BYD unveils new Seagull EV with flash charging for under $10,000

The second-generation BYD Seagull arrives in China with a larger five-seat cabin, up to 420 km of CLTC range, advanced driver assistance and rapid charging technology.

BYD has officially launched the second-generation Seagull electric hatchback in China, introducing significant upgrades while lowering the entry price compared with the previous model. The new electric vehicle (EV) features a larger body, seating for five passengers, second-generation Blade Battery technology and an advanced Flash Charging system on selected variants.

The compact EV is available under different names in international markets, including Dolphin, Surf, Dolphin Mini and Atto 1. With its starting price below $10,000, the latest Seagull strengthens BYD’s position in the affordable electric car segment.

Pricing and Exterior Dimensions

The new Seagull is offered in five trim levels, with the entry-level version priced at 700 yuan less than the 2025 model’s starting price of 69,900 yuan. This makes the updated hatchback a more affordable option despite its improved features and increased dimensions.

The vehicle measures 4,205 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width and 1,570 mm in height, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase. Compared with its predecessor, it is 425 mm longer and has a wheelbase extended by 150 mm. The additional space allows the cabin to accommodate five occupants instead of four.

The hatchback offers a rear cargo capacity of up to 1,380 litres and a 94-litre front trunk. Its exterior follows BYD’s Marine Aesthetics design language, with six colour options available.

Interior and Technology Upgrades

Inside, the new Seagull features a 15.6-inch touchscreen powered by the DiLink 150 intelligent cockpit system and DeepSeek AI. Comfort equipment includes electrically adjustable front seats, heating and ventilation, driver massage functions, 50W wireless phone charging, 127-colour ambient lighting and an eight-speaker sound system.

Selected versions also receive BYD’s DiPilot 300 God’s Eye driving assistance system with LiDAR. Its capabilities include navigation assistance for city and highway driving, traffic-light recognition and obstacle avoidance. Safety equipment includes a reinforced body structure, up to six airbags and a tyre blowout stabilisation system.

Battery, Range and Flash Charging

The electric hatchback comes with motor options producing 85 kW (114 hp) and 95 kW (127 hp), both delivering 130 Nm of torque.

Battery options include 30.1 kWh and 39.2 kWh units, offering CLTC-rated driving ranges of 320 km and 420 km, respectively. BYD claims energy consumption of 9.0 kWh per 100 km.

The three higher trim levels equipped with the larger battery feature Flash Charging, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 70% in five minutes, according to the company.

BYD Targets a Sales Recovery

The launch comes as the Seagull faces growing competition in China. Global sales reached 266,000 units during January–September 2026, down 33% year-on-year, while domestic sales declined 66% to 83,600 units.

Rival Geely EX2 has gained considerable traction, selling 310,000 units during the same period. BYD hopes the redesigned Seagull, competitive pricing, expanded cabin and faster charging will help restore its momentum in the increasingly crowded small EV market.