BYD has introduced the second-generation Seagull hatchback, a budget electric car starting at under $10,000 (~AUD 14,229). The standout feature is its ability to charge at 1000kW, allowing the battery to go from 10% to 70% in just five minutes. This new Seagull is expected to set a new standard for affordable EVs, with rapid charging and a larger, more practical design.
Record-Breaking Charging Speeds
The top three versions of the new BYD Seagull come equipped with a 39kWh battery that can utilize BYD’s 1000kW flash chargers. According to BYD, this enables charging from 10% to 70% in five minutes, 10% to 80% in six minutes, and 10% to 97% in nine minutes. Sam Evans points out that these speeds are significantly faster than those offered by high-end EVs like the Porsche Taycan, yet the Seagull costs just $11,000 (~AUD 15,652).
Upgraded Blade Battery Technology
The new Seagull uses BYD’s second-generation blade battery, which remains lithium iron phosphate (LFP) but now offers higher energy density and is built to withstand more charging cycles. Sam notes that this version provides about 20% more battery life compared to the previous generation. The 39kWh battery delivers a CLTC range of 420km, which Sam estimates to be around 340km on the WLTP cycle. The increased energy density also means the car is lighter than before.
Variants, Size, and Performance
The two base versions of the Seagull come with a 30kWh battery, offering a range of 320km but without the flash charging capability. Sam believes paying a little extra for the larger battery and rapid charging is a clear choice. The new Seagull has grown substantially, now measuring 4.2 meters long, 1.8 meters wide, and 1,570mm tall—making it 425mm longer than the previous model and roughly the size of a BYD Dolphin. It now seats five, is wider, and is significantly larger than a Toyota Yaris.
Performance has also improved. The larger battery version produces 95kW (127hp), while the smaller battery model offers 85kW (114hp). The car features rear-wheel drive, a multi-link rear suspension, and a 94-liter front trunk, further enhancing its practicality and driving dynamics. Sam argues that these upgrades make the new Seagull vastly superior to the outgoing model, which only had 55kW of power and much slower charging.
Market Position and Global Expansion
Currently, flash chargers are becoming more common in China, but their presence outside the country remains limited. The existing Seagull, sold in Australia as the Addo One, starts at A$19,990 (~$14,049). BYD has yet to announce when the new Seagull will be available internationally, but Sam expects it to launch soon in other markets due to BYD’s need to boost overseas sales amid slowing demand in China.
Competition in this segment is heating up, with rivals like the Geely EX2 gaining traction. Sam believes BYD will not want to lose market share to such competitors and will likely move quickly to introduce the new Seagull abroad.
What This Means for Buyers and the Industry
Sam Evans says the new BYD Seagull is impressive for its price and features, especially considering its rapid charging and improved battery technology. He notes that the leap from current BYD models with 50-80kW charging to 1000kW could impact resale values of existing vehicles. The Seagull’s combination of affordability, fast charging, and increased practicality could set a new benchmark for budget EVs, pushing other manufacturers to follow suit and accelerating the adoption of advanced charging infrastructure worldwide.
