BYD announces its cheapest EV has now sold one million units in just over two years

The BYD Seagull, widely recognized as the cheapest EV on the global market, has officially surpassed 1 million units sold just 25 months after its debut.

This ultra-affordable electric hatchback has rapidly become a symbol of BYD’s dominance in the entry-level EV segment.

With a starting price under $8,000, it has drawn massive interest from budget-conscious drivers in China and beyond.

Its record-breaking sales pace highlights growing global demand for low-cost, high-quality electric vehicles.

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The BYD Seagull hit 1 million sales in record time

Launched in April 2023, the BYD Seagull delivers a compact, city-friendly design paired with advanced features rarely seen at its price point.

In fact, the $8,000 best-selling car has plenty of US automakers seriously worried, and for good reason.

Available in multiple trims, the Seagull offers up to 252 miles of driving range.

This is thanks to BYD’s proprietary Blade battery using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which provides a safer, longer-lasting alternative to traditional lithium-ion cells.

The interior includes a rotating infotainment screen, digital driver display, and even optional fast-charging capabilities.

The vehicle’s success is staggering by industry standards.

The Seagull hit the one million mark in less than half the time it took for global icons like the Toyota Corolla or Tesla Model 3.

In April 2025 alone, the company sold more than 55,000 units of the Seagull, making it one of the best-selling EVs globally that month.

In fact, BYD outsold Tesla in Europe for the first time in April 2025, and the Chinese carmaker has even overtaken Tesla in terms of annual revenue.

Selling the cheapest EV is key to its success

Behind the Seagull’s popularity lies BYD’s unique production model.

The Chinese carmaker manufactures its own batteries, motors, chips, and even semiconductors.

This keeps costs low and quality control high.

The company’s self-reliance also allows it to undercut competitors without sacrificing performance, making it possible for it to sell the cheapest EV on the global market.

The Seagull specifically is also central to BYD’s global expansion plans.

Already exported to Latin America and parts of Southeast Asia, it’s expected to launch in additional markets by the end of 2025.

Analysts project that BYD’s total overseas shipments could exceed 800,000 vehicles this year, with the Seagull playing a pivotal role in that push.

With the EV industry shifting focus toward affordability and accessibility, the Seagull’s success signals a broader transformation.

In delivering high-tech electric mobility for under $8,000, BYD isn’t just competing with rivals, but reshaping the future of global transportation.

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