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Is BYD bringing its cheapest EV to another overseas market? BYD will officially launch an electric car even smaller than the Dolphin in Australia, hinting it could be the low-cost Seagull EV.

BYD is known for its extremely affordable electric cars. Its cheapest EV, the Seagull, starts at under $10,000 (69,800 yuan) in China.

The Seagull was the top-selling EV in China in August, its sixth straight month claiming the title. In September, BYD sold another 43,425 Seagull models, pushing total sales over the 400,000 mark for the first time.

After dominating in its home market, BYD is looking overseas to drive growth. BYD’s Seagull, known as the Dolphin Mini, is already rolling out in key markets like Mexico and Brazil.

Even overseas, the Seagull (Dolphin Mini) is among the cheapest EV options, starting at around $20,000 (99,800 BRL, 358,800 pesos).

BYD is hinting it could launch its cheapest electric car in another key overseas market. David Smith, CEO of BYD’s Australian importer, EVDirect, confirmed to Drive that it plans to launch a vehicle smaller than the Dolphin.

BYD-Seagull-EV-Australia
BYD Seagull (Dolphin Mini) testing in Brazil (Source: BYD)

BYD hints at Seagull EV launch in Australia

The Dolphin was Australia’s cheapest EV when it launched in 2023. However, the compact EV has since been undercut by aggressive price cuts on the MG 4 and GWM Ora.

After slashing the price by $2,000 (AUD), BYD’s Dolphin starts at $36,890. The MG 4, through a limited-time promo, begins at $30,990.

BYD-Seagull-EV-Australia
BYD Dolphin (left) and Atto 3 (right) Source: BYD

When asked if it would regain Australia’s cheapest electric car by cutting prices further, Smith hesitated, saying, “We always want to be competitive with our competitors, but we’re also cognisant of residual values.”

Smith added that BYD is “here for the long term ” and “we always want to put the brand first.” Fluctuating prices could damage that.

BYD-Seagull-EV-Australia
BYD Dolphin Mini (Seagull) launch in Brazil (Source: BYD)

Meanwhile, that doesn’t mean a cheaper model is out of the playbook. BYD’s Australian import boss explained, “Yes, there are plans for smaller vehicles, smaller SUVs as well.”

At just 3,780 mm long, BYD’s Seagull is even smaller than the Chevy Bolt EV (4,145 mm) and Toyota Yaris (4,425 mm).

BYD Seagull Honor Edition trim Starting Price Range
(CLTC)
Active $9,700
(69,800 yuan)
190 mi
(305 km)
Free $10,500
(75,800 yuan)
190 mi
(305 km)
Flying $12,000
(85,800 yuan)
252 mi
(405 km)
BYD Seagull Honor Edition prices and range

BYD’s Seagull EV is available in 30.88 kWh and 38.88 kWh BYD Blade Battery options in China. The former provides up to 190 miles (305 km) CTLC range, while the latter is rated with up to 252 miles (405 km) range.

The Seagull earned the nickname “mini Lamborghini” in China as former Lamborghini designer Wolfgang Egger led its design.

BYD-seagull-EV-Australia
BYD Seagull (Dolphin Mini) interior (Source: BYD)

Despite its compact size, the mini EV is loaded with BYD’s latest software and connectivity tech. The center 10.1″ rotating infotainment features DiLink intelligent network connection.

The smaller SUV Smith mentioned is expected to be the new Yuan Up, slotted below BYD’s popular Atto 3 model.

BYD will expand its lineup in Australia with its first pickup, the Shark PHEV, which will be launching this week. After that, BYD plans to introduce its new Sealion 7 mid-size electric SUV with models from its luxury Denza and Yangwang brands confirmed for arrival.

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YMX Logistics deploys 20 new Orange EV electric yard trucks

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YMX Logistics deploys 20 new Orange EV electric yard trucks

Leading yard operation 3PL YMX Logistics has announced plans to deploy fully twenty (20) of Orange EV’s fully electric Class 8 terminal trucks at a number of distribution and manufacturing sites across North America.

As the shipping and logistics industries increasingly move to embrace electrification, yard operations have proven to be an almost ideal use case for EVs, enabling companies like Orange EV, which specialize in yard hostlers or terminal tractors, to drive real, impactful change. To that end, companies like YMX are partnering with Orange EV.

“This relationship between YMX and Orange EV is a significant step forward in transforming yard operations across North America,” said Matt Yearling, CEO of YMX Logistics. “Besides the initial benefits of reduction in emissions and carbon footprint, our customers are also seeing improvements in the overall operational efficiency and seeking to expand. Our team members have also been sharing positive feedback about their new equipment and highlighting the positive impact on their health and day-to-day activities.”

This Orange looks good in blue

YMX Logistics electric yard trucks; by Orange EV.

One of the most interesting aspects of this story – beyond the Orange EV HUSK-e XP’s almost unbelievable 180,000 lb. GCWR spec. – is that this isn’t a story about California’s ports, which mandate EVs. Instead, YMX is truly deploying these trucks throughout the country, with at least four currently in Chicago (and more on the way).

“Our collaboration with YMX Logistics represents a powerful stride in delivering sustainable yard solutions at scale for enterprise customers,” explains Wayne Mathisen, CEO of Orange EV. “With rising demand for electric yard trucks, our joint efforts ensure that more companies can access the environmental, financial, and operational benefits of electrification … this is a win for the planet, the workforce, and the bottom line of these organizations.”

We interviewed Orange EV founder Kurt Neutgens on The Heavy Equipment Podcast a few months back, but if you’re not familiar with these purpose-built trucks, it’s worth a listen.

HEP-isode 26

SOURCE | IMAGES: YMX Logistics.

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Hyundai IONIQ 9 debut, new NACS Kia, solid state batteries from Honda

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Hyundai IONIQ 9 debut, new NACS Kia, solid state batteries from Honda

On today’s thrilling episode of Quick Charge, we’ve got the all-new Hyundai IONIQ 9 and its “a “rolling living room” pivoting captain’s chairs, Kia gets a go-fast 7 passenger SUV and an updated EV6, while Honda announces plans to start producing solid-state batteries at its new facility in just a few weeks.

We’ve also got big news for American workers – a Minnesota power company is ditching coal for solar while ExxonMobil and LG Chem get to work extracting thousands of tons of lithium out of Tennessee’s soil.

Today’s episode is sponsored by BLUETTI, a leading provider of portable power stations, solar generators, and energy storage systems. For a limited time, save up to 52% during BLUETTI’s exclusive Black Friday sale, now through November 28, and be sure to use promo code BLUETTI5OFF for 5% off all power stations sitewide. Learn more by clicking here.

You can watch the episode, below.

Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded, usually, Monday through Thursday (and sometimes Sunday). We’ll be posting bonus audio content from time to time as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news!

Got news? Let us know!
Drop us a line at tips@electrek.co. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!

Read more: Farm-fegnugen? Volkswagen rolls out an electric tractor.

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One of the US’s first solar peaker plants – with Tesla Megapacks – just came online

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One of the US’s first solar peaker plants – with Tesla Megapacks – just came online

Arevon Energy has kicked off operations at Vikings Solar-plus-Storage – one of the US’s first utility-scale solar peaker plants.

The $529 million project in Imperial County, California, near Holtville, features 157 megawatts of solar power paired with 150 megawatts/600 megawatt hours of battery storage.

Vikings Solar-plus-Storage is designed to take cheap daytime solar power and store it for use during more expensive peak demand times, like late afternoons and evenings. The battery storage system can quickly respond to changes in demand, helping tackle critical grid needs.

Vikings leverages provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act that support affordable clean energy, strengthen grid resilience, boost US manufacturing, and create good jobs.

The Vikings project has already brought significant benefits to the local area. It employed over 170 people during construction, many local workers, and boosted nearby businesses like restaurants, hotels, and stores. On top of that, Vikings will pay out more than $17 million to local governments over its lifespan.

“Vikings’ advanced design sets the standard for safe and reliable solar-plus-storage configurations,” said Arevon CEO Kevin Smith. “The project incorporates solar panels, trackers, and batteries that showcase the growing strength of US renewable energy manufacturing.”

The project includes Tesla Megapack battery systems made in California, First Solar’s thin-film solar panels, and smart solar trackers from Nextracker. San Diego-based SOLV Energy handled the engineering, procurement, and construction work.

San Diego Community Power (SDCP) will buy the energy from the Vikings project under a long-term deal, helping power nearly 1 million customer accounts. SDCP and Arevon have also signed an agreement for the 200 MW Avocet Energy Storage Project in Carson, California, which will start construction in early 2025.

Vikings is named after the Holtville High School mascot, and Arevon is giving back to the local community by funding scholarships for deserving Holtville High students.

Arevon is a major renewable energy developer across the US and a key player in California, with nearly 2,500 MW in operation and more than 1,250 MW under construction.

Read more: Minnesota’s largest coal plant goes solar: Sherco Solar comes online


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Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*

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