A Chinese-built electric hypercar has set a new speed record, reaching 503.17kph on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road (E11) in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region. The Yangwang U9 Xtreme, built by Chinese automaker BYD, was driven during the record attempt by German racing driver Marc Basseng. BYD executive vice president Stella Li said the run "moves the benchmark for pure electric power even further ahead of where others might dream," while Basseng called the feat especially meaningful because it came in a markedly different environment from his previous record. "Breaking a world record once is extraordinary, but doing it again in such a different environment is truly special," he said. The test, reported by The National, took place on Abu Dhabi's E11 highway, a stretch of road that has hosted several previous speed records for experimental and performance vehicles. In recent years, the UAE has become a favoured testing ground for automakers chasing electric-vehicle speed records, thanks to its long, flat desert highways that offer close to ideal conditions for high-speed runs. The latest record is likely to draw fresh international attention to the UAE's road infrastructure and its growing role as a proving ground for the global electric-vehicle industry.