Lexi Webster
The BYD Seagull is a small electric car produced by Chinese automotive giant BYD, which became the world's biggest EV producer in 2024. The Seagull is currently sold in China and will be sold in the UK as the 'Dolphin Surf'. The car may also be coming to Australia, where it could become the cheapest EV on the market. However, BYD has not yet confirmed this.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Launch date | 2026 |
| Price | $20,000-$30,000 |
| Distributor | BYD |
| Previous distributor | EVDirect |
| Safety rating | Four-star ANCAP |
| Production | Right-hand drive |
| Size | Smaller than the Dolphin and the MG4 |
| Cabin | Spacious |
| Battery | 30kWh or 39kWh lithium iron phosphate |
| Range | 305km-507km |
| Boot space | 308-1037 litres |
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What You'll Learn
The BYD Seagull could be Australia's cheapest EV
The BYD Seagull could be Australia's cheapest electric vehicle (EV) after the company's strategy switch and takeover of local distribution. Previously, the BYD Seagull was ruled out by the company's distributor, EVDirect, due to its likely four-star ANCAP safety rating. However, with BYD taking over distribution in Australia from 1 July 2025, the Seagull is back in contention.
The BYD Seagull is already produced in right-hand drive for the UK market, where it will be known as the Dolphin Surf. The Seagull is slightly bigger than the Kia Picanto and the discontinued Volkswagen Up micro-cars, but smaller than the Mazda 2 light hatch. It is powered by a 55kW electric motor and offers a range of up to 507km with two battery sizes: 30kWh and 39kWh lithium iron phosphate batteries, the latter being a 'Blade' type.
In China, the Seagull is priced at around ¥70,000 (A$15,300), making it the company's most popular product with 61,131 sales in May 2025 alone. While the price for the Australian market is yet to be determined, it is expected to be priced lower than the BYD Dolphin, which is priced at under $30,000 in Australia. BYD Australia is working on a business case for the Seagull, taking into account factors such as demand and local product plans.
If BYD can successfully navigate the challenges of the micro/light passenger car segment in Australia and position the Seagull at a competitive price, it could become the country's most affordable EV, offering a combination of performance, range, and affordability.
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The car is already produced in right-hand drive for the UK
The BYD Seagull is a city-sized electric car produced by Chinese automotive giant BYD. The car is already produced in right-hand drive for the UK, where it will be sold under the name "Dolphin Surf". The switch to right-hand drive production opens up the possibility of the car being sold in Australia, where vehicles drive on the left side of the road.
In the UK, the Seagull will be offered in three models: Active, Boost, and Comfort. It will be powered by a 55kW front-mounted electric motor and will have a range of up to 507km. The car will also be larger than the Kia Picanto and the discontinued Volkswagen Up micro-cars, but smaller than the Mazda 2 light hatch.
The production of the Seagull in right-hand drive is a significant development, as it was previously ruled out by BYD's independent importer, EVDirect, due to its likely four-star ANCAP safety rating. With the switch to right-hand drive, the Seagull now has the potential to become Australia's cheapest electric vehicle (EV). BYD's Australian factory distribution starts on July 1, 2025, and the company is actively working on a business case for the Seagull in the Australian market.
The Seagull's success in China, where it was the brand's best-selling single model with over 61,000 units sold in May 2025, bodes well for its potential launch in Australia. However, BYD Australia Senior Manager Product Planning and Pricing Sajid Hasan has cautioned that the price of the Seagull in China may not be directly transferable to the Australian market due to various factors, including dealer delivery fees. Nonetheless, the Seagull's potential pricing of around AUD$20,000 would make it highly competitive in the Australian market and could reignite the light car segment.
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BYD will take over distribution in Australia from 1 July 2025
The Seagull is already produced in right-hand drive for the UK market, where it will be sold under the name 'Dolphin Surf'. The vehicle is slightly bigger than the Kia Picanto and the discontinued Volkswagen Up micro-cars but smaller than the Mazda 2 light hatch. While BYD offers both hybrid and battery-electric models across its range, the Seagull is electric-only and uses a 55kW motor to drive the front wheels. It offers a range of up to 507km (CLTC) from its two battery sizes.
In the Chinese market, the Seagull is offered with a choice of 30kWh and 39kWh lithium iron phosphate batteries, with the latter 'Blade' type delivering a range of 405km (CLTC). The peak DC charge rate for the bigger battery is 40kW, with a 30-80% capacity claim of 30 minutes. The Seagull has been a popular model in China, with over 61,000 units sold in May 2025 alone, making it BYD's best-selling single model in the country.
The pricing of the Seagull in Australia is yet to be determined, but it is expected to be competitive and positioned in the low- to mid-$20,000 range. BYD Australia is currently working on a business case for the vehicle, taking into account factors such as demand and production costs. If the Seagull is launched in Australia, it has the potential to reignite the light car segment and become the country's most affordable EV.
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The Seagull is smaller than the BYD Dolphin and the MG4
The BYD Seagull is a battery-electric city car manufactured by BYD Auto since 2023. It is currently the smallest BYD vehicle, occupying the A00-class in Chinese segmentation. The BYD Seagull is smaller than the BYD Dolphin, which measures 4070 mm in length, 1770 mm in width, and 1570 mm in height. The Seagull, on the other hand, measures 3780 mm in length, 1715 mm in width, and 1580 mm in height. The BYD Dolphin is also more powerful than the Seagull, with 94 hp and 180 Nm of torque compared to the Seagull's 74 hp and 135 Nm of torque.
The BYD Seagull is also smaller than the MG4, a competing electric vehicle in the Philippine market. While exact dimensions for the MG4 are not available, the MG4 is a more powerful vehicle than the Seagull, with 170 hp and 250 Nm of torque compared to the Seagull's 74 hp and 135 Nm of torque.
The BYD Seagull has been marketed as a budget-friendly and affordable option for consumers. In China, the Seagull is offered at an entry price of around ¥70,000 (approximately A$15,300). In the Philippines, the Seagull is priced at ₱898,000, making it a more affordable option than the BYD Dolphin, priced at ₱1.398 million, and the MG4, priced at ₱1.469 million.
The smaller size of the BYD Seagull contributes to its interior space utilization, with a wheelbase-to-length ratio of 66 percent, slightly higher than the Dolphin's 64 percent. The Seagull's compact size and affordability have made it a popular choice, with BYD receiving 10,000 orders in the first 24 hours of its release.
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The car's safety rating is a potential concern
The BYD Seagull could be Australia's cheapest electric vehicle (EV) if it comes to the country. However, its potential four-star ANCAP safety rating is a concern for consumers.
Every BYD currently sold in Australia has a five-star ANCAP rating. In contrast, the Seagull, which is already produced in right-hand drive for the UK market, is expected to have a four-star ANCAP rating. This rating is lower than what other BYD models have received, which could deter potential customers who prioritize safety.
However, it is important to note that a four-star rating may not significantly impact the Seagull's market performance in Australia. The Fiat 500e, a competitor in the same segment, also has a four-star rating. Additionally, the Seagull's advanced safety features, such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot detection, could make it a leader in its class despite the four-star rating.
Moreover, BYD's local distribution takeover and the addition of its entry-level 'God's Eye C' system could enhance the Seagull's safety features and potentially bring it closer to a five-star ANCAP rating.
While the safety rating is a potential concern, the Seagull's competitive pricing, spacious cabin, and performance could still make it a compelling option for Australian consumers.
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Frequently asked questions
The BYD Seagull could be sold in Australia. Previously, the car was ruled out by the company's distributor, EVDirect, but BYD is taking over distribution in Australia from 1 July 2025, and the Seagull is now back in contention.
The BYD Seagull is expected to be priced between $25,000 to $30,000 in Australia, which would make it the country's cheapest electric vehicle (EV).
The BYD Seagull is a city-sized, five-door EV that is slightly bigger than the Kia Picanto and the discontinued Volkswagen Up micro-cars, but smaller than the Mazda 2 light hatch. It is powered by a 55kW front-mounted electric motor driving the front wheels and offers a range of up to 507km (CLTC) from its two battery sizes.
