BYD's newest electric vehicle is priced at just over $10,000, has a range of 250 miles, and includes LiDAR technology as well.

BYD's newest electric vehicle is priced at just over $10,000, has a range of 250 miles, and includes LiDAR technology as well.

      LiDAR, a range of 250 miles, and a price tag in the five figures: the 2026 Seagull demonstrates that affordable electric vehicles (EVs) are already a reality, albeit not yet in the West.

      BYD has officially launched the 2026 Seagull, known internationally as the Dolphin Mini or Dolphin Surf, and the specifications are noteworthy.

      This updated compact EV starts at 69,900 yuan (approximately $10,300) in China, reaching a maximum of 85,900 yuan (around $12,600). It made its debut at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show and became available for purchase this week (via CarsNewsChina).

      The 2026 BYD Seagull was released with prices ranging from 69,900 to 97,900 RMB. The top two variants come equipped with Lidar along with DiPilot-300 and DiLink-150, which provide the necessary sensors and computing power for the latest smart car technologies. This package adds 12,000 RMB to the standard DiPilot-100 configuration. The car offers ranges of 305 to 405 km.

      What benefits do buyers receive for their investment?

      A significant upgrade this year is the optional “God’s Eye B” intelligent driving package, known as the DiPilot 300 system, which incorporates a LiDAR sensor into the subcompact city vehicle, bringing the price to between $13,400 and $14,400.

      This system enables city-level navigation on autopilot, including traffic light recognition and handling of roundabouts. This semi-autonomous driving feature is offered at a price point where many US car buyers are still considering used Toyotas or three-year-old Chevys.

      The longer-range variant from BYD features a 38.88 kWh battery that provides up to 252 miles of CLTC-certified range. The base models are fitted with a 30.08 kWh battery that delivers a claimed range of up to 190 miles.

      BYD’s subcompact city car is surprisingly powerful

      Designed for city driving, the new BYD EV is equipped with a 55 kW motor that generates 135 Nm of torque, which may not seem impressive at first glance, but aligns with the car’s intended use.

      The interior boasts a 12.8-inch central touchscreen for navigation and 3D vehicle controls. Optional features include 50W wireless charging, heated front seats, and a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat.

      In my view, the 2026 update for the Seagull is more than just a product refresh. By introducing LiDAR into the sub-$15,000 market, BYD is effectively normalizing advanced driver assistance features at a price point that was previously unfathomable.

      For over five years, Shikhar has remained dedicated to simplifying advancements in consumer technology and sharing them…

      BYD’s rapid Flash charging technology for EVs has reached temperatures high enough to cook a turkey

      A real-world test of BYD's Megawatt Flash Charge indicated that battery temperatures soared to 169.6°F during charging. This heat surpasses China's recommended safety limit of 149°F for lithium iron phosphate battery cells. Conducted by an automotive blogger who livestreamed the process (via ChinaEVHome), this test has raised concerns about the potential long-term effects of such high temperatures on battery health.

      Why the temperature issue is significant

      Read more

      Tesla’s recent Cybertruck recall seems almost ridiculous

      The latest recall involves wheels that could potentially detach while driving.

      Tesla's ongoing recalls for Cybertrucks are beginning to sound like comedic news headlines. The newest issue reportedly concerns a component that drivers generally prefer to have secure: the wheels. Indeed, Tesla is recalling Cybertrucks due to concerns that the wheels may literally fall off while in operation.

      Mercedes-Benz promotes the upcoming AMG.EA as an electric vehicle worth anticipating

      AMG constructed a brand-new model from the ground up, faced challenges at Papenburg, redesigned it using digital twins, and had a Formula 1 driver endorse the final product. This is not just hype; it's a story of development.

      Mercedes-AMG does not shy away from the spotlight, as evidenced by their latest behind-the-scenes video. The automaker has posted an 11-minute video on its official YouTube channel, offering an in-depth look at the creation of the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, the first car developed on the new AMG.EA electric platform. It is being touted as the most ambitious project in the company’s history, which is a bold statement for a manufacturer with over 55 years of experience in creating performance vehicles.

      Read more

BYD's newest electric vehicle is priced at just over $10,000, has a range of 250 miles, and includes LiDAR technology as well. BYD's newest electric vehicle is priced at just over $10,000, has a range of 250 miles, and includes LiDAR technology as well. BYD's newest electric vehicle is priced at just over $10,000, has a range of 250 miles, and includes LiDAR technology as well. BYD's newest electric vehicle is priced at just over $10,000, has a range of 250 miles, and includes LiDAR technology as well. BYD's newest electric vehicle is priced at just over $10,000, has a range of 250 miles, and includes LiDAR technology as well. BYD's newest electric vehicle is priced at just over $10,000, has a range of 250 miles, and includes LiDAR technology as well.

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BYD's newest electric vehicle is priced at just over $10,000, has a range of 250 miles, and includes LiDAR technology as well.

BYD has introduced the 2026 Seagull, starting at $10,300, with an optional LiDAR driver-assist package that incorporates features typically found in high-end EVs into one of the most budget-friendly electric cars globally.