BYD Seagull

In April 2023, BYD introduced the next and smallest car not only in the Ocean model line, but also in the entire range of electric vehicles. The Seagull is a 5-door hatchback with a length of only 3,780 mm (149 in), bordering on the size of an A-segment city car. Its exterior design that combines numerous sharp lines, angular shaped headlights and a sloping roofline with rear lamps connected by a light bar. The vehicle is positioned below the BYD Dolphin in terms of size.[3]

In line with other BYD 'Ocean' models, the passenger compartment has a two-tone design, with a flowing dashboard and a large, centrally located 12.8-inch touch-screen infotainment system. The digital gauges have gained an area of 5 inches.[4]

Following its world premiere at Auto Shanghai in the second half of April 2023, BYD has planned to begin sales of the Seagull immediately after its debut, starting in China.[4]

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  Rear view
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  Interior

There are currently three models 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)[4] and a claimed 0–50 km/h acceleration of 4.9 seconds, with an 0-100 km/h of 13 seconds.

Both the "Vitality" and "Freedom" models are built with a 30 kWh (110 MJ) LiFePO₄ blade battery, enabling a cruise range of 305 km (190 mi) (NEDC); the "Flying" model sports a larger 38 kWh (140 MJ) battery pack and a range of approximately 405 km (252 mi) (NEDC). The battery pack can be recharged via an household AC power plug at 11 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.

A recent innovation is the use of the sodium-ion battery technology, which is lithium- and cobalt-free, less mining-dependent and has a lower theoretical manufacturing cost. BYD has announced to use sodium-ion batteries in future batches of the Seagull as one of the first three cars in its fleet to do so.[4]