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Starting at under $10,000, the Seagull is the most affordable EV BYD offers in China. It’s also the company’s best seller. In just over two years, BYD has sold over 1 million Seagull EV models. Now, it’s rolling out to new global markets.

BYD Seagull EV sales surpass the 1 million mark

BYD officially launched its low-cost electric car in April 2023, with deliveries kicking off the following month. In just 25 months, BYD Seagull sales surpassed 1 million.

The Seagull went back and forth with the Tesla Model Y for a few months in 2024 as the best-selling EV in China. In November, it outsold every car in China, including gas-powered vehicles.

After selling an additional 60,131 Seagull models in May, BYD announced that its cumulative sales had reached nearly 993,000.

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With just over 7,000 models to go, we knew the milestone was coming soon. During a launch event for its new Seal 06 EV on June 6, BYD officially announced that Seagull EV sales reached 1 million.

The Seagull typically starts at 69,800 yuan, or about $9,300. However, after slashing prices last month, the low-cost EV now starts at just 55,800 yuan ($7,800).

BYD-Seagull-EV-sales
BYD Seagull EV testing with God’s Eye C smart driving system (Source: BYD)

It’s available in three trims: Vitality, Freedom, and Flying. Two battery options are offered, 30.1 kWh and 38.9 kWh, which provide a CLTC range of 305 km (190 mi) and 405 km (252 mi), respectively.

BYD claimed that the Seagull opened “a new era of electricity being lower than oil” after launching the new model in 2024.

BYD Seagull EV trim Starting Price Range
(CLTC)
Vitality Normal: $9,300 (69,800 yuan)
Now: $7,800 (55,800 yuan)
190 mi
(305 km)
Freedom $10,300 (75,800 yuan) 190 mi
(305 km)
Flying $11,700 (85,800 yuan) 252 mi
(405 km)
BYD Seagull EV prices and range by trim in China

Earlier this year, BYD upgraded most of its lineup at no extra cost, including the Seagull EV, with its new “God’s Eye” smart driving system.

The Seagull measures 3,780 mm in length, 1,715 mm in width, and 1,540 mm in height, which is even smaller than the outgoing Chevy Bolt EV and VW ID.3. It’s closer in size to the Fiat 500e.

BYD-Seagull-EV-Dolphin-Surf
BYD Dolphin Surf EV for Europe (Source: BYD)

In Europe and the UK, BYD launched the Seagull EV under the name Dolphin Surf. It’s slightly bigger (+210 mm in length) and more powerful than the Chinese variant.

Although it’s not quite $10,000, prices start at just £18,650 (just over $25,000) in the UK, which is still one of the most affordable options. BYD’s base Dolphin Surf “Active” has a WLTP range of 203 miles. An extended-range “Boost” trim is available with a range of up to 305 miles (507 km). It starts at £21,950 ($30,000).

Electrek’s Take

The Seagull has been a huge part of BYD’s success over the past few years. It’s already rolling out in overseas markets, such as Brazil and Mexico, under the name Dolphin Mini.

For the first time, BYD registered more vehicles than Tesla in Europe in April. It also outsold Tesla in the UK last month.

The Dolphin Surf’s arrival is only expected to accelerate BYD’s momentum going into the end of the year. Although BYD is best known for its ultra-affordable EVs, like the Seagull (or Dolphin Surf), it’s rapidly expanding its lineup with new luxury vehicles, entry-level models, mid-size SUVs, and electric supercars.

One thing is certain: BYD will be a name to continue to watch closely over the next few years as the industry shifts to electric.

BYD’s commitment to ending production of vehicles powered entirely by gas engines in 2022 is quickly paying dividends.

Source: CarNewsChina, BYD

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Inflation is back – but not here! These EVs are actually CHEAPER for 2026

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Inflation is back – but not here! These EVs are actually CHEAPER for 2026

Inflation is back, with prices rising 2.7% compared to last year (and that doesn’t include food, fuel, or rent, which are up even more), which is objectively bad. But it’s not true that everything is getting more expensive. These inflation-busting EVs are heading into 2026 with prices that are lower than they were in 2025!

There’s plenty of reasons for prices to go up or down in a market – everything from tariffs and taxes and increased domestic production to changes in inflation or even just a manufacturerwillingness to take a smaller profit on per-unit sales in order to drive volume. There’s a little bit of all of that happening in the American EV market this year, especially in the face of the expiring Federal EV tax credit that kind of makes most EVs cost $7,500 more than they would have otherwise.

That said, as I was putting this list together, I realized there were plenty of ways for me to present these MY26 price cuts. “Best deals?” Too opinion-based. “Biggest discounts by percentage?” Too much math. In the end, I went with alphabetical order, by make. Enjoy!

Cadillac OPTIQ


Cadillac-OPTIQ-EV
Cadillac OPTIQ; via GM.

Cadillac is the industry’s luxury EV leader these days – and for good reason. Its electric crossovers are good-looking, have long range, great acceleration, and ultra-fast charging. Heck, they can even power your home in a pinch.

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Even so, the powers that be at GM are worried about how their EV sales will fare in an American without a $7,500 Federal EV tax credit, so they’re offering a rear-wheel-drive version of the OPTIQ crossover with 300 miles of range for the 2026 model year with a starting price that’s nearly $2,000 lower than the least-expensive 2025.

Chevy Silverado EV


Silverado EV hauling a John Deere tractor; via GM.

Chevy is crushing it right now. After setting EV range records and surpassing Ford in EV sales this semmer, Chevy is now the fastest-growing domestic EV brand in the US – and they’re seemingly intent on keeping that momentum into 2026 with a more affordable WT trim level that starts at $54,895, compared to $57,095 for the ’25 WT Standard Range.

The financial picture is looking rosier at the top of the Silverado EV model range, too. The range-topping model for 2026 is the $88,695 Trail Boss, while the $97,895 RST Max Range topped the 2025 lineup.

Mercedes-Benz EQS


These Cars Are Losing Value So Fast It’s Almost Impressive
2023 EQS, via Mercedes-Benz.

Despite being objectively capable, technologically-advanced, and supremely luxurious long-range electric vehicles, the Mercedes EQS and EQS SUVs were saddled with a somewhat anonymous, jellybean-like styling language that’s seen the flagship EVs struggle to find a foothold in the ultra-luxury segment they inhabit.

To that end, Mercedes kicked off its 2025 with big discounts on its in-stock EQS and EQS SUVs, and is responding to lower-than-expected market demand by reducing the cars’ MSRPs. In the case of the EQS SUV, by an inflation-busting $15,000 (!).

Toyota bZ


Toyota bZ electric SUV for 2026; via Toyota.

For 2026, Toyota has axed the bZ4X name and added a raft of both functional and cosmetic improvements to its five-passenger electric crossover, including body color fenders, up to 25% more range, and – thanks to a new thermal management system and battery preconditioning – a bigger battery that can charge from 10-80% capacity in about thirty minutes.

Even with those upgrades, the new and improved 2026 Toyota bZ is cheaper than the outgoing bZ4X, starting at $34,900 – or $2,170 less than the outgoing model.

Disclaimer: the prices above were sourced from CarsDirectMotor1, and a number OEM websites. All offers were current as of 07SEP2025, and all links provided are from trusted affiliates. These prices may not be available in every market, with every discount, or for every buyer (the standard “with approved credit” fine print should be considered implied). Check with your local dealer(s) for more information.


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Sennebogen 824 G Electro Battery material handler promises 24/7 power

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Sennebogen 824 G Electro Battery material handler promises 24/7 power

Sennebogen’s new 824 G Electro Battery material handler is being put through its paces at a recycling site in Munich’s Aubing district. And, thanks to its innovative grid-connected/battery system, it never has to stop to recharge!

With its emphasis on the recycling of stainless steel, ferroalloys, and superalloys, CRONIMET Alpha’s recycling operations are loud, and adding the ceaseless drone of diesel engines straining against the mass of all that metal as it’s sorted and fed into bailing presses. That’s why the company was so excited to test out Sennebogen’s new, all-electric 824 G Electro Battery material handler during an extensive trial at its Munich site.

So far, CRONIMET’s operators have been impressed with the new Sennebogen. “The battery-powered machine drives just like a diesel-powered one,” explains equipment operator Zoran Alexsic. “You don’t notice any difference in power – only that everything runs much more smoothly and quietly … you don’t have to take breaks to escape the noise.”

Quiet, but powerful


824 G Electro Battery; via Sennebogen.

The Sennebogen 824 G comes standard with a 98 kWh battery, but operators can install up to four modular packs for a total of 392 kWh and roughly eight hours of runtime. Even with a single pack—good for 1.5 to 3 hours—the machine can keep CRONIMET’s operations running almost nonstop, thanks to its built-in dual power mode.

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Sennebogen’s dual power mode enables the 824 G to run on battery while drawing power from the grid at the same time. When connected to grid power, the machine can recharge its batteries as it works, eliminating the downtime other BEVs need for charging and giving operators the freedom to reposition the machine on battery power, then plug back in when convenient.

Beyond flexibility, the electric handler is also cleaner, quieter, and more cost-effective than the diesel models it’s designed to replace. By seamlessly cycling between battery and grid power, it reduces both noise on the job site and energy costs during peak hours.

Electrek’s Take


Drop the beat; via Sennebogen.

We’ve seen grid-connected equipment assets like this before, and with good reason. Simply put, it takes many more kilowatts of energy to dig up tons and tons of dirt and rocks than it does to send an aerodynamically smoothed sedan down a road. That’s why you still see a push towards hydrogen and other energy-dense fuels in construction – but permanently grid connected assets, whether wired or inductive, could solve for some of the limitations of batteries on job sites that can support them.

If the 824 G Electro Battery is a commercial success, expect Sennebogen to roll out more grid-connected options in the years to come.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Sennebogen.


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MINI x Deus Ex Machina Skeg electric concept lightens the mood

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MINI x Deus Ex Machina Skeg electric concept lightens the mood

MINI has partnered with lifestyle brand, Deus Ex Machina, to develop this. It’s called the Skeg, and it’s a high-performance, racing-inspired electric concept car that’s sure to lighten the mood – by shedding fully 15% of its mass in the quest for speed.

One of a pair of exclusive, one-off concepts based on MINI’s John Cooper Works cars. The Deus Ex Machina Skeg celebrates MINI’s storied racing history with what the company calls, “a clean, minimal, and quiet rebellion,” that draws on materials, technologies, and philosophies from the world of surfing.

The electric MINI JCW Skeg is stripped to its essentials, with much of the steel and aluminum bits replaced with lightweight fiberglass to maximize acceleration while driving the minimalist aesthetic home. The end result weighs 15% less than the standard car – but makes the same stout 190 kW (258 hp) as the production car.

Surf’s up


MINI Skeg concept interior; via BMW.

The interior is stripped back to the barest essentials, reflecting BMW’s vision of a surf culture that prioritizes function over form. MINI claims the end result resembles a mobile surf shop, with fiberglass trays for wetsuits, specially shaped bins, neoprene seats, and other touches that “bring the surf culture into the interior.”

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For their part, the BMW and MINI styling team seems pretty proud of its minimalistic electric endeavor. “In this extraordinary collaboration … every single detail has been crafted with artisanal precision and expertise,” says Holger Hampf, Head of MINI Design. “This has resulted in unique characters that are clearly perceived as belonging together through their distinctive design language and use of graphics.”

The concept retains the production version’s 54.2 kWh li-ion battery pack, up to 250 of WLTP range with the production aero kit, sprints from 0-100 km (62 mph) in just 5.9 seconds. With 15% less mass, though, that should jump to more than 255 miles, with 0-60 times dropping below 5.5 seconds.

I dig it – but I’d skip the surf bits and just appreciate the raw composite, minimalist interior look for what it is. Take a look at the image gallery, below, then let us know what you think of MINI’s Skeg concept in the comments.


SOURCE | IMAGES: BMW MINI.


If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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