BYD, the renowned Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has achieved remarkable sales figures for its latest offering, the Seagull, in the month of May. After its initial release in April, where it sold 1,500 units, the Seagull saw a significant boost in demand, with sales skyrocketing to 14,300 units in May.
Among the total number of pure electric vehicles sold by BYD in May, which amounted to an impressive 119,603 units, the Seagull contributed approximately 12% to the overall sales. This demonstrates the strong appeal and market reception of BYD’s newest addition to its electric vehicle lineup.
The Seagull presents potential buyers with three distinct trim options, featuring price ranges between 73,800 and 89,800 yuan (equivalent to $10,400 to $12,600 USD). All variants of the Seagull come equipped with a single front motor boasting 74 horsepower (HP), a peak torque of 135 Nm, and a top speed of 130 km/h.
The primary differentiation among the trim levels lies in the battery choices. The top-tier option boasts a 38.88 kWh battery pack, providing an impressive range of 405 kilometers according to China’s New Energy Vehicle Test Procedure (CLTC). The other two configurations offer a 30.08 kWh battery pack, granting a range of 305 kilometers. Both battery options utilize an LFP Blade battery and support 30-40 kW fast charging, allowing the Seagull to recharge from 30% to 80% capacity within just 30 minutes.
Prior to its official launch, BYD initiated pre-sales of the Seagull during the Shanghai Auto Show. Within a mere 24 hours, the company amassed a staggering 10,000 orders for this model. Notably, the Seagull currently holds the distinction of being BYD’s most affordable offering, further enhancing its appeal in the market.
As part of BYD’s Ocean series, the Seagull is a 5-door, 4-seater vehicle built upon BYD’s e-platform 3.0. It boasts dimensions measuring 3780 mm in length, 1715 mm in width, and 1540 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2500 mm.
In the Chinese market, the BYD Seagull faces competition from two main rivals. The first is the Wuling Bingo, manufactured by GM’s joint venture in China, SGMW. Priced at 59,800 yuan ($8,400 USD), the Wuling Bingo features a 50-kilowatt electric motor and offers a range of 333 kilometers under the CLTC standard.
The other contender is another BYD model, the Dolphin, which starts at 116,800 yuan ($16,400 USD). In terms of sales performance, the BYD Seagull has made an impressive debut, outselling both its competitors. While the Wuling Bingo sold 16,383 units in its first month (April) after release, the BYD Dolphin recorded sales of 30,679 units in May. Nevertheless, the Seagull managed to surpass them both, solidifying its position as a popular choice among consumers.
With its attractive pricing, compelling features, and robust sales performance, the BYD Seagull continues to make waves in the Chinese electric vehicle market. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, BYD is successfully carving out a strong presence and proving itself as a frontrunner in the industry.
