BYD’s Seagull EV in China Costs Over 50% Less Than Any New or Pre-Owned US Car

EV affordability remains less of an issue in China than in the US

BYD recently announced a discount on its Seagull electric vehicle (EV), reducing the model’s already affordable base price from $9,500 to $7,800. Comparatively, Nissan’s Versa is the US’s least expensive car, starting at $18,330. The average cost of a new vehicle in the US in March was $47,962, just shy of the $49,958 all-time high set in December of 2022, Kelley Blue Book reports. New car prices are expected to increase following President Trump’s additional 25% tariff on auto imports, which will likely drive used vehicle prices due to increased demand for less expensive models and declining inventories.

BYD’s Seagull, primarily sold in China, still costs significantly less than the average price of a used car in the US, which was $25,006 at the start of March, according to Kelley Blue Book. Let’s take a closer look at what BYD’s Seagull offers drivers. 

An affordable, compact hatchback with ample range for city driving

The Seagull is a compact five-door hatchback that’s smaller than the retired Chevy Bolt EV and is available in three trims in China: Vitality, Freedom, and Flying. Buyers can choose between either a 30.1 kWh battery providing a 190-mile range or a 38.9 kWh battery with a 252-mile range. Regardless of battery size, all Seagulls are powered by a 75-hp motor with a top speed of 80 mph. The $7,800 Vitality Seagull base trim is only available with the 190-mile range battery. BYD has equipped the 2025 model year Seagull with a redesigned front bumper and air intake for a sportier appearance. 

In November, the Seagull was China’s top-selling vehicle across EV and gas-powered segments, overtaking Tesla’s Model Y. The Seagull received the nickname “mini Lamborghini” after its lead designer, Wolfgang Egger, a former Lamborghini employee. In the first quarter of 2025, BYD sold more than one million new energy vehicles, representing a 60% year-over-year growth, Electrek reports. 

Europe is receiving its own version of the Seagull, the Dolphin Surf. This version adds a few extra safety features for a slightly higher MSRP, which is expected to be under $26,000. However, don’t expect to see the Seagull, or its Dolphin Surf alter ego, in the US anytime soon. While Chinese EVs aren’t technically banned in the US, they’re virtually unavailable due to a combination of high tariffs and strict regulatory restrictions. These rules include a 247.5% tariff on Chinese EV imports and a ban on importing and selling completed vehicles with connected vehicle hardware and software from China due to "security concerns."

Last week, US Senator Elissa Slotkin introduced a bill that would keep Chinese-made vehicles out of the country altogether by empowering the Commerce Secretary to implement a sweeping import ban. The bill has already received bipartisan support in the Senate, according to WDET.

Final thoughts 

BYD has been redefining affordability in the EV market with models like its Seagull, which helped the automaker nearly overtake Tesla in annual all-electric vehicle sales at 1.76 million compared to Tesla’s 1.79 million in 2024. Even without US support, China is increasingly dominating the global EV market. While it’s clear that the US lacks affordable EV options, it’s unlikely that you’ll see a car like the BYD Seagull on US roads in the near future as long as national security risks from connected tech in Chinese vehicles remain a consideration.