BYD Atto 8 debuts with 9-minute charging and over 600 km range

BYD has unveiled its new flagship Atto 8 electric SUV at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, introducing its second-generation Blade Battery and ultra-fast Flash Charging technology to European buyers for the first time.

The seven-seat SUV, sold as the Tang L in China, will arrive at European dealerships in the first quarter of 2027, offering a combination of long range, high performance, and charging speeds that could significantly reduce the time spent at charging stations.

BYD Atto 8 rear three-quarter view — Credit: BYD

The Atto 8 will feature BYD’s new 115 kWh Blade 2.0 battery, which supports charging from 10% to 97% in just nine minutes when connected to a compatible Flash Charger. BYD also claims the battery can charge from 20% to 97% in just 12 minutes at temperatures as low as -30°C.

Those figures are particularly impressive, although achieving them will depend on access to BYD’s specialized charging infrastructure. The automaker has already installed over 10,000 Flash Chargers in China, and plans to install up to 6,000 Flash Chargers outside China by the end of 2027. The company is also planning to bring Flash Chargers to Canada based on recent job postings.

The Atto 8 will be offered in two configurations. The rear-wheel-drive ‘Design’ produces 456 horsepower and delivers up to 653 km of WLTP range, according to CarNewsChina, while the dual-motor ‘Excellence’ AWD increases output to 764 horsepower, allowing the large SUV to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds.

Inside, buyers get a 15.6-inch touchscreen, 26-inch head-up display, panoramic glass roof, and heated, ventilated, and massaging seats. Cargo capacity reaches 1,960 litres with the rear seats folded, along with a 136-litre frunk.

Pricing has not yet been announced.

While the Atto 8 is initially aimed at Europe, BYD has also been quietly preparing to expand its presence into Canada. Several models, including the Sealion 7 and Fangchengbao Ti7, have been spotted undergoing testing in the country this year.

BYD’s Canadian website continues to advertise its upcoming arrival, but the company has yet to confirm which vehicles it intends to sell here.

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