BYD Seal News

Sales of Chinese electric cars are booming despite heavy tariffs effectively locking them out of the US, Canada and the European Union.

2000km. That’s the range Chinese automaker BYD is claiming with its new plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the Seal 07 DM-i.

The 2025 BYD Seal was revealed in official images last Friday, signalling more bad news for Tesla as the Chinese EV-maker looks poised to climb global sales charts. 

The electric car price war that has raged in Australia for the past few months might be drawing to a close.

Something is happening to the car world and we're all witnessing it - the return of the hatchback and sedan, and we know why its happening

BYD has announced a run-out special on 2023 year model Seal sedans.Those ordering a Seal Premium ($58,798) or Performance ($68,748) with standard paint and interior combination for personal use will only pay the list price with drive-away charges included. This saving for the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2 rival equates to between $535 (ACT) up to $3708 (Vic). Those in WA will pay a little more owing to government charges, at $60,798 for the Premium and $70,748 for the Performance. The savings apply to non-business purchases of Seal sedans – including if you already have an order in but haven't taken delivery – between June 7 and 30.The single motor Seal Premium has a rear mounted 230kW/360Nm electric motor and 82.56kWh ‘Blade’ LFP battery pack for 570km driving range. It also gets 19-inch, LED headlights, a 15.6-inch multimedia screen, ‘genuine’ leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, keyless entry and push-button start. Moving up to the Performance doubles the motor count bringing outputs 390kW and 670Nm while range drops back to 520km. The latest offer hasn’t drastically changed the Seal’s place in the market, it was already well below the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Polestar 2 for price. It still undercuts Tesla’s Model 3 sedan ($64,500 before on-road costs for the 629km Long Range) despite that car's significant cuts. BYD’s end of financial year offer follows its deal on Atto 3 small SUV demonstrators announced earlier this year. Big name rivals including Tesla and Polestar have jumped on the discount program either slashing prices wholesale or offering retail deals. Smaller players, including Renault, Peugeot and Nissan have also slashed prices on selected models to move stock. 

Locally known for its aquatically themed electric cars like the Seal sedan and Dolphin hatch, BYD is doubling down on plug-in hybrid technology, touting a new ultra-long-range powertrain.

China’s rapid expansion will see it overtake Thailand by 2026

BYD has confirmed what we have long suspected – that the plug-in hybrid SUV that will take on everything from the Toyota RAV4 to the Mitsubishi Outlander will be the Seal U, which will launch within the next four months.

BYD appears to be making good on some of its bold sales promises in Australia, with the Chinese EV brand outselling Tesla for the first time in January.