Starting at under $10,000, the Seagull is the most affordable EV BYD offers in China. It’s also the company’s best seller. In just over two years, BYD has sold over 1 million Seagull EV models. Now, it’s rolling out to new global markets.
BYD Seagull EV sales surpass the 1 million mark
BYD officially launched its low-cost electric car in April 2023, with deliveries kicking off the following month. In just 25 months, BYD Seagull sales surpassed 1 million.
The Seagull went back and forth with the Tesla Model Y for a few months in 2024 as the best-selling EV in China. In November, it outsold every car in China, including gas-powered vehicles.
After selling an additional 60,131 Seagull models in May, BYD announced that its cumulative sales had reached nearly 993,000.
With just over 7,000 models to go, we knew the milestone was coming soon. During a launch event for its new Seal 06 EV on June 6, BYD officially announced that Seagull EV sales reached 1 million.
The Seagull typically starts at 69,800 yuan, or about $9,300. However, after slashing prices last month, the low-cost EV now starts at just 55,800 yuan ($7,800).
It’s available in three trims: Vitality, Freedom, and Flying. Two battery options are offered, 30.1 kWh and 38.9 kWh, which provide a CLTC range of 305 km (190 mi) and 405 km (252 mi), respectively.
BYD claimed that the Seagull opened “a new era of electricity being lower than oil” after launching the new model in 2024.
| BYD Seagull EV trim | Starting Price | Range (CLTC) |
| Vitality | Normal: $9,300 (69,800 yuan) Now: $7,800 (55,800 yuan) |
190 mi (305 km) |
| Freedom | $10,300 (75,800 yuan) | 190 mi (305 km) |
| Flying | $11,700 (85,800 yuan) | 252 mi (405 km) |
Earlier this year, BYD upgraded most of its lineup at no extra cost, including the Seagull EV, with its new “God’s Eye” smart driving system.
The Seagull measures 3,780 mm in length, 1,715 mm in width, and 1,540 mm in height, which is even smaller than the outgoing Chevy Bolt EV and VW ID.3. It’s closer in size to the Fiat 500e.
In Europe and the UK, BYD launched the Seagull EV under the name Dolphin Surf. It’s slightly bigger (+210 mm in length) and more powerful than the Chinese variant.
Although it’s not quite $10,000, prices start at just £18,650 (just over $25,000) in the UK, which is still one of the most affordable options. BYD’s base Dolphin Surf “Active” has a WLTP range of 203 miles. An extended-range “Boost” trim is available with a range of up to 305 miles (507 km). It starts at £21,950 ($30,000).
Electrek’s Take
The Seagull has been a huge part of BYD’s success over the past few years. It’s already rolling out in overseas markets, such as Brazil and Mexico, under the name Dolphin Mini.
For the first time, BYD registered more vehicles than Tesla in Europe in April. It also outsold Tesla in the UK last month.
The Dolphin Surf’s arrival is only expected to accelerate BYD’s momentum going into the end of the year. Although BYD is best known for its ultra-affordable EVs, like the Seagull (or Dolphin Surf), it’s rapidly expanding its lineup with new luxury vehicles, entry-level models, mid-size SUVs, and electric supercars.
One thing is certain: BYD will be a name to continue to watch closely over the next few years as the industry shifts to electric.
BYD’s commitment to ending production of vehicles powered entirely by gas engines in 2022 is quickly paying dividends.
Source: CarNewsChina, BYD
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