BYD’s cheapest EV now has a roof-mounted LiDAR, and it still starts at just $13,000
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- BYD launched the 2026 Seagull EV in China on May 11, keeping the base price at 69,900 yuan ($10,300) for the Vitality Edition with a 30.08 kWh battery and 305 km CLTC range.
- BYD offers the optional God’s Eye B smart‑driving system with a roof‑mounted LiDAR on the Freedom and Flying variants, priced at 90,900 yuan ($13,400) and 97,900 yuan ($14,400) respectively.
- BYD upgraded the interior with a 12.8‑inch floating central infotainment screen, DiLink 150 smart cockpit, and equips all models with a 55 kW front motor.
- Electrek notes the LiDAR, usually reserved for higher‑end cars, now appears on a sub‑$14,000 EV, potentially pressuring rivals like Geely and prompting broader adoption of ADAS in low‑cost models.
- Seagull ranked as the fifth best‑selling EV worldwide in 2025 with nearly 450,000 deliveries and will soon see 10‑minute flash‑charging stations rolled out in Europe.
Why it matters: Chinese buyers get premium ADAS for under $14k, while rivals like Geely must invest in LiDAR to stay competitive, potentially raising costs and reshaping the low‑price EV market.
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