BYD Launches Second-Gen Seagull EV With 5-Minute Flash Charging
The updated hatchback starts at 65,900 yuan ($9,900) and features a new rear-wheel-drive architecture with increased range.
BYD has officially launched the second-generation Seagull EV in China, introducing its new 5-minute Flash Charging technology and a lower starting price point. The updated electric hatchback is now the company’s most affordable EV in the Chinese market, with base models starting at 65,900 yuan ($9,900) without incentives.
What Happened
The new Seagull features BYD’s Blade Battery 2.0, which enables rapid charging capabilities. According to the manufacturer, the battery can charge from 10% to 70% in just five minutes, while a full recharge from 10% to 97% takes nine minutes. Even in extreme cold conditions of -30°C, the charging time from 20% to 97% is listed at 12 minutes. The vehicle is available with two LFP battery pack options: 30.1 kWh and 39.2 kWh, providing CLTC ranges of 320 km (199 miles) and 420 km (261 miles), respectively.
Mechanically, the second-generation model shifts from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive, utilizing more powerful electric motors rated at either 85 kW (114 hp) or 95 kW (127 hp), an increase from the previous generation’s 55 kW (75 hp) output. The vehicle’s dimensions have also expanded; it is now 4,205 mm long with a 2,650 mm wheelbase, allowing for a five-passenger cabin compared to the previous model's configuration. Pricing for the five available variants ranges from 65,900 yuan ($9,900) to 99,900 yuan ($15,000) without a trade-in, though a "Super Trade-in" promotion can lower the entry price to 62,900 yuan ($9,500).
Why It Matters
The introduction of 5-minute Flash Charging technology at a sub-$10,000 price point challenges existing assumptions about the cost and capability of entry-level EVs. By reducing charging times significantly, BYD addresses one of the primary consumer barriers to EV adoption: range anxiety and charging duration. The shift to a rear-wheel-drive architecture and the inclusion of premium interior features like the DiLink 150 smart cockpit and optional LiDAR-based ADAS suggest that BYD is aiming to differentiate its low-cost models not just on price, but on technological density and driving dynamics.
For the global market, this launch serves as a preview of the upcoming second-generation Dolphin Surf and Dolphin Mini, which are expected to arrive in Europe, the UK, and other regions. The aggressive pricing and technical upgrades in China may pressure other manufacturers to accelerate their own battery and charging innovations to remain competitive in the affordable EV segment.
The Bottom Line
BYD’s second-generation Seagull is now on sale in China with prices starting at 65,900 yuan ($9,900). The model features a new 5-minute Flash Charging capability, rear-wheel drive, and improved range, with a global rollout under the Dolphin name expected to follow.
