BYD Seagull's fast charging technology

The new BYD Seagull can charge from 10 to 70 percent in just five minutes, a breakthrough that could transform the electric city car market if it reaches Europe. This feature is powered by a new battery and a charging system called Flash Charging, developed by BYD.

Seagull's performance and design changes

The Seagull has grown in size, now measuring 4.20 meters long, and features a more spacious design with a larger trunk and updated exterior elements such as a new bumper and headlights. It also includes a Lidar sensor and a modern dashboard with a smartphone induction charger.

Technical specifications and battery options

The new Seagull offers two power variants—116 hp and 129 hp—powered by LFP batteries ranging from 30.1 kWh to 39.2 kWh. The battery capacity increases the vehicle's range, which is estimated between 320 and 420 kilometers using the Chinese CLTC cycle.

Flash Charging infrastructure in China

BYD is expanding its network of Flash Charging stations in China, with 12,165 already in place and a target of 20,000 stations. These stations can deliver up to 1.5 MW of power, enabling the five-minute charge time. The technology is currently exclusive to the Chinese market.

European Dolphin Surf and future plans

The European version of the Seagull, called the BYD Dolphin Surf, has been sold in Europe since 2025 but lacks the ultra-fast charging. However, it may be upgraded with the new Seagull's technology in the future. No official release date or technical details for the European version have been confirmed.

Pricing and market strategy

The new Seagull is priced aggressively in China, starting at around 8,800 euros and going up to 13,300 euros. In Europe, the current Dolphin Surf starts at around 20,000 euros, and a future version with the fast charging technology is expected to be similarly priced. BYD may also introduce a smaller model to compete with Renault and Volkswagen.