BYD Seagull EV launched at P898K

DISPELLING the myth that electric vehicles (EVs) are expensive, BYD Cars Philippines and ACMobility recently launched their most affordable EV, the BYD Seagull, aiming to encourage more customers to make the switch to electric mobility. With an introductory price of P898,000, the BYD Seagull's price is competitive with the suggested retail prices (SRPs) of similarly-sized internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

The BYD Seagull features a futuristic exterior with sharp lines and rounded corners. Its compact yet spacious design combines sleek aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. Measuring 3,780 mm in length, 1,715 mm in width, and 1,580 mm in height, and with a tight 4.95-meter turning radius, this subcompact hatchback is ideal for urban environments with narrow roads and tight parking spaces. It comes equipped with LED projector-type headlamps featuring auto on/off functionality and manual height adjustment, LED daytime running lights, and LED bar taillights. The car also includes power-adjustable heated side mirrors, rear fog lamps, and stylish 16-inch alloy wheels paired with 175/55 tires.

The BYD Seagull's interior is thoughtfully designed to prioritize comfort and convenience. It features two-tone bucket-style front seats and a rear seat accented with plush leather, offering up to 930 liters of cargo space when the rear seats are folded. The Seagull is equipped with a 10.1-inch rotating infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 7-inch LCD cluster that provides essential information to the driver. Additional quality-of-life features include a keyless entry system, push-button start/stop, follow-me-home lights, a 2+2 tweeter sound system, a 12-volt power socket, a wireless charger, 4G connectivity for internet access, and over-the-air updates for the software.

Powering the BYD Seagull is a permanent magnet synchronous motor that produces 75 PS and 135 Newton-meters of torque. It is paired with the state-of-the-art BYD Blade Battery Pack, which uses the CCS2 protocol to support both DC (direct current) and AC (alternate current) charging. With a maximum charging rate of 30 kilowatts (kW) in DC mode and 6.6 kW in AC mode, the BYD Seagull has a range of 300 kilometers (km) on a single charge. The vehicle features three driving modes — Eco, Normal, and Sport — and can accelerate from 0 to 50 kph in 4.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 kph. Additionally, the Seagull has vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing users to power external devices.

In terms of safety, the BYD Seagull comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. These include a reverse camera, three rear parking sensors, four airbags, and cruise control, all part of the DiPilot suite of intelligent driving assistance features. The EV also has standard features such as traction control system, electronic stability control, hydraulic brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, vehicle dynamic control system, controlled deceleration for the parking brake, a coordinated regenerative braking system, hill-start hold control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

"We are excited to introduce the BYD Seagull to the Philippines. It represents our unwavering commitment to creating a more sustainable future by offering a vehicle that is accessible to Filipinos for generations to come. With the BYD Seagull, we aim to 'Electrify Your First,' and we invite you to join us on this journey toward the future of mobility," said Aiffy Liu, country head of BYD Philippines.

The solo variant, the BYD Seagull GLX, is now available at the introductory price of P898,000 and comes with a 7-kW wall charger. It comes with warranties including a 6-year or 150,000-km vehicle warranty, an 8-year or 160,000-km warranty for the BYD Blade battery, and an 8-year or 150,000-km warranty for its motor. Available colors include the hero color Sprout Green with a black and light blue cabin color scheme, as well as Delan Black and Apricity White, both featuring a black and dark blue interior.