Highlights :
- BYD has launched its new Seagull subcompact EV at Auto Shanghai 2023.
- The Seagull is part of BYD’s Ocean series, which also includes the Dolphin compact hatchback and Seal mid-size sedan.
- The Seagull has already received 10,000 pre-orders within the first 24 hours of its debut at the auto show press conference.
- The Seagull is BYD’s cheapest EV to date, with a starting price of $11,400 (78,800 yuan) in China.
- The Seagull’s affordability is likely the main factor driving its early success in pre-sales.
The Chinese automaker BYD has introduced its new electric car model called “Seagull” in China. The Seagull is being sold at a price that is about one-fourth of the Tesla Model 3, which is one of the most popular electric cars in the US.
BYD, a Chinese automaker specializing in electric vehicles (EVs), has launched its latest EV, the Seagull, at the Auto Shanghai 2023 auto show. The Seagull is part of BYD’s Ocean series, which includes the Dolphin compact hatchback and Seal mid-size sedan.
The Seagull has already received an impressive 10,000 pre-orders within the first 24 hours of its debut at the auto show press conference. One of the key factors driving the Seagull’s early success is its affordability. With a starting price of $11,400 (78,800 yuan) in China, the Seagull is BYD’s cheapest EV to date.
The Seagull is powered by a front-mounted electric motor with a maximum output of 55 kW (74 hp). Customers can choose between two BYD Blade LFP battery packs: a 30 kWh pack with a range of 190 miles (305 km) and a 38 kWh battery offering 251 miles (405 km) of range. Both batteries offer DC fast charging capability, which can charge up to 80% in 30 minutes.
The Seagull measures 148.8 inches (3,780 mm) in length, 67.5 inches (1,715 mm) in width, and 60.6 inches (1,540 mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 98.4 inches (2,500 mm). It is smaller than the BYD Dolphin, measuring 13.6 inches (345 mm) shorter, 2.1 inches (55 mm) narrower, and 1.2 inches (30 mm) lower.
The Seagull features a modern design that’s somewhat similar to the Dolphin, if a bit more daring. It includes sharp headlights available with LEDs, a large windshield with a single wiper, “floating roof” design, a rear LED light bar reminiscent of the BYD D1 minivan, and a sporty roof spoiler. Inside, the Seagull features a 5-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch infotainment screen, a sporty steering wheel with a flat bottom, a wireless charging pad, and two cup holders.
With the Seagull’s affordability, impressive range, and modern design, it has the potential to become the best-selling EV in its market segment and in China. In fact, analysts predict it could become the best-selling EV in the country within six months of its launch. Given the size of China’s EV market, the Seagull could even become the best-selling EV in the world. The Seagull is another example of BYD’s commitment to producing high-quality and affordable EVs that are accessible to a wide range of customers.