BYD Seagull EV: Australia’s Next Sub-$30K Electric Car with 300km Range and 30-Minute Charging

June 14, 2025
2 mins read
BYD Seagull. Photo Source: BYD
BYD Seagull. Photo Source: BYD

The BYD Seagull is likely to become Australia’s most affordable electric vehicle when BYD takes over local distribution from EVDirect on July 1, 2025. This small electric car, previously considered unsuitable for Australia, is now back in consideration following recent changes and tech upgrades.

A Game-Changer for Affordable EVs

At just under 3.8 meters long, the Seagull sits between the Kia Picanto (priced from $21,190 drive-away) and the Mazda 2. With BYD taking direct control of its Australian operations, the Seagull would logically be priced below the Dolphin, which starts at $29,990 drive-away.

“There would be room under the Dolphin and the Atto 2,” said BYD Australia Chief Marketing Officer Kate Hornstein. The car would likely target a mid-$20,000 price point, making it much cheaper than current electric options.

Specs and Performance

The Seagull runs purely on electricity with a 55kW motor driving the front wheels. It offers two battery choices: a 30.08kWh version with around 305km range (CLTC) and a larger 38.88kWh battery reaching approximately 405km. Both use BYD’s Blade Battery technology.

In real-world driving, the bigger battery would deliver about 300km of range under the WLTP standard. The Seagull can charge from 30-80% in roughly 30 minutes with fast charging, making it practical for daily city use.

Safety Improvements

Safety ratings have been a challenge for bringing the Seagull to Australia. The 2025 update addresses this with BYD’s “God’s Eye C” system, featuring Lidar, cameras, and sensors that enable automated braking, cruise control, and blind-spot detection.

While BYD typically maintains five-star ANCAP ratings across its lineup, even a four-star rating for the Seagull might work in the budget segment. For comparison, the Fiat 500e has a four-star rating, while the Kia Picanto is currently unrated after its previous rating expired.


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Market Position and Competition

The micro car segment in Australia is small, making up just 0.6% of total new car sales with only the Kia Picanto and Fiat 500/500e available. The electric Fiat 500e costs $52,500 before on-road costs, leaving room for a more affordable electric option.

The Seagull would compete with:

  • BYD Dolphin (from $29,990 drive-away)
  • GWM Ora (from $33,990 drive-away)
  • MG4 (starting at $37,990 drive-away from July 2025)

In China, the Seagull is highly popular, with around 61,000 sold in May 2025 alone.

Who Should Buy It

The Seagull would suit:

  • First-time EV buyers seeking an affordable option
  • City commuters needing a compact, efficient car
  • Budget-conscious drivers wanting to cut fuel costs
  • Environmentally aware consumers looking to reduce emissions
  • Households wanting a second car for city trips

Who Should Skip It

The Seagull might not fit:

  • Families needing more interior space
  • Drivers requiring long highway range
  • Those wanting high-performance driving
  • Buyers needing large cargo space
  • Fleet customers who strictly need five-star safety ratings

Industry Impact

The Seagull represents an important step in making electric vehicles more accessible to average Australian consumers. As Hornstein noted: “The amount of people that have said first-hand they would buy this car is so exciting.”

If priced around mid-$20,000, the Seagull could speed up EV adoption in Australia by offering an electric option at a price comparable to many petrol cars.

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Final Verdict

The BYD Seagull looks promising as Australia’s potential cheapest electric vehicle. Its small size, decent range, and modern safety features make it well-suited for Australian cities. While awaiting official confirmation, positive early reviews and BYD’s new distribution approach suggest the Seagull could soon arrive in Australian showrooms, potentially changing the entry-level EV market.

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