Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The Ultimate EV Reality CheckModern electric vehicles have become more advanced thanks to improvements in areas such as high-voltage batteries. Still, many people remain skeptical, particularly when it comes to long-distance travel and range anxiety. That is why tests like the Marco Polo Drive matter, as they help show that if gas cars can do it, EVs can too.However, the drive has only just begun, so challenges such as mechanical issues could still arise. The route stretches from Italy to Hong Kong, covering approximately 9,300 miles with a target completion time of 43 days. Leading the journey is the Denza Z9 GT, a shooting-brake-style EV from BYD's premium brand. What makes the campaign particularly interesting is that the Z9 GT pairs a substantial driving range with the ability to charge from 10% to 97% in just nine minutes.DenzaDesigned To Keep MovingDenza claims the Z9 GT can travel up to 1,036 km, or about 644 miles, on a single charge. However, that figure is based on China's CLTC test cycle, which is typically more generous than the EPA rating used in the U.S. Under the WLTP cycle, the EV is rated at 372 miles, still putting it within Tesla Model Y Long Range territory.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn terms of charging, the Z9 GT, which uses a 122.49-kWh second-generation Blade Battery, can get close to a full charge in under 10 minutes, roughly twice as fast as DC fast charging in mainstream EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5. That is made possible by BYD's proprietary ultra-fast EV charging network, called Flash Charging, which is being expanded in Europe. A 10% to 70% charge can also be completed in just five minutes, bringing the experience much closer to filling up at a gas station.The Denza EV is also equipped with a tri-motor setup that produces 850 kW (1,140 horsepower), enabling a 0-to-62 mph sprint in just 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 167 mph.DenzaThe Real Journey BeginsWhile these specifications make the Denza Z9 GT sound like an ideal EV for long-distance travel, it could still face several real-world challenges along the Marco Polo Drive. These include extreme weather, varied terrain, and potential setbacks at charging stations across regions.In addition to serving as an EV endurance test, the trip is intended to promote cultural exchange and global connectivity as it passes through countries such as Serbia, Turkey, and Kazakhstan, retracing Marco Polo's historic journey from Europe to Asia more than 750 years ago.DenzaView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jun 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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