BYD adds range to its most affordable EV with a new trim, and it only costs $11,000

BYD’s top-selling and most affordable EV just got another upgrade. BYD introduced a new variant for its popular Seagull EV, which is now being sold in Europe as the Dolphin Surf. The new Seagull EV variant is still priced at just $11,000.

BYD launches an affordable, longer-range Seagull EV trim

Don’t let its small size fool you, BYD’s little electric car has taken China by storm, and now it’s flooding overseas markets.

After it hit the market in April 2023, the Seagull quickly became a top seller. Last year, it went back and forth with Tesla’s Model Y as the best-selling EV in China. It even outsold every vehicle in China last November, including those with a gas engine.

During its 2025 BYD Seagull Global Night event on June 30, BYD introduced a new variant, offering buyers a longer-range EV option at an affordable price. During the event, the company also celebrated the production of its one millionth Seagull EV model.

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The base “Vitality” model typically starts at 69,900 yuan ($ 10,800), but after another price cut last month, it’s 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 CLTC range of 305 km (190 mi) and 405 km (252 mi), respectively.

The new “405km Free” variant bridges the gap with the longer range battery (405 km) and lower price point, starting at just 78,800 yuan ($11,000).

BYD announced the new Seagull variant, claiming it’s “the only model in the 70,000-yuan level with an intelligent driving assistance system.” The company upgraded most of its vehicles earlier this year with its new “God’s Eye” ADAS system, at no extra cost.

In May, the Seagull was once again BYD’s top-selling single vehicle with over 60,100 units sold. BYD has now sold over 220,100 Seagulls through May, representing a 50% increase from the same period last year.

The new variant follows the launch of the BYD Seagull EV in Europe and the UK earlier this month, under the name Dolphin Surf.

It starts at € 22,990 ($27,000) in Europe and £18,650 (just over $25,000) in the UK, with 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.