Shenzhen, China – Leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD has made waves in the industry with the unveiling of its new Seagull (Dolphin Mini) EV model, featuring a starting price as low as $9,700 (69,800 yuan). Although this model is not currently available in the United States, American automakers are closely observing BYD’s latest innovation.
BYD recently introduced the new Seagull EV Honor Edition (known overseas as the Dolphin Mini), boasting a budget-friendly starting price of around $9,700 (69,800 yuan). This EV is equipped with BYD’s Blade batteries and is offered in 30.08 kWh and 38.88 kWh versions, providing impressive ranges of up to 190 miles (305 km) and 252 miles (405 km), respectively. Additionally, the vehicle can charge from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes.
Featuring a sleek design with a 10.1″ rotating center screen and minimalist interior, the Seagull EV has garnered the nickname “Lamborghini mini” due to its design direction led by former Lamborghini designer Wolfgang Egger. Notably, reports indicate that BYD is able to turn a profit on the production of this model, causing concern among American automakers.
Former General Motors executive Terry Woychowski, now serving as the president of automotive at Caresoft Global, views BYD’s new Seagull as a significant development that could signal a shift in the industry. In a recent CNBC report, Woychowski emphasized the impact of BYD’s low-cost electric car on the market and the need for American automakers to stay competitive.
While BYD currently has no plans to enter the US passenger EV market, the affordability of the Seagull could potentially disrupt the market due to its significantly lower price point compared to other electric vehicles. Given this, American automakers such as Ford and GM are exploring strategies to offer more affordable EV options to appeal to a wider audience.
Ford, for instance, is focusing on introducing smaller, more budget-friendly EVs, including an electric pickup and SUV set to launch in the coming years. GM is also planning to unveil its next-generation Chevy Bolt EV based on the Ultium platform, which is expected to yield significant cost savings. Both automakers are considering the use of LFP batteries in their future models to reduce production costs.
As the automotive industry shifts towards more affordable EV options, American automakers are facing increasing pressure to innovate and compete with emerging players like BYD in the market. The development of BYD’s next-generation EV platform, coupled with its vertically integrated manufacturing process, poses a direct challenge to traditional automakers to adapt and evolve in response to changing consumer preferences.