BYD Seagull electric hatch revealed, unlikely for Australia

Chinese automaker Build Your Dreams (BYD) has revealed the tiny Seagull electric hatch.

Unveiled at this week's Shanghai Auto Show, the Seagull is a Kia Picanto-sized electric hatch positioned below the Dolphin small car.

The BYD Seagull is the latest addition to its Ocean series and will be sold in China priced from 78,800 to 95,800 RMB (AU$17,060 to $20,740).

According to CarNewsChina[↗], it adopts the company’s E-Platform 3.0 and safer lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) structural Blade Battery technology in two sizes.

This includes a 30kWh or 38kWh unit with up to 305 or 405 kilometres of claimed driving range, respectively, on the lenient China light-duty vehicle test cycle (CLTC).

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Photo via CarNewsChina

Previous rumours of the Seagull debuting a sodium-ion battery haven’t eventuated yet.

The city-focussed micro EV is powered by a 55kW electric motor with a 130km/h top speed.

Inside, it features the company’s signature rotating 12.8-inch touchscreen and five-inch digital instrument display, a Qi wireless charging pad, and a similar flat-bottom steering wheel to the Atto 3 small SUV.

Four exterior colours are also available and are matched to three different interior trim colours, with a funky angular design, full-width LED tail-lights, and flush door handles.

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Photo via CarNewsChina

BYD Seagull key specs

The Seagull faces electric competitors in China, including the Wuling Bingo and the even smaller but top–selling two-seater Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV.

It also rivals Europe's pricier Honda E, Mini Cooper SE, and Fiat 500e electric city cars.

But, compared to Australia’s best-selling micro car, the Kia Picanto, the BYD Seagull is still 185mm longer, 120mm wider, and 55mm higher with a 100mm longer wheelbase.

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Photo via CarNewsChina

Will the BYD Seagull come to Australia?

A global rollout for the BYD Seagull hasn’t been announced. It is currently unknown if the Seagull meets stricter ANCAP and Euro NCAP safety standards, which could affect its prospects for Australia and Europe.

Local distributor EVDirect is expected to release the BYD Dolphin small hatch, followed by the BYD Seal sedan later this year to join the popular Atto 3 small SUV.

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