BYD's new Seagull EV starts under $10,000 in China

Why it matters: China is the world's largest EV market, and its biggest automakers compete hard on price, which pushes features once found in premium cars into budget models. For foreign readers, the Seagull shows how cheap and how quick-charging a mass-market Chinese EV can be, even though the five-minute charging claim depends on a pricier trim and a compatible station.

BYD has put its second-generation Seagull on sale in China, with prices starting at 65,900 yuan (about $9,300) before incentives, according to the company.

Buyers eligible for BYD's trade-in promotion can bring that down to 62,900 yuan (about $8,900).

The updated hatchback is larger than the model it replaces, at around 13.8 feet long, and now seats five people instead of four. BYD has also stretched the wheelbase for more passenger room.

Underneath, the new Seagull switches to rear-wheel drive and a more powerful electric motor, with either 114hp or 127hp depending on the version. An upgraded rear suspension is meant to make the ride more comfortable.

The headline feature is charging speed. Higher-spec versions use BYD's second-generation Blade Battery (刀片电池) and support the company's Flash Charging system, which BYD says can go from 10 to 70 percent in five minutes at a compatible station, and from 10 to 97 percent in about nine minutes.

BYD also says charging from 20 to 97 percent takes around 12 minutes at temperatures as low as minus 22°F (minus 30°C).

There is a catch: the five-minute charging needs one of the pricier versions with the larger 39.2kWh battery. Entry-level cars use a 30.1kWh battery with a claimed range of about 199 miles on China's CLTC test cycle, while the larger battery raises that to about 261 miles. Real-world range varies with driving conditions, weather and use.

Inside, the car gets a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a redesigned centre console, extra physical buttons, ambient lighting and a 50W wireless phone charger. An optional DiPilot 300 system adds a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor and driver-assistance features including navigation assistance in city traffic and smart parking.

The Seagull is sold abroad under other names, including the BYD Dolphin Surf in the UK and Europe and the Dolphin Mini in other markets. BYD has not said when the updated version will reach those markets or what it will cost there.