A Chinese EV has survived a powerful missile impact in Jerusalem, according to a report. The incident, happened on March 1, involved a BYD Atto 3 vehicle. Five occupants were inside the EV at the time of attack. One of them survived moderate injuries, while four survived light injuries, as per the report.
The structural integrity of the BYD Atto 3 remained intact, although the vehicle faced some physical damages. The EV was positioned at the edge of a deep impact crater at the time of the attack.
The vehicle also didn’t catch fire and its high-voltage battery system showed no signs of thermal runaway.
High-strength steel cage
The vehicle’s cabin integrity remained robust as its A, B, and C pillars did not collapse. The high-strength steel cage, which comprises 85% of the chassis, successfully dispersed the blast’s energy. The EV could be critical for rescue operations as its door handles and mechanical locks remained functional, allowing all passengers to be extracted without specialised cutting equipment, reported CarsNewsChina.
BYD ATTO 3 has excellent safety credentials as proven in safety tests conducted by the independent European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP). Earlier, BYD ATTO 3 had achieved the ultimate overall safety rating of 5 stars.
The EV is equipped with 150kW motor and it accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 7.3 seconds.
LFP Blade Battery remained stable
The vehicle integrates an LFP Blade Battery, which remained stable and did not ignite or vent smoke at the time of the attack. Although, the vehicle’s body was damaged, the occupants inside remained safe.
BYD ATTO 3 is equipped with the all-new BYD e-Platform 3.0 designed exclusively for pure electric vehicles. Giving full play to the advantages of intelligence, efficiency, safety and aesthetics, e-Platform 3.0 aims to promote NEVs’ performance in safety and low-temperature driving range as well as improve intelligent driving experiences, according to the company.
The incident serves as a real-world, extreme verification of Atto 3’s passive safety systems. While military analysts note that the vehicle was not a “direct hit,” which would likely destroy any civilian craft, it was subjected to a composite of high-pressure shockwaves, flying shrapnel, and intense thermal radiation, reported CarsNewsChina.
The Chinese company gives advanced energy-saving heat pump system comes as standard in the vehicle. Reliably operating in a broad range of temperatures, the system is designed to highly utilise residual heat from surroundings, the powertrain, passenger compartment and even the batteries.
The vehicle’s headlights, echoing with the continuous taillights, have a wider beam of light exposure which greatly improves the visibility and night driving experience. In conjunction with the unique dynamic steering light, BYD ATTO 3 keeps users safer, according to the company.
