Over the past year, there have been several electric vehicle (EV) launches in the country. Most are priced at over two million pesos, with others sitting in the PHP1.5 to PHP1.8-million range. While the electrified future is exciting, cars at these price points are still a hard sell for Filipinos, most of whom are still on the fence about EVs. That was before BYD Cars Philippines changed the game. Meet the BYD Seagull: a sub-one-million-peso EV that could very well be your first electric car.
Design: 4.5/5
The BYD Seagull is quite a looker. Many reviewers and motoring journalists have described it as a “baby Lambo,” and you can definitely see the resemblance with the sharp drop of its hood.
The sides feature a few sharp lines that blend with the car’s body—perhaps more noticeable because of the vibrant Sprout Green color. Below each door, there are “BYD Blade Battery” labels, though these don’t indicate the actual battery location. The car rides on 16-inch wheels with disc brakes on all four corners, while wide LED taillights and a small top-mounted spoiler with an integrated brake light highlight the rear.
Size-wise, the BYD Seagull is a small hatchback, putting it in the same category as the Toyota Wigo, Honda Brio, Suzuki Celerio, and Suzuki S-Presso. Its dimensions are listed at 3,780 x 1,715 x 1,580mm, with a wheelbase of 2,500mm. That long wheelbase translates to more legroom for passengers, giving it an edge in its segment.
One major concern with the Seagull is its published ground clearance—just 120mm laden. On paper, it seems too low. But in practice, I’ve had no issues tackling the bumps and potholes of CAMANAVA and EDSA, even with five passengers onboard.
Equipment: 4/5
The BYD Seagull is fully electric, powered by a 30kWh BYD Blade Battery (Lithium Iron Phosphate), giving it an NEDC-rated range of 300km on a single full charge. A front-mounted Permanent Magnet Synchronous (PMS) motor delivers 75PS and 135Nm of torque.
When it comes to tech, the Seagull takes a simpler approach compared to its pricier siblings. It features a basic TFT LCD instrument cluster, standard cruise control, a rear camera with sensors, and no major ADAS, though it does have Auto Hold. There are three driving modes—Normal, Eco, and Sport—and traction control for sand and snow.
As for the toys, the car has a 10.1-inch infotainment display that rotates 90 degrees, supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A wireless charger replaces the middle console, while unique touches include an NFC card that acts as a smart key alternative. The BYD app integration also lets you monitor real-time vehicle data like charging percentage and even remotely start the car.
Comfort-wise, the Seagull comes with leather seats all around and auto-climate air conditioning, though vents and controls are limited to the front. On the safety side, it’s equipped with four airbags, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, ABS, Hydraulic Brake Assist, EBD, Hill Start Assist, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and more.
User Experience: 4.5/5
After driving the Seagull for over a month, I can confidently say it has brought back the joy of driving for me. It doesn’t have the horsepower or torque of more expensive EVs, but it feels great behind the wheel. Steering is light yet precise, and being an EV, power and torque are instantaneous. If BYD could fine-tune the motor and suspension, this could easily be a fun little hot hatch.
What impressed me most was how planted the Seagull felt on the road. The battery’s weight and placement help maintain a low center of gravity, making it stable even on twisty mountain roads. On highways, overtaking is a breeze—even in Eco mode. Sport mode, however, takes the driving experience up a notch, putting a grin on my face as it zips through the expressway.
Space-wise, the Seagull offers one of the best rear passenger accommodations in its class. Taller passengers won’t struggle to get in or out of the back. The trade-off, however, is its limited trunk space. At 230-liters, it’s good for a couple of medium-sized suitcases or boxes. Folding the rear seats expands the cargo area but reduces passenger capacity.
In terms of energy efficiency, the Seagull is decent but not groundbreaking. It averages 10kWh per 100km, according to its onboard monitor. Real-world range during the holidays was around 210km, although I often charged it when it hit 30%, with about 70km of range left.
Charging the Seagull has been a cost-saver. In two months, I’ve saved around PHP7,000–8,000 on fuel. Most of my charging was free, thanks to mall charging stations and our home solar setup. That said, some malls now charge per kWh. Charging times depend on the method: 4.5 hours for a full charge using the included 7kW wall charger, 30 minutes for 30–80% using a DC fast charger (max 30kW), and 10 hours with the portable 3kW charger. Its V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capability also turns it into a giant power bank for home appliances.
In two months, the Seagull has taken over as our daily driver, replacing our MPV—a testament to its practicality and reliability.
Value: 4.5/5
At its introductory price of PHP898,000, the BYD Seagull is a game-changer. Even at its regular price of PHP938,000, it remains an affordable gateway into the EV market. It’s a compelling choice for first-time car buyers or as a secondary vehicle, thanks to its driving dynamics, tech, and savings on fuel and maintenance. Plus, there’s the bonus of being exempt from coding.
However, condo dwellers or those without reliable home charging might want to wait. Mall charging, while convenient, is becoming less reliable as EV adoption grows. Thankfully, the future of EV infrastructure looks bright. The DOE recently finalized rules requiring gas stations to install chargers under the EVIDA Law, and companies like ACMobility are rapidly expanding charging networks across the country.
Final Thoughts
The BYD Seagull makes the EV dream accessible to more Filipinos. Its affordable price, practicality, and fun driving experience make it a solid choice for anyone looking to embrace the electrified future.
Reviewed by Gabriel John Pe
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 25 No. 5 Issue