---
title: "BYD’s cheapest EV now has a roof-mounted LiDAR, and it still starts at just $13,000"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/285960445.md"
description: "BYD has upgraded its entry-level Seagull EV, making it the first A00-class electric vehicle to feature a roof-mounted LiDAR. The 2026 model, launched on May 11, retains its starting price of 69,900 yuan ($10,300) while offering advanced smart driving technology. The Seagull, known as Dolphin Surf in Europe, was BYD's best-selling electric vehicle last year, with nearly 450,000 deliveries. It is available in six versions with two battery options and has a driving range of up to 305 km (190 miles)."
datetime: "2026-05-11T14:24:15.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/285960445.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/285960445.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/285960445.md)
---

# BYD’s cheapest EV now has a roof-mounted LiDAR, and it still starts at just $13,000

The Seagull is now the first A00-class EV with a roof-mounted LiDAR. BYD upgraded the entry-level EV, bringing its smart driving tech to the masses for under 100,000 yuan ($14,700).

## BYD’s cheapest Seagull EV upgraded with LiDAR

Starting at just 69,900 yuan ($10,300), the Seagull was BYD’s best-selling purely electric vehicle last year. Sold as the Dolphin Surf in Europe, and Dolphin Mini in other overseas markets, the electric hatchback ranked as the fifth best-selling EV in the world in 2025, with nearly 450,000 deliveries.

For the 2026 model year, BYD is upping the ante once again. BYD launched the 2026 Seagull EV in China on May 11, maintaining its ultra-affordable starting price of just 69,900 ($10,300).

That’s for the base Vitality Edition, with a CLTC driving range of up to 305 km (190 miles). The new Seagull is available in six versions with two battery options.

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