If you are someone who wants a cheap electric car with modern features – especially because most EVs are still expensive – the BYD Seagull EV 2025 is the car many people have been waiting for. This small hatchback from China’s top EV brand BYD is not just a low-cost electric car; it shows that an affordable EV can still be smart, safe, and full of good features.
Its price starts at only $9,650 (around ₹8 lakh for India, if it launches in 2026). First released in China in 2023 and updated in 2025, the Seagull has already sold more than 500,000 units by mid-2025. It proves that an EV under $10K can still offer a 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen, 405 km range, and the safe Blade Battery — without cutting quality.
Built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, this 4-seater hatchback is great for city driving but also has enough space for daily use. It directly competes with cars like the MG Comet EV and Wuling Bingo in many markets.
With exports already going to Indonesia (as Atto 1), South Africa (Dolphin Surf), and Brazil (Dolphin Mini), and a European version coming soon, the Seagull is BYD’s push to make EVs affordable for everyone. If you are tired of hearing that “cheap EVs” start at $30K, this car finally changes the game. Let’s see what makes it special.
BYD Seagull EV 2025 Price: Sub-$10K Entry That’s a Steal Worldwide
The BYD Seagull EV 2025 continues the same low price as the 2024 Glory Edition. It starts at RMB 69,800 ($9,650) for the Vitality Edition in China, which is 5% cheaper than before. The Freedom Edition costs RMB 75,800 ($10,464), and the top Flying Edition costs RMB 85,800 ($11,845). All versions give great value when compared to rivals like the Wuling Mini EV.
In global markets, the car is launched with different names depending on the country:
- Indonesia (Atto 1): Launched in July 2025 at IDR 349 million (~$22,500) for the Dynamic (30.88 kWh) and IDR 409 million (~$26,300) for the Premium (38.88 kWh). It became the highest-selling EV there by October 2025.
- South Africa (Dolphin Surf): Launched in September 2025 at R569,900 (~$31,500) for the 305 km range version.
- Brazil (Dolphin Mini): Launched in February 2024 at BRL 115,800 (~$20,500) for the 4-seater and BRL 119,800 (~$21,300) for the 5-seater. It has been made locally since early 2025.
- India (Expected): Rumoured 2026 launch at ₹8–12 lakh. With FAME subsidies, it may cost below ₹10 lakh on-road, making it a strong competitor to the MG Comet EV with more space and features.
All models come with BYD’s long warranties: 6-year/150,000 km standard warranty, 8-year/150,000 km motor warranty, and 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty. This makes the Seagull easy to own. In a segment where cars like the MG Comet start at ₹7 lakh in India or $12,000 globally, the Seagull gives more features for a much lower price.
BYD Seagull EV 2025 Design and Features: Compact Charm with Ocean Aesthetics
The BYD Seagull EV 2025 carries “Ocean Aesthetics” design theme of the brand. It’s modern, clean and compact looking. Dimensionally, the Seagull measures 3,780 mm lengthwise, 1,715 mm in width and 1,540 mm in height (with a generous wheelbase of 2,500mm enhancing interior space). The edgy front fascia is dominated by slender LED headlights and a U-shaped element that give it a strong appearance.
The roof curves downward slightly, and the 15-inch alloy wheels (16s are optional) contribute to a stylishly sporty countenance. In back are connected taillights and smooth surfaces that aid aerodynamics (0.30 Cd). The car is designed to appeal to younger customers with colors such as Ice Blue and Dune Pink. With 140 mm ground clearance and up to 930 litres of cargo space (with seats folded), it is perfect for city driving and short trips.
Inside, the cabin looks much more premium than expected for this price. The 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen with DiLink infotainment supports wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice commands, and 5G. The 7-inch digital instrument display is clear and simple to read.
Features include dual-zone AC, keyless entry, cruise control (in higher trims), and electric seats in top versions. Safety is a major focus: 6 airbags, ESC, hill-hold control, a 360-degree camera, and Level 2 ADAS with lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control.
The car is expected to get a 5-star C-NCAP rating. The 4/5-seater design and long wheelbase make the rear seats comfortable. Recycled materials inside make it more eco-friendly. The design is simple, practical, and smart.
BYD Seagull EV 2025 Engine and Performance: Efficient Power for Urban Zips
The BYD Seagull EV 2025 uses a front-mounted electric motor that makes 55 kW (74 hp) and 135 Nm torque. It takes 4.9 seconds to go from 0–50 km/h and has a top speed of 130 km/h, which is perfect for city driving. There are four drive modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow – and different torque settings to change how the car responds.
Battery options include:
- 30.08 kWh (Vitality/Freedom Editions) with 305 km CLTC range (about 250 km real use)
- 38.88 kWh (Flying Edition) with 405 km CLTC range (about 320 km real use)
The LFP Blade Battery is very safe and lasts long. The Seagull’s efficiency is 12–14 kWh/100 km, which means around ₹1 per km when charged at home. Fast charging takes the battery from 10–80% in 30 minutes using 40 kW DC fast charging. Home AC charging (6.6 kW) takes 5–6 hours. You’ll save energy with regenerative braking in stop-and-go traffic. There’s no AWD, but the FWD system and 140 mm clearance are adequate for everyday driving.
BYD Seagull EV 2025 Ownership And Verdict: Budget EV Bliss With Universal Appeal
“Owning the Seagull is easy because BYD provides long warranties and is growing its service footprint,” he said. Yearly service costs are expected to be around ₹5,000–7,000. Resale value is strong as well — about 80% value is kept after three years in China. Key benefits include the below-average price, decent range, roomy cabin and solid safety. The downsides are a relative lack of highway performance and no fast charging with the base model. Final rating: 4.5/5. In the 2025 budget EV boom, the Seagull represents a bird that is small on the outside but big on value and global power-train travel range.
