BYD’s cheapest EV is getting bigger and fancier
BYD is giving its $10,000 EV a major overhaul. New images of the second-gen Seagull reveal a larger, more upscale design with a few surprise luxury features. BYD Seagull EV is due for an overhaul Sold as the Dolphin Surf in places like Europe and the UK, and as the Dolphin Mini in other global markets, the Seagull is BYD’s lowest-priced electric car. BYD is known for its low-cost vehicles, but the Seagull is much cheaper than anything you can get your hands on in the US. In China, it starts at just 69,900 yuan, or about $10,000. The most affordable in the US, on the other hand, is the 2026 Hyundai Venue, which you can buy for just over $20,000. Even in Europe, the Dolphin Surf starts at just €22,900. The electric hatch is not only one of BYD’s most popular vehicles, but it’s also among the top-selling EVs in the world. In the first half of 2026, the Seagull, along with the Dolphin Surf and Mini, ranked as the world’s sixth-best-selling EV. BYD …


![BYD’s $10,000 EV has a big sibling on the way: First look [Images] BYD’s $10,000 EV has a big sibling on the way: First look [Images]](https://i3.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/09/BYD-Great-Seagull-EV-first-look.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&resize=1200%2C628&ssl=1)

![First look at BYD’s new low-cost, 1,000 km-range PHEV [Images] First look at BYD’s new low-cost, 1,000 km-range PHEV [Images]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/06/BYD-1000-km-range-PHEV-spotted.jpeg?resize=1200%2C628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)