BYD launches second-gen Seagull EV from $9,810 with flash charging and larger body

• The 3 variants with a 420-km range support flash charging, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 70% in 5 minutes.
• The new model is 425 mm longer and expands seating capacity from 4 to 5.

BYD (HKEX: 1211) has launched the second-generation Seagull, lowering the starting price, enlarging the body and adding flash charging to select variants of its key small electric vehicle.

The company announced at a launch event in Zhengzhou, Henan, on Tuesday, that the new model comes in 5 variants, with official guide prices ranging from 65,900 yuan ($9,810) to 99,900 yuan.

The Vitality, Freedom, Comfort, Flying and Smart variants are priced at 65,900 yuan, 72,900 yuan, 75,900 yuan, 82,900 yuan and 99,900 yuan, respectively.

By comparison, the 2026 model-year version of the previous-generation Seagull started at 69,900 yuan when it launched in May, putting the new generation's entry price 4,000 yuan lower.

BYD also announced trade-in prices ranging from 62,900 yuan to 96,900 yuan, offering eligible buyers a 3,000 yuan discount on each variant's guide price.

Flash charging is among the main upgrades. The 3 higher-spec variants, starting at 75,900 yuan, support the technology and can charge from 10% to 70% in 5 minutes at dedicated charging stations.

These 3 variants — Comfort, Flying and Smart — each feature a 39.2-kWh battery pack and a CLTC range of 420 km.

The entry-level Vitality and Freedom variants use a 30.1-kWh battery pack, offering a CLTC range of 320 km without the flash charging capability.

Under the launch incentives, buyers of the 3 higher-spec variants who use their vehicles for non-commercial purposes are entitled to 1 year of free charging at BYD flash charging stations from the date of delivery.

The second-generation Seagull is significantly larger, measuring 4,205 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width and 1,570 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm.

Compared with its predecessor, the new model is 425 mm longer and has a 150 mm longer wheelbase. Seating capacity increases from 4 to 5, bringing its dimensions closer to those of the BYD Dolphin.

Storage space has also expanded, with a new 94-liter frunk and rear cargo capacity of up to 1,380 liters with the rear seats folded down.

The powertrain layout switches from a front-mounted motor and front-wheel drive to a rear-mounted motor and rear-wheel drive, while the rear suspension upgrades from a torsion beam to an independent multi-link setup.

The 2 variants with a 320-km range use an 85-kW (114 hp) motor, while the 3 variants with a 420-km range feature a 95-kW motor, both more powerful than the previous generation's 55-kW unit.

The new model features a redesigned front end with trident-style lights, a revamped cabin and comfort features including ventilated and heated front seats and a driver's seat massage function.

The launch comes as the Seagull's monthly sales have returned to year-on-year growth, though year-to-date sales remain under pressure. The model is a key sales contributor to BYD's Ocean lineup.

Seagull sales totaled 38,650 units in September, up 11.75% year-on-year and 7.05% from August, marking a second consecutive month of year-on-year growth, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.

However, sales in the first 9 months of the year fell 33.22% year-on-year to 265,901 units. The model sold 529,537 units in full-year 2025.

Cumulative Seagull sales reached about 1.55 million units from its debut in April 2023 through the end of September this year. The new generation brings a lower entry price and a broader range of features to the product line.