BYD’s $10K Seagull EV was the top-selling automobile in China final month

BYD’s least expensive electrical automobile, the Seagull, was the top-selling automobile in China final month, with practically 41,000 fashions bought. Beginning at underneath $10,000, the BYD Seagull even has US automakers apprehensive.

BYD’s Seagull was China’s top-selling automobile in August

BYD has been on a roll, launching lower-priced, up to date fashions of its best-selling fashions. In March, BYD launched the Seagull EV Honor Version with a “stunning worth” beginning at simply 69,800 yuan, or lower than $10,000.

Simply 5 months later, BYD launched the 2025 Seagull with the identical beginning worth. The Seagull is already sitting atop the gross sales charts in China.

After a record-breaking August, BYD topped a million EV gross sales in 2024. The corporate bought a document over 373,000 new power automobiles (together with PHEVs) in August. Of them, 148,470 had been all-electric.

BYD’s Seagull was the top-selling automobile in China in August, with 40,949 fashions bought. The corporate mentioned the Seagull is now China’s best-selling A00 class mannequin and pure electrical automobile for the sixth consecutive month.

The Seagull EV is obtainable in three trims in China with two BYD Blade battery choices (30.08 kWh or 38.88 kWh), offering as much as 252 miles (405 km) CLTC vary.

BYD’s low-cost EV has earned the nickname “mini Lamborghini” as former Lamborghini designer Wolfgang Egger led the Seagull’s design.

Inside, the Seagull is loaded with BYD’s newest tech and software program, together with a ten.1″ rotating infotainment with DiLink clever community connection.

BYD is promoting the Seagull EV abroad because the Dolphin Mini. In Brazil, the Dolphin Mini (Seagull) begins at round $20,000 (99,800 BRL). It’s roughly the identical in Mexico at 358,800 pesos, or round $19,000.

Electrek’s Take

BYD’s least expensive EV is worrying rivals in and out of doors of China. Even Ford’s CEO Jim Farley known as the Seagull a “fairly rattling good” automobile, warning rivals of BYD’s low-cost EV. As compared, Ford solely bought 8,944 EVs mixed final month.

The Seagull is anticipated to launch as one of the vital reasonably priced EVs in Europe, beginning at underneath 20,000 euros ($21,500).

Though a number of automakers have promised to launch lower-priced EVs, will they be capable of sustain with BYD? And, extra importantly, nonetheless earn a revenue?

In line with AutoForecast Options CEO Joe McCabe, BYD’s Seagull would nonetheless be the most cost effective EV within the US at underneath $25,000, even with a 100% tariff.

North American CEO Stella Li has already mentioned BYD has no plans to launch passenger EVs (they already promote electrical buses) within the US. Nonetheless, that gained’t cease the Chinese language auto big from taking market share in different markets like Mexico, Southeast Asia, Europe, and presumably Canada.

BYD, which began as a battery maker, already has a big benefit with a longtime provide chain. The corporate’s “liberation battle” in opposition to gas-powered automobiles seems to be working to date. BYD mentioned its primary purpose is to take market share from ICE automobiles whereas selling electrical automobiles.

Supply: BYD