BYD Unveils ATTO 8 Electric SUV With Ultra-Fast Charging and Seven Seats

Chinese automaker BYD has revealed its new ATTO 8, a large electric SUV featuring seven seats, at the Paris Motor Show. The vehicle boasts a 115 kWh battery offering a range of up to 653 km under European standards. The most significant innovation highlighted by BYD is its charging technology, which the company claims can charge the battery from 10% to 70% in just five minutes, and from 10% to 97% in nine minutes. If this charging speed is replicated in public charging infrastructure, it could significantly diminish a key advantage of gasoline cars over electric vehicles.

The ATTO 8 is the European version of the Tang L, already available in China. It measures 5.04 meters long, nearly 2 meters wide, and 1.76 meters high, positioning it as a large family SUV designed to compete with more expensive seven-seater models from European and Korean manufacturers.

BYD will offer the ATTO 8 in two powertrain configurations. The base model features a rear-wheel-drive system with 462 horsepower and a range of up to 653 km. The higher-end version includes dual motors, all-wheel drive, and a combined output of 775 horsepower, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds with a stated range of 602 km. Both versions utilize the same large battery, based on BYD's second-generation Blade battery technology with LFP chemistry, known for its cost-effectiveness and durability.

BYD claims its new battery technology can achieve a 20% to 97% charge in approximately 12 minutes, even at temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius, when tested with appropriate charging equipment. However, actual public charging times will depend on charger power, battery temperature, and the vehicle's electrical system. To support its fast-charging capabilities, BYD plans to establish around 3,000 Flash Charging stations in Europe by the end of 2027.

The interior offers seven seats in three rows, with heating, ventilation, and massage functions for the front two rows. It includes a 15.6-inch central multimedia screen, a 26-inch head-up display, a three-zone climate control system, and a built-in refrigerator. Cargo space is 270 liters with all seats in use, expanding to 1,960 liters when the rear two rows are folded. An additional 136-liter storage compartment is located at the front.

The ATTO 8 is slated for European markets in the first quarter of 2027. Pricing details are yet to be announced, which will be crucial for its market competitiveness. BYD's previous success with the ATTO 3 in Israel, offering space and features at a competitive price, suggests a similar strategy, though the ATTO 8 targets a more premium segment where ride quality, service, and resale value are key purchasing factors.