BYD, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer, has recently unveiled a new variant of its popular Seagull EV, now known as the Dolphin Surf in Europe. Priced at just $11,000, this affordable electric car has been making waves in the market with its impressive features and performance.
The Seagull EV first hit the market in April 2023 and quickly became a top seller in China. Last year, it rivaled Tesla’s Model Y as the best-selling EV in the country, even outselling gas-powered vehicles. During BYD’s 2025 Seagull Global Night event on June 30, the company introduced a new variant of the Seagull, offering buyers a longer-range option at an affordable price point. The event also marked the production of BYD’s one millionth Seagull EV model.
The base model, known as the “Vitality,” originally priced at 69,900 yuan ($10,800), received a price cut last month, now listed at just 55,800 yuan ($7,800). Buyers can choose from two battery pack options: 30.1 kWh and 38.9 kWh, providing a range of 305 km (190 mi) and 405 km (252 mi) respectively. The new “405km Free” variant, priced at 78,800 yuan ($11,000), offers a longer range and a lower price point.
BYD has equipped the new Seagull variant with an intelligent driving assistance system, making it the only model in the 70,000-yuan level with this feature. Earlier this year, the company upgraded most of its vehicles with the new “God’s Eye” ADAS system at no extra cost. In May, the Seagull once again topped BYD’s sales charts with over 60,100 units sold, bringing the total sales to over 220,100 units through May, a 50% increase from the previous year.
The Dolphin Surf, as the Seagull EV is known in Europe and the UK, has also been well-received in these markets. Priced at €22,990 ($27,000) in Europe and £18,650 (approximately $25,000) in the UK, the standard model offers a WLTP range of 203 miles. A longer-range “Boost” model is available with a range of up to 305 miles (507 km), priced at £21,950 ($30,000) in the UK and €24,990 ($29,500) in Europe.
With its affordable price point, impressive range, and advanced features, the BYD Seagull EV/Dolphin Surf is poised to make a significant impact in the electric vehicle market both in China and overseas.
