BYD launches China pre-sales of the mini EV Seagull

BYD presented a series of electric and plug-in hybrid models at Auto Shanghai. Among them is the mini electric vehicle Seagull, which has now gone on pre-sale in the Chinese market for 78,800 yuan (about $11,450).

++ This article has been updated. Please continue reading below. ++

The premiere of the Seagull came as no surprise, as the model was registered with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in January – the entry in the ministry’s vehicle catalogue is a strong indication of the market launch within a few months.

The most important facts: The Seagull looks similar to the compact model Dolphin (which will also launch in Europe). But at 3.78 metres, it is almost 35 centimetres shorter. However, the model is also based on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, which means it uses Blade batteries with LFP cell chemistry. While there is only one version of the 55 kW electric motor, BYD will offer two battery versions: 30 kWh for 305 kilometres of range according to the Chinese CLTC cycle and 38.9 kWh for 405 kilometres.

The purely electric Song L concept car also celebrated its premiere at the Auto Shanghai. It is supposed to take on the Tesla Model Y in the future. The dimensions of the concept car are not yet known, but it is also supposed to be based on the e-Platform 3.0. According to CN EV Post, the Song L will use cell-to-body technology, whereby the lid of the battery housing is also the floor of the interior.

The Chaser 07, also on display at the show, is a plug-in hybrid sedan with a range of up to 200 kilometres according to Chinese standards. The model is expected to cost between 200,000 and 250,000 yuan (about $29.000 to $36.000).

BYD also exhibited the already familiar Denza models N7 and D9 at the stand. First details about the two electric cars of the new luxury brand Yangwang, an off-road vehicle and a sports car, were also made public in January.

Update 02 May 2023

The BYD Seagull has officially been launched on the Chinese market. BYD has lowered the prices of the electric car compared to the start of pre-sales in April. The BYD Seagull is available in three versions starting at 73,800 yuan, 78,800 yuan and 89,800 yuan, respectively, corresponding to a price range between about $10,674 and $13,000. That is 5,000 and 6,000 yuan less than previously announced.

Source: Infos per mail, cnevpost.com (Seagull), cnevpost.com (Song L/Chaser 07), cnevpost.com (Update)