Affordable Electric Vehicle Option Set to Arrive Down Under: BYD Seagull Anticipated to Push Price Under $25,000 in Australia

The Chinese automaker BYD is considering importing the Seagull electric city car to Australia, potentially offering an affordable electric vehicle (EV) option for Australian consumers.

The Seagull, if imported, would likely be priced below $25,000, making it a competitive choice in the Australian market. Currently, the Dolphin Essential, which is already available in Australia, is the cheapest EV on the market, priced at $29,990 plus on-road costs. However, the Seagull, being smaller and with a smaller battery, would likely be cheaper.

The Seagull measures 3990mm long, 1870mm wide, 1590mm tall, and has a 2500mm wheelbase. It offers four seats, with no middle rear seat, and a claimed boot space of 308 litres. The Seagull is smaller than the recently updated GWM Ora and larger than the Hyundai Inster.

During a media trip to China earlier this year, Australian journalists had the opportunity to sample the Seagull. The UK market counterpart of the Seagull, the Dolphin Surf Active, comes with a 30kWh battery and a 220km range. The top-spec Comfort model upgrades from a 65kW e-motor to one producing 115kW. The UK line-up of the Dolphin Surf also includes the Boost and Comfort models, both with larger batteries and longer ranges, offering about 320km on a single charge.

BYD plans to market the Atto 3 SUV model in Australia by early 2026 alongside the Seagull, if confirmed. The Atto 3 features improved battery technology, longer range, and updated design and performance specs. BYD aims to have at least three new models on sale in Australia by early 2026, and the Seagull could be one of these models.

There is clear interest in the Seagull both locally and internationally. Initially, EVDirect ruled out the Seagull due to business case issues, but BYD Australia's distribution has reopened the opportunity. The Seagull has already surpassed one million sales globally, as of June.

The Seagull, if imported, may have a different name in Australia. It is equipped with vegan leather seat trim, a 10.1-inch rotating infotainment screen, navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Seagull's arrival in Australia could signal a more affordable and accessible electric vehicle option for many consumers.

Affordable Electric Vehicle Option Set to Arrive Down Under: BYD Seagull Anticipated to Push Price Under $25,000 in Australia