BYD Seagull could arrive in PH as entry-level EV

When BYD reached an agreement with Ayala Corporation last August 2023, the goal was to boost the presence of the Chinese automaker in the country. Now, we are finding out that one of the possible ways BYD plans to do so is by bringing in a new entry-level electric vehicle (EV) with the Seagull.

BYD Seagull

Philkotse Content Manager Jacob Oliva spoke with BYD regarding the possible entry of the Seagull. The automaker responded by saying there is a chance but it is not yet fully confirmed. If the EV makes its way here, it should be one of the more affordable options in the local electric car market.

When asked about the probable pricing of the Seagull, BYD PH president and CEO Toti Zara said, “Every product coming from BYD Philippines will be priced competitively.”

The current entry-level model in BYD Philippines’ lineup is the Dolphin, the bigger hatchback sibling of the Seagull. In homeland China, the Seagull starts at 73,800 yuan (or around Php 586,500). This price range would put the EV along the lines of the Jetour Ice Cream EV.

This could serve as the brand's entry-level model in the Philippines

For reference, let’s talk about dimensions. The Seagull is significantly longer than the Ice Cream EV – which, by the way, is now available locally for Php 699,000 – by 800mm and wider by 219mm. Although, the Jetour Ice Cream EV rides taller by 97 mm.

In terms of EV capabilities, the Chinese-spec BYD Seagull is available with either a 30.08 kWh or a 38.88 kWh battery. Under the China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) standard, the former offers a range of 305 km, while the latter can run 405 km on a single charge. As standard, the charging time from 30 to 80 percent is 30 minutes using a DC fast charger.

It starts at just under Php 600,000 in China

The model is fitted with an electric motor capable of generating 74 horsepower and 135 Nm of torque. The automaker claims the EV can get from zero to 50 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

While we await confirmation, the BYD Seagull could help generate sales by addressing the relatively expensive EV price tags. The Nissan LEAF is priced at Php 1,998,000, while the rest from mainstream brands sell for over Php 3 million. MG has an answer to this demand, though, with the recently launched MG 4 EV priced at Php 1,468,888.

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