Another update has been made to BYD’s best-selling and most reasonably priced EV. The Dolphin Surf is a new version of BYD’s well-liked Seagull EV that is currently available for purchase in Europe. The price of the new Seagull EV model is still under $11,000.
BYD launches an affordable, longer-range Seagull EV trim
Don’t be fooled by its diminutive size; BYD’s electric car has become a global sensation after taking China by storm.
The Seagull swiftly rose to the top of the sales charts once it was introduced in April 2023. It alternated with Tesla’s Model Y as China’s top-selling EV last year. Last November, it even sold more cars in China than any other car, including gas-powered ones.
On June 30, during its 2025 BYD Seagull Global Night event, BYD unveiled a new model that gives consumers an inexpensive, longer-range EV choice. The company also commemorated the manufacturing of its one millionth Seagull EV vehicle during the event.
Following another price reduction last month, the base “Vitality” model is now only available for 55,800 yuan ($7,800), down from its usual starting price of 69,900 yuan ($10,800).
The two battery pack options available to buyers are 30.1 kWh and 38.9 kWh, which offer CLTC ranges of 305 km (190 mi) and 405 km (252 mi), respectively.
With a longer-range battery (405 km) and a lower price point (beginning at under 78,800 yuan ($11,000), the new “405 km Free” model fills the gap.
“The only model in the 70,000-yuan level with an intelligent driving assistance system,” according to BYD’s announcement of the new Seagull variant. Earlier this year, the business added its new “God’s Eye” ADAS technology to the majority of its cars at no additional cost.
With more than 60,100 sold in May, the Seagull remained BYD’s best-selling single vehicle. As of May, BYD has sold more than 220,100 Seagulls, which is 50% more than it did during the same time the previous year.
| BYD Seagull EV trim | Starting Price | Range (CLTC) |
| Vitality | Normal: $9,300 (69,800 yuan) Now: $7,800 (55,800 yuan) |
190 mi (305 km) |
| Freedom | $10,300 (75,800 yuan) | 190 mi (305 km) |
| Free | $11,000 (78,800 yuan) | 252 mi (405 km) |
| Flying | $11,700 (85,800 yuan) | 252 mi (405 km) |
The new model comes after the BYD Seagull EV, known as Dolphin Surf, was introduced earlier this month in Europe and the UK.
It has a WLTP range of 203 miles and starts at €22,990 ($27,000) in Europe and £18,650 (just over $25,000) in the UK. With a range of up to 305 miles (507 km), the longer-range “Boost” variant is available and costs £21,950 ($30,000) in the UK and €24,990 ($29,500) in Europe.