Rome, June 16 – A groundbreaking electric vehicle expedition, the “Marco Polo Drive for Peace, Culture and Sustainable Development,” officially commenced from Rome on June 13, 2026. This ambitious 43-day journey will cover over 15,000 kilometers, traversing twelve countries before reaching its final destination in Hong Kong.
A Modern Silk Road: Promoting Sustainable Mobility and Cultural Exchange
The expedition, inspired by the historic travels of Marco Polo, aims to demonstrate the viability of sustainable mobility and foster cultural understanding across continents. The event’s launch from Palazzo Orsini Taverna in the heart of Rome underscored the initiative’s message of unity, emphasizing that cultural bridges can originate from any point where a journey begins.
Key Figures Behind the Initiative
The “Marco Polo Drive” is more than just an adventure; it is a project backed by influential figures committed to sustainable development. Patrick Zhong, Founding Managing Partner of M31 Capital, conceived the original idea and spearheaded its development. He is joined by Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, a renowned economist and advocate for sustainable development and international cooperation.
The launch ceremony in Rome saw the presence of ambassadors, institutional representatives, industrial partners, and cultural luminaries. Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, along with other top management from the company, were also in attendance. The event included poetic readings by children in the native languages of some of the countries to be traversed (Croatian, Azerbaijani, Chinese), highlighting the human and cultural dimensions of the initiative alongside its technological aspects.
“We are in complex times but also, in my opinion, in times of extraordinary possibilities and hope,” stated Sachs. “This is the moment when the world can and must unite: to enhance the wonders of culture and cultural diversity, and for sustainable development. BYD is making this dream possible.”
Patrick Zhong offered a more poetic perspective: “When we travel today from Rome to Hong Kong, we take a flight, watch a movie, eat well and sleep a little, then land. But when Marco Polo traveled, everything happened step by step. Being on the road allows you to experience the majesty of the world in slow motion.”
The Denza Z9GT: A Test of Endurance on the Silk Road
The vehicle chosen for this monumental journey is the Denza Z9GT, a premium shooting brake that recently debuted at the Barchetti showroom in Bologna. BYD intends to establish Denza in the European premium segment, and this expedition along the Silk Road serves as both a technical trial and a powerful statement of intent for the brand.
The route will take the expedition through Vatican City, Italy, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and China. This diverse itinerary presents significant challenges, including varied charging infrastructure, extreme climates, and roads of differing quality, making it an ideal proving ground for the vehicle’s advanced technologies.
A core feature of the Denza Z9GT is its Flash Charging technology, which allows the battery to charge from 10% to 97% in just 9 minutes, maintaining consistent performance even at temperatures as low as -30°C. While dedicated rapid charging stations may not be available everywhere along the route, the Z9GT’s 600 km WLTP electric range ensures it can cover long distances without constant reliance on super-fast charging.
Beyond its range, the Z9GT is built on the e3 platform, incorporating a dual-motor independent rear steering system, dual-chamber air suspension, and Vehicle Motion Control. This system manages all vehicle actuators with signal transmission times as low as 10 milliseconds, ensuring stability and safety even in unexpected situations, such as a tire blowout at high speeds. Stella Li described the interior as “a mobile office, a mobile home,” featuring a 17.3-inch central display, a 50-inch augmented reality head-up display, an AI voice assistant, and Vehicle-to-Load functionality, allowing the battery to power external devices during stops.
More Than a Test Drive: A Symbol of Collaboration
The “Marco Polo Drive” stands out for its intellectual ambition. Jeffrey Sachs’ involvement underscores that this is not merely a marketing stunt. By framing the journey around themes of culture, peace, and sustainable development, BYD is conveying a message beyond the capabilities of its electric vehicles.
At a time of ongoing trade tensions between Europe and China, and discussions surrounding tariffs on Chinese electric cars, an expedition that physically bridges the two continents carries significant symbolic weight, extending beyond electric mobility. Stella Li articulated this clearly: “We live on the same planet, and collaborating for a green future will give hope to new generations.”
The 43-day, 15,000-kilometer, 12-country electric journey along the Silk Road is set to conclude in Hong Kong by the end of July, with results that promise to resonate far beyond the automotive industry.
Source: autoappassionati.it
