The BYD (EV) Thread

Regardless though really excited for this new range of vehicles.

Given Tesla never did get moving on their entry (and now it seems highly unlikely to given Musks naming and shaming of his native country...) I think BYD is going to be the dominant car brand in SA in 10 years.

VW, Toyota, BMW... The end of your time is nearing
 
I see that the Sealion 6 PHEV starts at under R650k. Nothing comes close price wise for a PHEV and all variants are highly specced with no options and from all accounts from overseas reviews, a cracking vehicle. Agree with the previous comments, that in 10 years or less BYD will be the dominant alternative energy and hybrid brand in SA. For reference an ice vehicle such as Tiguan starts at 650k+ and even a top spec Cherry Tiggo 7 is 610k, makes this car an absolute no brainer in the compact SUV segment. Time for the others to sharpen their pencils.
 
Saw the BYD sign going up at mazda/honda dealership by tygervalley. Not sure if they just adding BYD or honda/mazda going away. Keen to take something on a test drive.
 
Yes. BYD need to break out of the old motus and shared brand dealerships etc. dealerships and go full blown launch!
 
BYD Seagull confirmed for SA! Cheapest EV yet?

The fully electric BYD Seagull has been confirmed for South Africa, with an expected arrival later in 2025. Could this small hatchback grab the title of Mzansi’s cheapest EV?

The fully electric BYD Seagull – which is also known as the “Dolphin Mini” or “Dolphin Surf” in certain overseas markets – has been confirmed for South Africa, with a local arrival anticipated for later in 2025. And there’s at least a fair chance the diminutive hatchback will launch as Mzansi’s cheapest EV.

BYD Auto SA confirmed to Cars.co.za that the “Seagull will be here later this year”, though added that exact launch timing hasn’t yet been locked in. The Chinese firm’s reference to the “Seagull” name suggests that this will indeed be the badge used in the local market.

For the record, BYD applied to register the “Seagull” moniker in Mzansi in January 2025. This came shortly after its 2024 filing to trademark “Dolphin Mini” in South Africa hit a roadblock, with another party (perhaps the BMW Group that owns the Mini brand?) lodging an official opposition, effectively objecting to BYD’s intended use of the badge.

So, what do we know about the Seagull? Well, it’s set to slot in below the Dolphin, which – starting at R539 900 – is currently the local market’s 2nd most affordable EV. At present, the Dayun S5 is officially SA’s cheapest EV, priced from R399 900 to R449 900. Whether BYD will be able to position the Seagull as more affordable than this model remains to be seen.


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FiestaST said:
BYD Seagull confirmed for SA! Cheapest EV yet?

The fully electric BYD Seagull has been confirmed for South Africa, with an expected arrival later in 2025. Could this small hatchback grab the title of Mzansi’s cheapest EV?

The fully electric BYD Seagull – which is also known as the “Dolphin Mini” or “Dolphin Surf” in certain overseas markets – has been confirmed for South Africa, with a local arrival anticipated for later in 2025. And there’s at least a fair chance the diminutive hatchback will launch as Mzansi’s cheapest EV.

BYD Auto SA confirmed to Cars.co.za that the “Seagull will be here later this year”, though added that exact launch timing hasn’t yet been locked in. The Chinese firm’s reference to the “Seagull” name suggests that this will indeed be the badge used in the local market.

For the record, BYD applied to register the “Seagull” moniker in Mzansi in January 2025. This came shortly after its 2024 filing to trademark “Dolphin Mini” in South Africa hit a roadblock, with another party (perhaps the BMW Group that owns the Mini brand?) lodging an official opposition, effectively objecting to BYD’s intended use of the badge.

So, what do we know about the Seagull? Well, it’s set to slot in below the Dolphin, which – starting at R539 900 – is currently the local market’s 2nd most affordable EV. At present, the Dayun S5 is officially SA’s cheapest EV, priced from R399 900 to R449 900. Whether BYD will be able to position the Seagull as more affordable than this model remains to be seen.


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The Seagull is a good runaround vehicle but that boot size is small. the price needs to reflect that.
 
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