |
| 10 | Tesla | Tesla Model 3 | 78.4 | 830 | 9.45 | 37,500 |
| 11 | Zeekr | Zeekr 007 GT | 100 | 825 | 12.12 | 32,300 |
| 12 | IM Motors | IM L6 | 100 | 822 | 12.17 | 36,900 |
| 13 | XPeng | XPeng P7 | 92.2 | 820 | 11.24 | 34,700 |
| 14 | Hongqi | Hongqi EH7 | 111 | 820 | 13.54 | 36,000 |
| 15 | Stelato | Stelato S9 | 100 | 816 | 12.25 | 47,700 |
These are currently the only pure electric production vehicles in China to surpass the 1,000 km threshold. This achievement reinforces how BYD leads China’s EV range rankings through its premium sub-brands Denza and Yangwang, supported by large-capacity proprietary battery systems.
Understanding the CLTC Standard
The CLTC cycle reflects typical Chinese driving behavior, with vehicles accelerating 28.61% of the time, decelerating 26.44%, cruising at constant speed 22.83%, and standing still 22.11%. It emphasizes urban and mixed driving conditions, offering a more localized benchmark for range comparison.
Market Stratification Below 1,000 km
Beyond BYD’s dominance, most competitors remain concentrated below the 900 km level. Xiaomi’s SU7 ranks fourth with 902 km from a 96.3 kWh battery. Zeekr 007 (870 km) and Mercedes-Benz CLA EV (866 km) follow closely. Other notable models—including Luxeed S7, Hongqi Tiangong 05, Mercedes-Benz EQS, and Tesla Model 3—cluster between 830 km and 855 km, forming the upper mainstream segment.
This clear gap illustrates a “1,000 km Club” stratification in China’s EV market, where BYD leads China’s EV range rankings while rivals compete within the 800–900 km band.
Battery Scale vs. Efficiency
Battery capacity is the primary driver of ultra-long range. All three 1,000 km+ models use packs exceeding 120 kWh, while 800–900 km vehicles typically operate between 89 kWh and 111 kWh. This indicates that the breakthrough beyond 1,000 km is currently achieved through battery scale rather than dramatic improvements in drivetrain efficiency.
Energy consumption figures highlight structural differences. Tesla Model 3 demonstrates exceptional efficiency at 9.45 kWh/100 km despite a smaller 78.4 kWh battery. The Denza Z9 series maintains consumption between 11.47–11.82 kWh/100 km, balancing size and efficiency. Meanwhile, the Yangwang U7 consumes 14.91 kWh/100 km, reflecting trade-offs linked to vehicle size and performance.
Premium Positioning and Future Outlook
Ultra-long-range capability remains concentrated in large luxury vehicles, where manufacturers can absorb higher battery costs and packaging demands. As of February 2026, BYD leads China’s EV range rankings by strategically deploying massive battery capacities across its premium lineup.
Beyond pure BEVs, BYD also offers plug-in hybrid models such as the Sealion 6 and Yangwang U8, achieving combined ranges above 1,000 km using petrol-assisted systems. Together, these strategies solidify BYD’s dominance in China’s rapidly evolving long-range EV market.
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