BYD Launches Seagull, China’s Most Affordable EV Under $10,000

BYD has taken a significant step in the electric vehicle market with the launch of the Seagull, the company’s most affordable EV, starting at under $10,000 in China.

The Seagull has quickly made a name for itself, becoming one of the best-selling electric vehicles in the country since its debut in 2023. Notably, it outperformed the Tesla Model Y in total sales in November, solidifying BYD’s position in a highly competitive landscape.

Later this year, the Seagull will transition to the European market under the name Dolphin Surf, equipped with enhanced safety technology and additional features aimed to bolster its appeal.

The Seagull is available in three different trims: Active, Free, and Flying

Although it won’t match the base price found in China, estimates suggest that the Dolphin Surf will be priced below £20,000 ($26,000) in the UK, which positions it as one of the most accessible electric vehicles in Europe.

BYD’s executive vice president, Stella Li, noted that while it may not be the absolute cheapest option, the Dolphin Surf will represent “the best value.”

The Seagull is available in three different trims—Active, Free, and Flying—featuring two battery options that provide ranges of 190 miles and 252 miles, respectively.

The model boasts an uncomplicated interior design, including a 10.1-inch rotating central screen and a 5-inch driver display, but it is amplified by BYD’s DiLink connectivity system, which offers smartphone integration, navigation, and media capabilities.

With an exterior design led by former Lamborghini designer Wolfgang Egger, the Seagull has garnered the nickname “Mini Lamborghini.” Measuring at just 3,780 mm in length, it is smaller than the Volkswagen ID.3, creating a unique footprint in the EV market.

Looking ahead, BYD’s sales projections are ambitious, expecting to double from 83,000 units last year to 186,000 by 2025, with hopes of reaching nearly 400,000 by 2029. With the Dolphin Surf on the horizon, many in the industry are watching to see if BYD’s budget-friendly approach can replicate its domestic success in Europe.