BYD’s $10,000 EV blows a tire at nearly 90 mph — Watch what happens — SkimNews
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- BYD launched the second-generation Seagull in China last week at 62,900 yuan, or about $9,500, with a limited-time Super Trade-In incentive. Regular prices run from 65,900 yuan to 99,900 yuan; the starting point is below the first generation’s 69,900 yuan.
- Seagull grew to 4,205 mm long with a 2,650-mm wheelbase—425 mm longer overall and 150 mm longer in the wheelbase than its predecessor—raising passenger capacity from four to five.
- Seagull includes a standard “140 km/h high-speed tire blowout stability system”; in a video shared by BYD Ocean Series general manager Zhang Zhuo, the car remained in its lane at about 87 mph until stopping.
- DiPilot 300 is an optional upgrade with BYD’s God’s Eye intelligent-driving assistance, which provides city-navigation assistance and smart parking; the Seagull also adds a 15.6-inch DiLink 150 screen and available roof-mounted LiDAR.
- Blade Batteries 2.0 and Flash Charging Technology let the Seagull charge from 10% to 70% in five minutes and from 10% to 97% in nine minutes, even from 20% to 97% in 12 minutes at -30°C.
- Seagull is offered with 30.1-kWh and 39.2-kWh LFP battery packs, corresponding to CLTC ranges of 320 km and 420 km, respectively.
- Seagull uses front-wheel drive with 85-kW or 95-kW motors, compared with the predecessor’s 55-kW motor, and its upgraded rear suspension is a multi-link independent system.
Why it matters: Entry-level EV buyers gain a five-seat car with standard 140 km/h blowout control and 10%-to-70% charging in five minutes, starting at 65,900 yuan. BYD’s regular entry price is 4,000 yuan below the first generation’s 69,900 yuan, putting more safety and charging capability into its lowest-priced battery-electric model in China.
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