BYD, the Chinese automaker, has renamed its Dolphin Mini electric vehicle (EV) as the Seagull for international markets. This compact EV, measuring 3,780 mm long, 1,715 mm wide, and 1,580 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,500 mm, will soon be available in countries beyond China. Uruguay is among the first to receive the Seagull, with Brazil following suit shortly after. Let’s dive into the details:

• Powertrain Configurations:

  • Both variants of the Seagull come with an output of 75 PS (74 hp or 55 kW) and 135 Nm of torque.
  • The top speed is 130 km/h.
  • The difference lies in the capacity of the Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery:
    • The EV 300 variant has a 30.08-kWh battery, offering a range of up to 300 km (NEDC).
    • The higher-end EV 400 variant boasts a 38-kWh battery, providing a range of 380 km (NEDC).
  • Both powertrains support AC charging at a maximum of 7 kW, while the top variant allows DC charging at 40 kW compared to 30 kW for the base variant.

• Pricing:

  • The EV 300 variant is priced at USD21,990 (approximately RM105,000).
  • The EV 400 variant costs USD23,990 (around RM115,000).

• Standard Equipment:

  • Shared across both variants, it includes:
    • 16-inch alloy wheels
    • LED headlamps
    • 7-inch digital instrument cluster
    • 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen
    • Keyless entry and start
    • Synthetic leather upholstery
    • Automatic air-conditioning
    • Selectable drive modes
  • Safety features include traction control, EBD, hill start assist, a tire pressure monitoring system, a reverse camera, and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC).

• Additional Features in the EV 400:

  • Six airbags (instead of four)
  • Powered driver’s seat
  • More steering column adjustability

While the Seagull is priced competitively in international markets, it remains uncertain whether the Dolphin Mini will make its way to other regions.