BYD Slashes Price of Seagull EV to Just $7,800 Amidst Fierce Price War

BYD has significantly reduced the price of its Seagull electric vehicle (EV) in China, now starting at just 56,800 yuan (approximately $7,800).

This reduction comes as the automaker seeks to bolster its competitiveness amidst an escalating price war in the EV market. The cut is applicable to the non-Smart Driving Vitality Edition, which previously retailed at 69,800 yuan ($9,500).

Since its launch last year, the BYD Seagull has positioned itself as a key player in making electric mobility more accessible. The company aims to usher in “a new era of electricity being lower than oil” as stated in its promotional campaigns.

The Compact BYD Seagull: A Game-Changer for Affordable Electric Mobility

BYD’s commitment to affordability and innovation is also reflected in its widespread upgrade of vehicles, including the Seagull, with the new “God’s Eye” smart driving system free of charge.

The Seagull is offered in three trims: Vitality, Freedom, and Flying, with battery options of 30.1 kWh for a range of 305 km (190 miles) and 38.9 kWh for 405 km (252 miles) on the Chinese testing cycle. Notably, the compact Seagull measures 3,780 mm long—making it even smaller than the Chevy Bolt EV and more comparable to the Fiat 500e.

BYD’s customer base continues to expand, with the automaker selling an impressive 1 million new energy vehicles in 2025 alone, a 39% increase in EVs and a staggering 76% surge in plug-in hybrids compared to the previous year.

The global push for the Seagull is underway, with sales already established in markets like Mexico and Brazil, targeted to launch in Europe later this year as the Dolphin Surf, expected to retail under £20,000 ($26,000).

While the Seagull may not be the outright cheapest EV on the market, BYD’s executive vice president, Stella Li, assures that it will deliver exceptional value when it reaches European shores.