BYD’s Seagull, the company’s most affordable electric vehicle (EV), surged in sales last month, topping both electric and gas-powered car sales in China.
With a starting price of approximately $10,000, the Seagull sold 56,156 units in November, a 38% increase compared to the same month in 2023. This performance allowed the Seagull to reclaim the title of China’s best-selling car from the Tesla Model Y.
According to the China Passenger Car Association, the Seagull’s success came amidst a decline in sales for the Tesla Model Y, which saw an 11% drop in year-over-year sales, reaching 44,576 units.
The Seagull, launched with the aim of expanding BYD’s affordable EV offering, continues to challenge traditional gas-powered cars. In fact, gas-powered vehicles accounted for only a small share of the top-selling models in China, with the Nissan Sylphy and several Volkswagen models making the list.
The Seagull, launched in March, is available in three trims and offers two battery options, providing a range of up to 252 miles (405 km). The model’s affordability, combined with BYD’s aggressive push into the electric vehicle market, has positioned it as a significant competitor in China’s rapidly growing EV sector.
As the company continues its strong sales, BYD has now sold over half a million new energy vehicles globally in November, setting a new record.