The BYD Seagull (Chinese: 比亚迪海鸥; pinyin: Bǐyǎdí Hǎi'ōu) is a battery electric city car manufactured by BYD Auto since 2023. Positioned below the Dolphin within BYD's line-up, it is currently the smallest BYD vehicle, occupying the A00-class in Chinese segmentation (equivalent to European A-segment).[5] It is part of the Ocean product line and marketed through "Ocean Network"-branded dealerships and stores. The car was made available in Brazil and some other South American markets in 2024 as the BYD Dolphin Mini.[6]

BYD Seagull
Overview
ManufacturerBYD Auto
Also calledBYD Dolphin Mini (Latin America, except Colombia)[1]
Production2023–present
AssemblyChina: Xi'an, Shaanxi; Changzhou, Jiangsu[2]
DesignerUnder the lead of Wolfgang Egger
Body and chassis
ClassCity car (A)
Body style5-door hatchback
LayoutFront-motor, front-wheel-drive
Platforme-Platform 3.0[3]
RelatedBYD Dolphin
Powertrain
Electric motorBYD TZ180XSH permanent magnet synchronous
Power output55 kW (74 hp; 75 PS)
Battery
Electric range
  • 305 km (190 mi) (CLTC, 30.08 kWh)
  • 405 km (252 mi) (CLTC, 38.88 kWh)
Plug-in charging
  • 6.6 kW (AC)
  • 30/40 kW (DC)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,500 mm (98.4 in)
Length3,780 mm (148.8 in)
Width1,715 mm (67.5 in)
Height1,540 mm (60.6 in)
Kerb weight1,160–1,240 kg (2,557–2,734 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorBYD e1[4]

Overview

edit

The Seagull was introduced on 27 April 2023 in China. Unlike its 3-door rivals in the sub-100,000 yuan electric car segment, the Seagull features a 4-seat, 5-door configuration in a hatchback body style with a length of only 3,780 mm (148.8 in). According to Chinese publications, it is targeted towards younger customers seeking simpler means of transportation.[7]

The exterior design of the Seagull combines numerous sharp lines, angular shaped headlights, and a sloping roofline with rear lamps connected by a light bar.[8] Interior space utilization is prioritized by increasing the wheelbase-to-length ratio at 66 percent, higher than the BYD Dolphin at 64 percent, along with the use of the thinner blade battery.[9] In line with other BYD Ocean models, the dashboard design has a "wing" design depicting a seagull's wing with a two-tone design, and equipped with a rotatable 10.1-inch touch-screen infotainment system along with a 5-inch digital instrument cluster.[10][11]

The Seagull is equipped with six airbags, rear disc brakes, electronic parking brake, and electronic stability programme. Its body in white contains 61% of high-strength steel, and uses hot-forming with a tensile strength of over 1,500 MPa in key parts.[7]

Following its world premiere at Auto Shanghai in the second half of April 2023, BYD started delivering the Seagull in China.[10] Upon its release, BYD received 10,000 orders for the Seagull in 24 hours.[12] On 29 November 2023, the 200,000th Seagull rolled off the assembly line, only seven months after its introduction.[13] Due to its low selling price at below CN¥90,000 or US$12,000, the Seagull has also garnered curiosity and praise from international media and industry experts.[14][15][16][17]

In March 2024, BYD reduced the price of the Seagull by five percent in China with the release of the Seagull Honor Edition as the 2024 model year.[18] The Seagull Honor Edition introduced a new body colour option, Ice Blue, with a Sea Blue interior colour.[19]

BYD plans to launch a European-market variant of the Seagull in 2025.[20][21]

Specifications

edit

In China, there are currently three trims offered: a base model called the "Vitality Edition" (活力版), a higher specification "Freedom Edition" (自由版), and a top-specification variant called the "Flying Edition" (飞翔版). All three models are powered by a single 55 kW (74 hp) synchronous motor with a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph)[10] and a claimed 0–50 km/h acceleration of 4.9 seconds,[22] with an 0-100 km/h of 13 seconds.

Both the Vitality and Freedom models are built with a 30 kWh (110 MJ) LFP blade battery, enabling a cruise range of 305 km (190 mi) (CLTC); the Flying model sports a larger 38 kWh (140 MJ) battery pack and a range of approximately 405 km (252 mi) (CLTC). The battery can be recharged via an household AC power plug at 6.6 kW, or via a DC fast charger at 30 or 40 kW (depending on the model), during which it reportedly can be charged from 30% to 80% capacity in 30 minutes.

Powertrain

edit
Battery capacity Production Battery Range (CLTC) Power Torque 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) Top speed Drive
30.08 kWh April 2023 – present Lithium iron phosphate 305 km (190 mi) 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) 135 N⋅m (100 lb⋅ft) 13.0 s (0-100km/h = 14.4s measured) 130 km/h (81 mph) FWD
38.88 kWh Lithium iron phosphate (BYD blade) 405 km (252 mi) 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) 135 N⋅m (100 lb⋅ft)

Recall

edit

On 30 April 2024, BYD issued a recall for 16,666 Seagull units in China due to reversing camera software failure. It affects units produced between 7 April 2023 and 31 May 2023. The recall will be conducted through an over-the-air (OTA) update.[23]

Sales

edit
Year China
2023 239,270[24]

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ Alvarez, Santiago (16 April 2024). "Nuevo BYD Seagull en Colombia, el city car eléctrico que llega a revolucionar el mercado" [New BYD Seagull in Colombia, the electric city car that will revolutionize the market]. autosdeprimera.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 27 April 2024.
  2. ^ "All about BYD". MarkLines Automotive Industry Portal. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  3. ^ Kuhudzai, Remeredzai Joseph (29 April 2023). "BYD Unleashes The Seagull In China — And It's Cheaper Than A Petrol-Powered Honda Fit!". CleanTechnica. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  4. ^ "比亚迪海鸥更多信息曝光,或8万元起售,还会是爆款吗?". www.sohu.com. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  5. ^ "比亚迪海鸥就是纯电动小车界的"黑马"" [BYD Seagull is the "dark horse" in the pure electric car industry]. www.sohu.com. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  6. ^ "BYD Seagull será lançado no Brasil como Dolphin Mini por cerca de R$ 100.000". Quatro Rodas (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  7. ^ a b "比亚迪海鸥正式上市!海洋系列又添新成员!" [BYD Seagull officially launched! The ocean series has a new member!]. Sohu. 27 April 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  8. ^ "BYD revealed official pictures of the $11,600 Seagull EV. To launch on April 18, possibly with a sodium-ion battery". CarNewsChina. 31 March 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  9. ^ "「银翼杀手」比亚迪海鸥上市,杀向五菱,最痛却是飞度" ["Blade Runner" BYD Seagull is launched, killing Wuling, but the most painful thing is Fit]. 爱范儿 (in Chinese (China)). 27 April 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  10. ^ a b c "BYD Seagull interior revealed ahead of April 18 launch". CarNewsChina. 12 April 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  11. ^ "售价7.38万元起 比亚迪海鸥正式上市-手机新浪汽车" [BYD Seagull officially launched with price starting from 73,800 yuan]. auto.sina.cn. 26 April 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  12. ^ Jin, Qian (19 April 2023). "BYD Seagull electric hatchback got 10,000 orders in 24 hours". CarNewsChina.com. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  13. ^ Jin, Qian (29 November 2023). "The 200,000th BYD Seagull rolled off the assembly line". CarNewsChina.com. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  14. ^ "Small, well-built Chinese EV called the Seagull poses a big threat to the US auto industry". AP News. 13 May 2024. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  15. ^ Williams, Kevin (27 February 2024). "American Test Of $11,500 BYD Seagull: 'This Doesn't Come Across Cheap'". InsideEVs. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  16. ^ Wayland, Michael (22 March 2024). "Why a small China-made EV has global auto execs and politicians on edge". CNBC. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  17. ^ Hall, Casey (19 April 2023). "Shanghai auto show crowds flock to BYD's Seagull". Reuters. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  18. ^ Wayland, Michael (22 March 2024). "Why a small China-made EV has global auto execs and politicians on edge". CNBC. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  19. ^ Leung, Adrian (6 March 2024). "2024 BYD Dolphin Mini (Seagull) starts at 9,700 USD in China". CarNewsChina.com. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  20. ^ Askew, Mike (2 July 2024). "EVERYTHING we know about the BYD Seagull. Will this be the UK's cheapest EV?". electrifying.com. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  21. ^ Ingram, Richard (24 April 2024). "New BYD Seagull will come to the UK in 2025 to rival the Dacia Spring". Auto Express. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  22. ^ "小型车市场搅局者?动态试驾比亚迪海鸥" [A disruptor in the small car market? Dynamic test drive BYD Seagull]. Xchuxing. 14 April 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  23. ^ "【图】倒车影像故障 比亚迪召回16666台海鸥_汽车之家" [BYD recalls 16,666 Seagull units due to reversing camera failure]. www.autohome.com.cn. 30 April 2024. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
  24. ^ "【易车销量榜】全国2023年比亚迪零售量销量榜-易车榜-易车". car.yiche.com. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
edit