Is BYD bringing its least expensive EV to a different abroad market? BYD will formally launch an electrical automobile even smaller than the Dolphin in Australia, hinting it could possibly be the low-cost Seagull EV.
BYD is understood for its extraordinarily reasonably priced electrical automobiles. Its least expensive EV, the Seagull, begins at below $10,000 (69,800 yuan) in China.
The Seagull was the top-selling EV in China in August, its sixth straight month claiming the title. In September, BYD offered one other 43,425 Seagull fashions, pushing complete gross sales over the 400,000 mark for the primary time.
After dominating in its dwelling market, BYD is trying abroad to drive development. BYD’s Seagull, referred to as the Dolphin Mini, is already rolling out in key markets like Mexico and Brazil.
Even abroad, the Seagull (Dolphin Mini) is among the many least expensive EV choices, beginning at round $20,000 (99,800 BRL, 358,800 pesos).
BYD is hinting it may launch its least expensive electrical automobile in one other key abroad market. David Smith, CEO of BYD’s Australian importer, EVDirect, confirmed to Drive that it plans to launch a automobile smaller than the Dolphin.
BYD hints at Seagull EV launch in Australia
The Dolphin was Australia’s least expensive EV when it launched in 2023. Nonetheless, the compact EV has since been undercut by aggressive value cuts on the MG 4 and GWM Ora.
After slashing the value by $2,000 (AUD), BYD’s Dolphin begins at $36,890. The MG 4, by way of a limited-time promo, begins at $30,990.
When requested if it might regain Australia’s least expensive electrical automobile by slicing costs additional, Smith hesitated, saying, “We at all times wish to be aggressive with our opponents, however we’re additionally cognisant of residual values.”
Smith added that BYD is “right here for the long run ” and “we at all times wish to put the model first.” Fluctuating costs may harm that.
In the meantime, that doesn’t imply a less expensive mannequin is out of the playbook. BYD’s Australian import boss defined, “Sure, there are plans for smaller autos, smaller SUVs as properly.”
At simply 3,780 mm lengthy, BYD’s Seagull is even smaller than the Chevy Bolt EV (4,145 mm) and Toyota Yaris (4,425 mm).
| BYD Seagull Honor Version trim | Beginning Value | Vary (CLTC) |
| Lively | $9,700 (69,800 yuan) |
190 mi (305 km) |
| Free | $10,500 (75,800 yuan) |
190 mi (305 km) |
| Flying | $12,000 (85,800 yuan) |
252 mi (405 km) |
BYD’s Seagull EV is offered in 30.88 kWh and 38.88 kWh BYD Blade Battery choices in China. The previous offers as much as 190 miles (305 km) CTLC vary, whereas the latter is rated with as much as 252 miles (405 km) vary.
The Seagull earned the nickname “mini Lamborghini” in China as former Lamborghini designer Wolfgang Egger led its design.
Regardless of its compact dimension, the mini EV is loaded with BYD’s newest software program and connectivity tech. The middle 10.1″ rotating infotainment options DiLink clever community connection.
The smaller SUV Smith talked about is predicted to be the brand new Yuan Up, slotted under BYD’s widespread Atto 3 mannequin.
BYD will broaden its lineup in Australia with its first pickup, the Shark PHEV, which might be launching this week. After that, BYD plans to introduce its new Sealion 7 mid-size electrical SUV with fashions from its luxurious Denza and Yangwang manufacturers confirmed for arrival.
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