BYD at Shanghai Auto Show in China launched a new electric vehicle which has a range of 405 km and if launched in India could become a most selling EV.
BYD has launched a new electric vehicle at Shanghai Auto Show in China called the Seagull, a five-door EV which is an important EV for China which is currently disrupting the market. Bookings for the Seagull EV have begin with the BYD receiving 10,000 bookings in just 24 hours. The BYD Seagull EV has a 92.71 bhp motor with 38 kWh battery pack that gives a range of 405 km and a top speed of 130 kmph.
BYD has priced the Seagull in China at CYD 78,800 which is Rs. 9.31 lakh in Indian Rupees, and this is for the base variant. The mid-variant is priced at CYD 83,800 (Rs. 10.01 lakh) and CYD 95,800 (Rs. 11.44 lakh) for the top-end variant. The Seagull EV is part of the Ocean Series which has models such as Sea Lion SUV, Seal Sedan and Dolphin Sedan, and the Seagull will be positioned right below the Dolphin Sedan.
The Seagull EV has LED headlamps with two LED vertical blocks that act as LED DRLs which the BYD is marketing these headlamps as “Ice-breaking Eyes” and the rear has connecting LED light bar. It has single-wiper similar to the one’s on Nano and has pull-up door handles with no alloy wheels, only steel wheels with the covers painted and styled most likely.
Inside the Seagull, the interiors look a bit premium with a 5-inch digital instrument cluster and at the center with 12.8-inch infotainment system, three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, could possibly have dual-tone interior option, wireless charging pad, cup holders, and powered driver’s seat. The Seagull EV measures 3780mm in length, 1715mm width, height of 1540mm, and has a wheelbase of 2500mm.
Will the Seagull EV launch in India as well? Currently, BYD sells Atto3 and e6 in India but could launch it in the future maybe before 2024 or mid 2024. If it does launches in India, and it’s pricing is done correctly, then it could definitely rival the Tata Motors Tiago EV for the position of the most affordable EV in India.