An electric city car for €10,000 at BYD!

The second-largest electric vehicle manufacturer in the world after Tesla has launched the commercialization of its small Seagull in China at a particularly attractive price.

Still unknown in France, BYD is none other than the leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer. Very soon, three electric models—Atto 3, Han, and Tang—will appear on European roads. While the quality and features of Chinese models were still the subject of ridicule a few years ago, the progress made and the strength of these manufacturers are now far from making European and American manufacturers laugh.

For 78,800 yuan, Chinese drivers can now purchase the latest from the brand, the BYD Seagull. At the current exchange rate, it amounts precisely to €10,403 for the base model, which already offers high-level technology and equipment. As a reminder, the cheapest electric model on the market, the Dacia Spring, is priced at over €20,000 at dealerships—though this includes taxes and various fees, unlike the announced price for the Seagull.

Measuring 3.78 meters long—5 cm longer than the Spring—the Seagull offers four real seats upholstered in trendy vegetal leather. The 10.1-inch infotainment screen from BYD is well positioned in the center of the understated dashboard. The lines of the small Chinese car, while not avant-garde, are decidedly dynamic and modern, and the bright yellow and pink shades could appeal to a young clientele, while the deep black and white will reassure the less daring.

While the technical information provided by the Chinese Ministry should still be taken with a grain of salt, the announced 75 horsepower for a basic range of 305 km with a 30.7 kWh battery places it slightly above the Spring. It’s not surprising given that BYD is a long-standing specialist in blade battery technology, supplying notably to… Tesla!

Before delighting European consumers, the Seagull will first need to obtain the necessary European certifications. No particular concerns on this front, as it has not been an obstacle for BYD’s previous models. Then, local taxes and deployment fees will apply to its selling price, which should at best bring it to around €17,500.

Even at this price, the Seagull would still offer a very attractive performance-to-price ratio. The updated version of the Dacia Spring, expected for early 2024, will be necessary to counter the Chinese invasion.

READ ALSO > BYD Tang and Han EV: what are the prices for Chinese electric vehicles?