BYD, a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant, has recently shared images of its upcoming mini EV called the Seagull on social media platform Weibo. The new model is expected to be another major player in the sub-RMB 100,000 electric vehicle market, with competition in the segment becoming increasingly intense.
Although BYD did not provide any information about the Seagull, the model appeared on a regulatory list in January, and its key specifications are already known. The Seagull has a length, width, and height of 3,780 mm, 1,715 mm, and 1,540 mm, respectively, and a wheelbase of 2,500 mm.
The Seagull is equipped with a single motor that delivers a maximum power of 55 kW and a top speed of 130 km per hour. It will be available in 30 kWh and 38 kWh battery pack versions, with a CLTC range of 305 km and 405 km, respectively.
BYD plans to mass-produce sodium-ion batteries in the second quarter of 2023, and they will be featured in the Qin EV, Dolphin, and the new model Seagull. The Seagull will be offered with both sodium-ion and lithium-ion battery versions, with the former expected to cost as little as 60,000 yuan ($8,730) and the latter expected to cost 80,000 yuan. The BYD Seagull equipped with sodium-ion batteries will have a range of 300 kilometers, while the lithium-ion version will have a range of 400 kilometers, according to reports.
Although rumors have been circulating about the Seagull’s launch date and price range, BYD has not confirmed any of these reports. The company has stated that the estimated price range for the Seagull is RMB 80,000 to RMB 100,000.
As the sub-RMB 100,000 electric vehicle market becomes more competitive, the launch of the Seagull means BYD is increasing its efforts to remain a major player in the segment. It will be interesting to see how the Seagull fares in this highly competitive market and whether it lives up to expectations.
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