BYD has unveiled its new Atto 8 at the Paris Motor Show, a three-row electric SUV that promises to significantly reduce charging times. The vehicle is the Chinese manufacturer's first three-row model for the European market, where it will compete with cars such as the new Skoda Peaq.
The Atto 8 is powered by BYD's second-generation Blade battery, which has a capacity of 115 kWh. While the large battery is notable, the real headline is its charging capability. With BYD's Flash Charging technology, the battery can go from 10% to 97% in only nine minutes. A more common 10% to 70% charge takes just five minutes. Even in extremely cold weather, at minus 30 degrees Celsius, a 20% to 97% charge is completed in 12 minutes. This compares with a 10% to 80% fill time of 28 minutes for the Skoda Peaq.
However, these rapid charging speeds depend on the availability of Flash chargers, which are currently scarce. BYD says it plans to have 3,000 Flash stations operational across Europe by the end of 2027. The company is still building the necessary infrastructure.
Two powertrain options will be available, both using the same battery and charging technology. The entry-level Design model features a single electric motor producing 456 horsepower and driving the rear wheels. Despite the substantial power, the weight of the battery means it accelerates from zero to 62 mph in a leisurely 8 seconds. The range-topping Excellence variant adds a second motor, boosting total output to 764 horsepower and reducing the sprint time to 4.6 seconds. The dual-motor version has a range of 374 miles on the WLTP cycle, while the rear-wheel-drive model can cover 405 miles.
As BYD's flagship model in Europe, the Atto 8 comes generously equipped. Standard features include a panoramic glass roof, a 26-inch head-up display, and heating, ventilation and massage functions for both front seats and the outer pair in the middle row. Both models also get dual 50W smartphone chargers, and the Excellence trim adds a refrigerator.
The Atto 8 measures 198 inches (5 metres) in length and will go on sale in spring 2027. Pricing has not yet been announced, but it will be revealed closer to the launch date. By then, BYD hopes to have expanded its Flash charging network, making the car's standout feature more accessible to European drivers.