- The Seagull ranks among BYD's best-selling models, with 44,627 units sold in December.
- In addition to the Seagull, the slightly higher-priced Dolphin will also feature LiDAR.
In China's electric vehicle (EV) market, LiDAR was once exclusive to high-end models several years ago. Now, the sensor is becoming increasingly common.
The Seagull -- BYD's (HKG: 1211, OTCMKTS: BYDDY) most affordable model -- will also feature LiDAR, according to a regulatory catalog released Thursday by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
An updated version of the compact BYD EV entered the catalog, showing its exterior remains consistent with the current model but adds a roof-mounted LiDAR option.
LiDAR is regarded as a key sensor for ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) functionality, believed to significantly enhance obstacle detection capabilities.
The updated Seagull still features a single motor, though its peak power has increased from 55 kW to 60 kW, while the maximum supported speed remains 130 kilometers per hour.
The Seagull was initially launched on April 26, 2023. The 2025 model year Seagull currently available in China was launched on August 1, 2024, with a starting price of RMB 69,800 ($10,000), remaining BYD's most affordable model.
The Seagull ranks among BYD's best-selling models, with 44,627 units sold in December, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.
Throughout 2025, the Seagull achieved total sales of 529,537 units.
On June 30, 2025, the Seagull reached the milestone of producing its 1-millionth vehicle.
In addition to the Seagull, the Dolphin -- another slightly higher-priced model in BYD's Ocean lineup -- will also feature LiDAR, according to the MIIT catalog released on Thursday.
The Dolphin was initially launched on August 29, 2021, as the first model built on BYD's e-platform 3.0.
On December 3, 2025, the Dolphin reached its 1-millionth sales milestone. It currently starts at RMB 99,800 in China.
The Dolphin sold 24,417 units in December and 239,312 units for the full year 2025.
Below are the filing images for the BYD Dolphin.
($1 = RMB 6.9817)
