Enhanced Safety and Cold Weather Capabilities of BYD Seagull

BYD Seagull: Comprehensive Safety Evaluation and Cold Weather Performance Insights

Concerns about the safety of compact vehicles, such as the BYD Seagull, are common among consumers. Addressing these concerns, the China Automotive Evaluation official WeChat account recently disclosed the results of the BYD Seagull’s evaluation conducted in accordance with the “Special Evaluation Regulations for Micro Electric Vehicles.” These findings, reviewed by the Automobile Evaluation Management Center of China Automotive Center, shed light on both the safety aspects and the car’s performance in various temperature conditions.

While an official C-NCAP score is pending, Autohome suggests that recent tests followed the C-NCAP and CCRT evaluation frameworks, primarily designed for the professional assessment of micro electric vehicles. The evaluation encompasses three key categories: usage safety, battery life charging, and collision safety.

BYD Seagull electric car on display at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show.

Significantly, the BYD Seagull achieved an outstanding 3A rating in the test, boasting an impressive average score of 92.2%. This score is comprised of three crucial elements: safety of use (91.8%), battery life charging (90.3%), and collision safety (94.5%). The safety of use category includes multiple criteria, confirming the BYD Seagull’s 100% safety during charging. Notably, the wet braking distance was measured at 34.1 meters, indicating the distance needed to decelerate from 80 km/h to 20 km/h.

BYD Seagull electric car on display at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show.

Tests were also conducted to assess the range at different temperatures. While the BYD Seagull has a nominal range of 405 km using the CLTC cycle, tests revealed a reduction to 394 km at 23°C. In colder temperatures, the range significantly decreased, with the car showing a range of 243 km at -7°C, accompanied by an AC charging speed of 6.98 kW/h.

Crash safety results demonstrated impressive scores of 78.79%, 100%, and 87.10% in frontal collision, side collision, and whiplash tests, respectively.

Since its launch last year, the BYD Seagull has emerged as the brand’s best-selling model. The 2024 Honor Edition, launched on March 6, offers three versions priced from 69,800 to 85,800 yuan (9,700 to 11,950 USD). Powered by a 55 kW motor, the BYD Seagull provides options for 30.08 kWh and 38.88 kWh battery packs, featuring CLTC ranges of 305 km and 405 km, respectively, all equipped with the renowned Blade battery technology.