BYD’s Top-Selling $10k Seagull EV Heading Overseas

China’s BYD just had its best month of 2025, and its ultra-affordable Seagull EV is leading the charge, while America’s automotive industry faces economic uncertainty.

In April, the Chinese automaker sold 380,089 new energy vehicles (NEVs), a combination of fully electric and plug-in hybrid models. For the first time in over a year, fully electric models outsold hybrids, with 195,740 pure EVs delivered—up 45% year-over-year. The star performer? The Seagull, BYD’s cheapest EV, which alone accounted for 55,028 of those sales.

Starting at just 69,800 yuan (around $9,700 USD), the Seagull is the most affordable EV in BYD’s lineup. It comes in three trims—Active, Free, and Flying—with two battery options offering ranges of 305 km (190 miles) and 405 km (252 miles) on the China light-duty vehicle test cycle (CLTC). Designed by former Lamborghini and Audi designer Wolfgang Egger, the Seagull’s sporty angles and compact size (just 3,780 mm long) have earned it the nickname “Mini Lamborghini” in China.

BYD Seagull trim	Starting Price	Range (CLTC)
Active	$9,700 (69,800 yuan)	190 mi (305 km)
Free	$10,500 (75,800 yuan)	190 mi (305 km)
Flying	$12,000 (85,800 yuan)	252 mi (405 km)

Global Ambitions

The Seagull’s influence isn’t limited to China. BYD is pushing into overseas markets with momentum, setting a new international sales record for the fifth consecutive month in April with nearly 80,000 vehicles sold abroad. Through the first four months of 2025, BYD has moved 285,170 vehicles outside China—more than double the same period last year.

Marketed overseas as the Dolphin Mini, the Seagull is already being sold in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and the Philippines. Later this year, it will debut in Europe as the Dolphin Surf, with prices expected to start under £20,000 ($26,000 USD). Even with import tariffs, analysts believe BYD’s aggressive pricing strategy will keep the Seagull competitive in European markets.

A Bigger Picture

BYD’s broader success is built on its diverse brand strategy. The Ocean and Dynasty lines, which include the Seagull, made up the bulk of April’s sales with 347,053 units sold. Premium sub-brands like Denza, Fang Cheng Bao, and Yangwang added another 25,562 vehicles.

According to S&P Global Mobility, BYD’s European sales are projected to more than double in 2025, reaching 186,000 units. With its affordability, compact design, and growing international footprint, the Seagull could be one of the most disruptive EVs the global market has seen in years.

EVinfo.net’s Take

Under America’s current economic uncertainty, our automotive industry is struggling, falling further behind global automotive leader China.

Having once dismissed Chinese carmakers, America’s auto industry is now saying BYD and other Chinese EVS represent an existential threat, said Business Insider.