Chinese automaker’s new EV offers 625-mile range with 130.15 kWh lithium battery

Chinese automaker BYD Auto has unveiled its latest all-electric Denza sport utility vehicle (SUV) with a massive 129 kWh battery and claimed 623 miles (1,003 km) range. According to reports, the new SUV comes in two main variants, including the “standard” N8 and the longer, bigger N8L version (claimed range of 597 miles/960 km). The longer N8L measures 17.1 feet (5.20 meters) long, while retaining the same 6.6-foot (2.00-meter) width, 6.0-foot (1.82-meter) height, and 10.1-foot (3.08-meter) wheelbase. Other than the N8L’s additional body length, the two versions are aesthetically similar and share Denza’s existing SUV design language. According to reports, the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive N8 is offered with either 429 hp (320 kW) or 497 hp (370 kW). A triple-motor all-wheel-drive version combines a 362 hp (270 kW) front motor with two 416 hp (310 kW) rear motors, producing a total output of 1,193 hp (890 kW). Key to the new Denza N8’s range is its enormous 130.15 kWh battery. To put that into perspective, a typical long-range Tesla has roughly 75–100 kWh. The SUV also comes with a smaller 105.792 kWh battery option too. More power, longer range Depending on the battery, powertrain, and vehicle configuration, the N8 has been assigned range figures of 497 miles (800 km), 522 miles (840 km), 603 miles (970 km), and 623 miles (1,003 km). Covering 623 miles using a 130.15 kWh battery would imply energy consumption of approximately 13 kWh per 62 miles (100 km). That would be exceptionally efficient for a vehicle of this size, particularly one likely to weigh several tonnes. And that’s the main catch; it true range. Claimed figures of this nature are most likely derived from China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) testing, which is generally very favourable to EVs. This is for a variety of reasons, but relatively low speeds, gentle acceleration, extensive regenerative braking, and little resemblance to sustained motorway driving are key among them. Such tests last around 30 minutes, and typically don’t exceed 71 mph (114 kph), which is lower than western standards. For this reason, such figures should be taken with a very large pinch of salt. According to some reports, these tests typically overestimate things like range by between 15 percent and 30 percent. Take BYD’s claims with a pinch of salt A more realistic “real world” range would likely be somewhere in the region of 466 miles (750 km) to 528 miles (850 km) for mixed driving conditions. This would drop considerably for sustained high-speed driving, or during cold weather conditions. That all said, the inclusion of a 130 kWh LFP pack into a production SUV is genuinely impressive. It can apparently provide long range without using more expensive nickel-rich battery chemistry. The original Denza N8 launched in 2023, when its plug-in hybrid version offered a claimed combined range of 640 miles (1,030 km). Three years later, the fully electric model is approaching the same headline figure without relying on a combustion engine. Even after discounting the optimistic test cycle, it could still be among the longest-range electric SUVs available. Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Christopher graduated from Cardiff University in 2004 with a Masters Degree in Geology. Since then, he has worked exclusively within the Built Environment, Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental Consultancy industries. He is a qualified and accredited Energy Consultant, Green Deal Assessor and Practitioner member of IEMA. Chris’s main interests range from Science and Engineering, Military and Ancient History to Politics and Philosophy.