BYD launches new Seagull EV with 5-minute Flash Charging, starting under $10,000

BYD’s new Seagull EV is now its cheapest electric car in China with 5-minute Flash Charging, and starts at under $10,000.

BYD’s second-generation Seagull EV price and range

The all-electric hatchback is BYD’s smallest, most affordable EV in China. Sold as the Dolphin Surf and Dolphin Mini in Europe, the UK, and other global markets, the Seagull is among the world’s top-selling EVs.

For its second generation, BYD upgraded it with more interior space, its new Blade Battery 2.0 and 5-minute Flash Charging technology, and a few added premium extras.

The new Seagull EV is now on sale in China, starting at just 62,900 yuan, or about $9,500. That’s with BYD’s “Super Trade-in” promotion.

Regular prices start at 65,900 yuan ($9,900), which is still less than its predecessor. The first-gen Seagull EV normally cost 69,900 yuan ($10,500) without incentives.

BYD’s new Seagull EV is available in five variants, priced from 65,900 yuan to 99,900 yuan ($9,900 to $15,000), without a trade-in.

The second-generation Seagull is 425 mm longer and has a 150 mm longer wheelbase than its predecessor. It now measures 4,205 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, and 1,570 mm high, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase. It also gains another seat thanks to the added space, with room for five passengers.

Unlike the current model, which is front-wheel-drive, the new Seagull switches to rear-wheel-drive. The setup uses a more powerful 85 kW (114 hp) or 95 kW (127 hp) electric motor, up from the 55 kW (75 hp) that its predecessor offered.

To improve the ride quality and handling, BYD upgraded the rear suspension to a multi-link independent system.

Inside, BYD overhauled the interior with its latest in-car software and technology. The setup includes a larger 15.6″ center infotainment screen, a two-spoke steering wheel, a redesigned center console with smart storage, and added physical buttons.

All variants include the DiLink 150 smart cockpit and BYD’s 140 km/h high-speed tire blowout stability system.

Buyers can upgrade to the optional DiPilot 300 system with God’s Eye B intelligent driving assistance. The upgraded system uses a roof-mounted LiDAR to offer ADAS features, including City Navigation on Autopilot (CNOA) and smart parking.

The front seats now include heating, ventilation, and massage functions. BYD added a few other premium extras, including ambient lighting, a 50W wireless phone charger, and smart storage.

With BYD’s Flash Charging tech, the new battery can charge from 10% to 70% in five minutes. A full recharge, or 10% to 97%, takes just nine minutes. Even in temperatures as low as -30°C, it takes 12 minutes to charge from 20% to 97%.

The new Seagull EV is available with two BYD Blade 2.0 LFP battery packs: 30.1 kWh and 39.2 kWh, providing CLTC ranges of 320 km (199 miles) and 420 km (261 miles), respectively.

After launching in China, BYD is expected to introduce the larger, upgraded version overseas, likely as the second-generation Dolphin Surf and Dolphin Mini.