BYD has officially launched its second-generation Seagull in China, combining five-minute charging with a price equivalent to less than €10,000.

Even more remarkably, the entry-level version starts at around €8,400, despite being much larger and better equipped than its predecessor. Could the next European Dolphin Surf challenge the continent’s cheapest electric cars below €20,000?

The new Seagull was launched in Zhengzhou on Tuesday, with five versions priced between 65,900 and 99,900 yuan (approximately €8,400–€12,700). Its starting price is 4,000 yuan lower than that of the outgoing model.

The biggest surprise is that BYD is bringing its latest Flash Charging technology, previously associated with expensive flagship models, to one of China’s most affordable electric cars.

Five-minute charging for €9,700

Three versions, starting at 75,900 yuan (approximately €9,700), feature BYD’s second-generation Blade Battery with Flash Charging capability. According to BYD, the 39.2 kWh LFP battery can charge from 10 to 70% in just five minutes at a compatible charging station.

That means adding approximately 23.5 kWh in five minutes, equivalent to an average charging power of 282 kW. An exceptional figure for an electric car in this price category.

The two cheaper versions use a smaller 30.1 kWh battery without Flash Charging. They offer 320 km of range under China’s optimistic CLTC test cycle, compared with 420 km for the larger battery. European WLTP figures are not yet available.

Chinese customers choosing a Flash Charging version are also offered one year of free charging at BYD’s dedicated stations, subject to conditions.

From flagship SUV to affordable hatchback

The announcement follows BYD’s European presentation of the Atto 8 flagship SUV at the Paris Motor Show. As NMN reported last week, BYD is preparing an extensive European Flash Charging network.

The contrast is striking: technology showcased in an expensive seven-seat SUV is already available in China in a small hatchback costing a fraction of the price.

However, BYD’s charging figures remain manufacturer claims, and the fastest charging rates require dedicated high-power infrastructure. Ordinary European DC chargers will not necessarily deliver comparable performance.

More car for less money

As we reported earlier this month, the new Seagull has grown by 42.5 cm to 4.205 meters, becoming a proper five-seater with rear-wheel drive, up to 95 kW (127 hp), independent rear suspension and a 94-liter frunk.

Equipment can include heated and ventilated seats, a driver’s massage function and optional LiDAR-assisted driving technology.

The aggressive pricing also reflects mounting competition in China. Seagull sales in its home market reportedly fell by around two-thirds during the first eight months of 2026, partly under pressure from Geely’s successful Xingyuan.

Could the Dolphin Surf fall below €20,000?

For European manufacturers, the implications are significant. In Belgium, the current Dolphin Surf starts at €21,440, although BYD offered it for €20,261 in September.

Several competitors are already cheaper. The Dacia Spring starts at around €17,890, while the Leapmotor T03 has a list price of € 19,200, temporarily reduced to €17,700.

Renault’s new Twingo E-Tech has been advertised from €19,500, and Citroën has offered its entry-level ë-C3 close to €20,000. Hyundai’s Inster starts at €23,349.

A next-generation Dolphin Surf priced between €18,000 and €20,000 in Belgium therefore looks conceivable, although this is an estimate rather than an announced BYD price.

But the real threat lies beyond the price tag. At 4.205 meters, the new Seagull is significantly larger than Europe’s cheapest city EVs, while offering more space, power and potentially vastly superior charging performance.

Even if the Flash Charging version costs several thousand euros more than the entry model, it could still challenge European competitors in the €20,000–€25,000 segment.

European production could make the difference

Chinese-built BYD electric cars currently face an additional 17% EU countervailing duty on top of the normal 10% import tariff. Production at BYD’s new European facilities could help reduce that disadvantage.

However, BYD has not confirmed European production, launch timing or pricing for the new Seagull. Nor is it certain that the next Dolphin Surf will receive the same Flash Charging technology.

For now, Europe already has electric cars below €20,000. What it does not yet have is one combining the new Seagull’s size and equipment with the prospect of five-minute charging.

BYD has demonstrated that this combination is possible in China. The question is how much of that advantage it can bring to European customers.