BYD has introduced a new variant of its popular compact electric hatchback, the Seagull Free Edition in China. Priced at 78,800 yuan (approximately $10,800 USD), the updated model offers enhanced interior comfort, improved safety features, and an impressive CLTC-rated range of 405 kilometers (about 252 miles).
The launch coincides with a major milestone for BYD: the Seagull has now surpassed one million units sold since its debut in April 2023.
Built for Urban Drivers, Backed by BYD’s EV Expertise
Based on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, the Seagull Free Edition retains the familiar 55 kW front-mounted electric motor producing 135 Nm of torque. It’s powered by a 38.88 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, which supports DC fast charging—allowing a 30% to 80% charge in just 30 minutes under normal conditions.
Key updates include a refined rear “BYD” badge to match the front fascia, a full fabric roof lining for improved durability, and a refreshed interior featuring a two-tone “Sand Dune Pink” trim. Convenience features now include both Type-A and Type-C charging ports up front, with the Type-C offering up to 60W of power.
Tech-Packed and Safety-Focused
The Seagull Free Edition comes with a 12.8-inch floating touchscreen powered by BYD’s DiLink 100 infotainment system, supporting voice commands and cloud services. Higher trims are equipped with BYD’s advanced “God’s Eye C” (天神之眼C) triple-camera driver assistance suite.
Safety has also been upgraded, with six airbags now standard across all trims. Improvements have been made to the vehicle’s lighting, horn, and air conditioning systems, ensuring a more comfortable and secure driving experience.
Dimensions and Positioning
The Seagull continues to serve as BYD’s entry-level model within its Ocean series, with compact dimensions ideal for city driving:
Length: 3,780 mm
Width: 1,715 mm
Height: 1,540 mm
Wheelbase: 2,500 mm
Its design and pricing make it a favorite among young, urban EV buyers.
Surging Sales and International Expansion
BYD celebrated the production of the one millionth Seagull on June 30 at its plant in Xi’an. From January to May 2025, global sales of the Seagull reached 233,126 units, up 50% year-over-year. In China alone, BYD sold 144,204 units, placing the Seagull third in national sales, trailing only Geely and Wuling.
The Seagull has also begun its European rollout under the name Dolphin Surf, launching in June 2025 with pricing starting at €22,990 (about $26,900 USD) across 15 countries. The export version features a slightly longer body and subtle drivetrain adjustments to meet regional standards.
In May 2025, BYD reported 60,131 global Seagull sales, including 29,026 exports.
Affordable and Incentivized
In China, the Seagull lineup starts at 63,800 yuan (around $8,900 USD) for the base model with a 305 km range. Buyers can also take advantage of generous government and BYD trade-in subsidies, which can offer up to 20,000 yuan (approximately $2,800 USD) in additional savings.
With its strong value proposition, tech-forward features, and rising global presence, the Seagull Free Edition reinforces BYD’s leadership in the compact EV segment.
In another news BYD Hits Record Sales in June 2025, Surpassing 377,000 Units and Expanding Global Reach
BYD Co. Ltd. (OTC: BYDDY, BYDDF) has reported its strongest monthly sales of 2025, delivering 377,628 vehicles in June—a new record for the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant.
What Happened
According to sales data released Tuesday, BYD achieved an 11% year-over-year increase in total vehicle sales for June. Of the total units sold, 206,884 were fully electric vehicles (EVs), accounting for 54.8% of the company’s sales and marking a 42.5% increase in EV sales compared to last year. The remaining 170,744 units were plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), showcasing BYD’s continued strength in both electrification segments.
In a significant milestone, BYD exported over 90,049 vehicles in June—an astonishing 234% increase from the 30,014 units exported during the same month in 2024. The surge underscores BYD’s aggressive push into international markets.
Why It Matters
The record-breaking sales come as BYD solidifies its dominance in China’s domestic EV market while aggressively expanding its footprint overseas. The company recently launched a longer-range version of its best-selling Seagull EV, priced at around $11,000, aimed at capturing more market share in the budget EV segment.
Despite fierce competition and ongoing price wars in China’s EV space, BYD has denied recent media reports suggesting production cutbacks. Instead, the company is doubling down on its strategy, focusing on affordability, innovation, and global growth.
In Europe, BYD introduced the Dolphin Surf EV—a rebadged, Euro-spec version of the Seagull—priced from $26,000 across 15 countries. The company has also commenced development of a new production facility in Hungary, which will have the capacity to build 200,000 vehicles annually, bolstering its European supply chain.
Global Impact
BYD’s sales momentum has not gone unnoticed. A recent report from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) confirmed that BYD overtook Tesla Inc. in global EV sales—a first for the Chinese automaker. The milestone reflects not just BYD’s growing clout in China but also its rapid emergence as a global EV powerhouse.
As the company continues to ramp up exports, launch new models, and increase manufacturing capabilities worldwide, June’s sales record highlights BYD’s position as a formidable global competitor in the electric vehicle industry.
In another news BYD Launches First EV Plant Outside China in Brazil, Begins Production at Camaçari Facility
BYD Co. Ltd. officially began operations today at its Camaçari plant in Bahia, Brazil—marking the company’s first electric vehicle (EV) production facility outside of China. The launch represents a key milestone in BYD’s global expansion strategy and its commitment to localized manufacturing.
A Strategic Expansion: First of Its Kind for BYD
The Camaçari plant will initially assemble three models for the Brazilian market:
The BYD Dolphin Mini, known as the Seagull in China
The Song Pro, a plug-in hybrid SUV
The King DM-i, internationally known as the BYD Qin Plus DM-i, a plug-in hybrid sedan
These vehicles will be produced under the semi-knock-down (SKD) model, in which partially disassembled cars—comprising key components such as the body, motor, and battery—are shipped from China to Brazil for final assembly.
Transforming a Legacy Site
The plant is located at a former Ford manufacturing site, which BYD acquired in March 2024 for R$300 million (approximately $55 million USD). It took the automaker 16 months to transform the internal combustion engine (ICE) facility into an electric vehicle manufacturing plant. The conversion is a symbolic step in Brazil’s push toward sustainable transportation and EV industrialization.
Spanning 26 warehouses, the site also includes a test track and is designed with an annual production capacity of 150,000 units. According to BYD, the facility will produce both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), catering to growing domestic demand as well as export markets.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
BYD has pledged to invest R$5.5 billion ($1 billion USD) into the Brazilian operation, with R$1.4 billion ($255 million USD) already invested as of the plant’s opening. The company expects to create 10,000 direct and indirect jobs through this initiative. Currently, around 1,000 employees are working at the Camaçari facility.
During the media event, BYD also announced 3,000 new job openings, reflecting the company’s plans to ramp up local operations rapidly.
Localization Efforts and Supply Chain Development
While BYD will initially rely on SKD kits produced in China, the automaker is committed to increasing local content. The company plans to expand its local stamping, welding, and painting operations, and integrate peripheral components sourced from within Brazil.
As a first step in this direction, BYD has partnered with Continental, which will supply Brazilian-made tires for the vehicles assembled at the plant. The move is part of BYD’s broader effort to deepen its local supply chain, reduce costs, and comply with local content requirements.
Regulatory Challenges: Tariffs and SKD Classification
The timing of the plant’s launch is noteworthy. On the same day, Brazil officially raised import tariffs on all-electric vehicles from 18% to 25% and PHEVs from 20% to 28%. The tariff increase is part of the government’s effort to encourage local EV production and reduce dependence on imports.
However, the tariff also applies to SKD vehicles, potentially affecting BYD’s cost structure. The company has formally requested a reduction in import duties for SKD vehicles to 10%, but as of now, the Brazilian government has not responded to the appeal, according to local automotive news outlet Autoo.
Legal Hurdles: Allegations of Labor Violations
Despite the celebratory tone of the plant opening, BYD is also facing legal scrutiny in Brazil. In May 2025, Brazilian labor prosecutors filed a lawsuit against BYD and two of its contractors. The companies are accused of human trafficking and subjecting workers to conditions “analogous to slavery” during the factory’s reconstruction phase.
The Public Labor Prosecutor’s Office (MPT) in Bahia reported that 220 Chinese workers were rescued after an investigation was launched in response to an anonymous tip. According to the BBC, the workers were reportedly living in poor conditions, working long hours, and facing limited freedom of movement. BYD has yet to comment publicly on the ongoing investigation.
BYD’s Global Expansion Through KD Plants
In parallel with the Brazilian plant opening, Chinese car blogger 行稳致远2594 revealed that the Shanwei local government has approved BYD’s application to expand its KD kit production facility in Shanwei, Guangdong Province. The approval was granted on June 23, and BYD will invest 7.5 billion yuan ($1.03 billion USD) to upgrade the site to produce more export-ready KD kits.
The Shanwei plant, located about two hours from BYD’s headquarters in Shenzhen, will serve as a key production hub for kits shipped to BYD’s international facilities. Additionally, BYD has begun constructing a new KD plant in Changzhou, Jiangsu, which will further bolster its export capacity.
Vehicle Details: Local Offerings and Pricing
Among the first models to roll off the assembly line in Brazil is the BYD Dolphin Mini, known in Europe as the Dolphin Surf. This entry-level electric hatchback is priced at R$118,800 (approximately $21,800 USD) and features:
A 75-horsepower front-mounted electric motor
A 38.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery
DC fast charging capabilities and city-friendly dimensions
The two PHEV models, the Song Pro and King DM-i (Qin Plus DM-i), will also be assembled locally. These models are expected to appeal to Brazilian consumers who value both fuel efficiency and extended driving range.
Conclusion: A Bold Step with Risks and Rewards
The opening of the Camaçari plant is a significant step for BYD, reinforcing its commitment to local production in key global markets. With over $1 billion in planned investments, strong job creation potential, and a suite of competitively priced EVs, BYD is well-positioned to lead Brazil’s transition to electric mobility.
However, regulatory challenges, unresolved legal issues, and the uncertainty surrounding SKD import tariffs pose meaningful risks. How the Brazilian government responds to BYD’s tariff reduction request, and how the company handles the labor investigation, will likely shape the success and reputation of this ambitious international expansion.
For now, BYD’s Brazilian venture is one of the most closely watched EV plays in Latin America—and potentially a blueprint for its future global growth strategy.