China’s BYD has once again demonstrated its commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to everyone with the launch of its new sub-$10,000 Seagull Honor Edition (Dolphin Mini overseas).
While BYD currently has no plans to launch the new EV dubbed “Lamborghini mini” in the US market, American rivals are already taking necessary measures to stay competitive.
BYD Seagull EV Honor Edition disrupts the EV market
BYD officially launched the new Seagull EV Honor Edition (Dolphin Mini) earlier this month, with an extremely low base price of approximately $9,700 (69,800 yuan). This pricing strategy is part of the Chinese electric automaker’s “liberation battle” against traditional ICE-powered vehicles.
Despite its aim in the said industry, BYD’s extremely cheap pricing has also significantly concerned its co-electric automakers across the globe.
As expected, it uses the company’s cutting-edge Blade batteries, which offer two battery capacity options: 30.08 kWh and 38.88 kWh. The first one delivers a CLTC-rated range of 190 miles (305 km), while the latter enables 252 mi (405 km). It supports fast charging from 30% to 80% in just half an hour.
Interestingly, the new model got the “Lamborghini mini” nickname because ex-Lamborghini designer Wolfgang Egger led its design. The model targets younger drivers in daily city conditions.
Impressive build quality
Engineering consulting firm Caresoft dissected every part of the Seagull EV Honor Edition (Dolphin Mini) both digitally and physically, Autoline Network shared on YouTube. The move is part of the company’s efforts to gain more insights about how its clients can improve electric vehicle efficiency.
As per the inspection findings, the Dolphin Mini is simple and efficiently designed, developed, and enforced. More impressively, Caresoft found that the BYD EV boasts a better-than-expected build quality and reliability.
“What they did do is done very well. It’s efficiently done.”
Terry Woychowski, Ex-General Motors executive and current Caresoft Global’s Automotive President
American automakers follow BYD’s footsteps
BYD apparently profits from the Seagull EV Honor Edition (Dolphin Mini), alarming American electric automakers.
Ex-General Motors executive and current Caresoft Global’s Automotive President Terry Woychowski contended that the new BYD EV could be a “clarion call for the rest of the industry.”
Mr. Woychowski even referred to the new Lamborghini mini as a “significant event” that prompted American rivals to keep up.
“What we’ve seen over time is automotive manufacturers eventually enter all the markets that matter.”
Marin Gjaja, Ford Model E COO, said in a recent interview with CNBC
Ford has pivoted to cheaper EVs, including a compact pickup and SUV. Sources suggest that the first model, due in 2026, will have a base price of about $25,000.
General Motors also announced plans to launch the new Ultium-based Chevy Bolt EV in 2025. CFO Paul Jacobson contends that the new EV will save billions as its first Ultium-based model to utilize cheaper LFP batteries.
