Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD has launched a new EV, the Seagull, priced as low as $9,700. The Seagull, also known as the Dolphin Mini overseas, is powered by BYD’s Blade batteries and comes in two versions: a 30.08 kWh version with a range of up to 190 miles, and a 38.88 kWh version with a range of up to 252 miles. The vehicle can charge from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes. Despite its low price, the Seagull boasts a 10.1″ rotating center screen and a minimalist design. The vehicle’s design was led by former Lamborghini designer Wolfgang Egger, earning it the nickname “Lamborghini mini”. The Seagull’s low price and high quality have caused concern among American automakers. Engineering consulting firm Caresoft found the Seagull to be simple, efficiently designed, and better than expected in terms of quality and reliability. While BYD currently has no plans to enter the US passenger EV market, the Seagull’s success could signal a shift towards more affordable EVs.
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