For less than 8,600 €, BYD offers the cheapest electric car with ultra-fast charging on the market.
21/10/2026 14:00
Updated to
21/10/2026 14:00
In China, the second generation of the BYD Seagull can now be purchased for less than 8,600 euros. This compact electric vehicle is sold as the BYD Dolphin Surf in Europe and as the Dolphin Mini or Atto 1 in other markets. With numerous improvements made by the Shenzhen-based company—including a larger size, more seating capacity, a new battery, and fast charging—this is a completely different model from before.
This update comes at an opportune time. From January to September 2026, the Seagull sold 266,000 units worldwide, 33% fewer than in the same period the previous year. In China, the decline was even sharper: sales dropped by 66%, to just 83,600 vehicles. BYD hopes this new generation will help it regain ground among electric utility vehicles.
Larger on the outside and inside
The most notable new feature of the updated Seagull is its dimensions: it measures 4,205 millimeters in length, 1,810 millimeters in width, and 1,570 millimeters in height, with a wheelbase of 2,650 millimeters. Compared to the previous model, it is 425 millimeters longer and has a 150-millimeter longer wheelbase, bringing it closer in size to the BYD Dolphin.
This increase is evident in the interior, which now offers space for five passengers instead of four. It also features a 94-liter front trunk, with the rear loading area expandable up to 1,380 liters. BYD has managed to make its compact urban car more versatile for longer trips.
Second-generation Blade battery and fast charging
Mechanically, the Seagull comes in two electric variants with 116 and 129 horsepower, both delivering 130 Nm of torque. Power is supplied by the second generation Blade Battery, with capacities of 30.1 or 39.2 kWh respectively.
The homologated range under China’s CLTC cycle is 320 and 420 kilometers, which would be approximately 259 and 340 kilometers under Europe’s WLTP cycle. The announced energy consumption is 9.0 kWh per 100 kilometers. The chassis features a multi-link independent rear suspension, and the turning radius is 4.95 meters, a solid figure for city driving.
The major novelty lies in the three higher-end versions, which come equipped with a large battery and BYD’s fast charging system. According to the brand, it allows the battery to go from 10% to 70% in just 5 minutes, and reach 97% in only 9 minutes. These are quite ambitious figures for such a small battery, though it remains unclear what actual power it requires and with which chargers it can be charged.
Five versions and cheaper than before
The range starts at a lower price than the model it replaces. Here are the official prices in China:
Vitality: 8,567 euros (65,900 yuan)
Freedom: 9,477 euros (72,900 yuan)
Ease: 9,867 euros (75,900 yuan)
Flight: 10,777 euros (82,900 yuan)
Smart: 12,987 euros (99,900 yuan)
The previous version of the Seagull started at 9,087 euros, so the price reduction is around 520 euros. And the equipment level has improved. Depending on the version, it comes with a 15.6-inch screen, heated and ventilated front seats, driver massage function, and a 50 W wireless charger.
The rival that has taken its place
One of the main reasons for the Seagull’s decline is the Geely E2, known in China as Xingyuan. This small hatchback is now the best-selling car in the country, with 310,000 units sold from January to September, even surpassing the Tesla Model Y with 277,000 units. With more space, a lower price, lidar, and fast charging, BYD offers strong competitive advantages. It remains to be seen if these are enough to win back Chinese buyers in this highly competitive segment.