A BYD Atto 3 electric SUV has drawn global attention after surviving a powerful rocket blast in Jerusalem on March 1, 2026.
The vehicle was parked near the edge of a deep impact crater created by the explosion. Despite the massive shockwave, the car’s cabin remained structurally intact and its battery system showed no signs of fire or overheating.
Israel’s emergency service Magen David Adom confirmed that five people were inside the SUV when the explosion occurred.
The driver suffered moderate injuries, while the other four passengers experienced minor injuries or shock.
Images from the scene showed the vehicle’s hazard lights still blinking after the blast, suggesting that the low-voltage electrical system continued to function even after the powerful impact.
Experts say the vehicle was not hit directly by the missile. However, it was exposed to intense shockwaves, flying debris, and high heat from the explosion.
The SUV’s structure played a major role in protecting the passengers.
Strong cabin frame: The A, B, and C pillars remained intact. About 85% of the chassis is made from high-strength steel, which helps disperse the blast energy.
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Doors remained usable: Door handles and locks still worked, allowing rescuers to remove passengers without cutting tools.
Stable battery system: The vehicle uses BYD’s LFP Blade Battery, integrated into the e-Platform 3.0. The battery did not catch fire or emit smoke, even after the vehicle partially slid into the crater.
Lu Tian, General Manager of BYD’s Dynasty Sales Division, reacted to the incident on social media.
“Safety is the ultimate luxury,” he said.
This is not the first time an electric vehicle survived a conflict-related incident in the region. In June 2025, reports said an Xpeng G6 was hit by missile debris in Israel but did not explode.
The BYD Atto 3, also known as the Yuan Plus in China, holds a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP and ANCAP. It scored 91% for adult occupant protection.
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The model has also been a strong seller in Israel. It was the best-selling electric vehicle in the country in 2024 and 2025.
Despite its safety reputation, the Atto 3 is facing price competition.
Chinese EV maker Leapmotor introduced the B10 in Israel in early 2026 at 150,000 NIS (about $41,250). The Atto 3 starts at 170,000 NIS (around $46,750).
Still, BYD continues to grow globally. The company reported exports of 100,600 vehicles in February, a 50% year-on-year increase.
The Jerusalem incident is now being widely discussed online, with many calling the EV battle-tested for its ability to protect passengers in an extreme situation.
