Priced at $11,400 or 78,800 Yuan (Approx INR 9.35 Lakh), the BYD Seagull EV has received over 10,000 orders in the first 24 hours – 30kWh & 38kWh battery packs with 305km and 405km range respectively.
World’s largest EV maker, BYD has officially introduced the Seagull subcompact electric hatchback at the Auto Shanghai 2023. The company has also started pre-sales of the B-segment hatchback at the event itself. Priced at $11,400 or 78,800 Yuan (Approx INR 9.35 Lakh), the BYD Seagull is the brand’s cheapest EV to date.
The Seagull joins the Dolphin compact hatchback and Seal sedan in the brand’s Ocean series. The B-segment is all set for a big success, as it has already received over 10,000 pre-orders in the first 24 hours after it debuted at the auto show.
The BYD Seagull is based on the company’s e-Platform 3.0 that also underpins the Dolphin and Seal. It features a front-mounted electric motor rated at 55 kilowatts (74 horsepower). It is offered with two battery pack options – a 30-kilowatt-hour and a 38-kilowatt hour – offering a CLTC range of 305 kilometers and 405 kilometers respectively.
Both battery packs support DC fast charging, and it takes around 30 minutes to charge the battery up to 80 percent. The BYD Seagull is a subcompact hatchback measuring under 4 meters in length. It is 3,780mm in length, 1,715mm in width and 1,540mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,500mm. This makes it around 345mm shorter, 55mm narrower and 30mm lower than the BYD Dolphin.
The overall styling of the BYD Seagull is inspired from the Dolphin hatchback; however, it has more funky looks. It features a closed front face with sharp headlights with LEDs, a large windshield with a single wiper, floating roof design, LED tail-lights with a connected LED light bar and a roof spoiler.
The Seagull has funky interiors with dual-tone interior scheme with yellow elements on AC vents. It features a 5-inch instrument console and a free-standing 1.2.8-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with connectivity options. The compact EV has a 3-spoke steering wheel with a flat bottom, a wireless charging pad and two cup holders.
BYD Seagull India Launch?
BYD is currently selling the e6 MPV and the Atto 3 electric SUVs in our market. The company has confirmed that the Seal sedan will be launched in our market as a flagship offering before the end of this year. We expect that the Seagull could be introduced as an entry-level offering from the Chinese brand. This production is likely to bring volumes for the company, as it will be an affordable offering with a larger range.
