BYD Seagull: will the cheapest electric car in the world reach Spain?

Electric cars are not only growing from the top of the range, but are also becoming increasingly popular in small, low-priced cars. In Europe we have the Dacia Spring, but also other models from other brands aimed at urban mobility that can provide access to electric cars at a low price. And that is where we met the BYD Seagull.

This model is going to be sold in China and, for the moment, it is not planned to reach European markets. For now, we have been able to see the look this model will have. In terms of design, it departs from the styling typical of city cars. Instead of rounded shapes, it has angular lines, something more common in higher-end models.

The front shows the brand’s logo, BYD, while at the rear the brand’s motto can be read, Build Your Dreams, whose initials form the brand’s acronym. Above that phrase there is a line of LED lights linking the rear light clusters from side to side across the tailgate.

The rear window is set in a raised position, presumably to improve the car’s loading capacity despite its compact dimensions. These measure 3.78 metres long, 1.54 metres high, 1.71 metres wide and have a wheelbase of 2.50 metres.

This makes it slightly larger than the Spring. Specifically, it is 46 mm longer, 136 mm wider and its wheelbase is 77 mm greater. The power its electric motor delivers is 75 CV, and it is expected to be fitted with a sodium-ion battery. In this case, it will be the first electric vehicle to use this type of battery.

The model will come in two versions. The first will have a battery that offers a range of 301 kilometres, but, yes, under the CLTC cycle, which is the standard used in China. The price of this first variant will be the equivalent of 8,100 euros. As for the next version, it will have a range of 400 kilometres, also under the Chinese CLTC cycle.

In this case, the price will be around 11,000 euros. If this model were to reach Spain, its price would be somewhat higher, but it would still be a vehicle with a low price and would remain the cheapest electric car on the market.