Key Takeaways
- BYD's second-generation Seagull is reportedly 4,205 mm long with a 2,650 mm wheelbase, a big step up in size.
- The motor moves to the rear and is rated at a reported 95 kW, with a 150 km/h top speed and a new front trunk.
- A 95 kW motor would fall in Nepal's 51-100 kW duty band, so price will depend on import taxes.
- Nepal's cheapest EVs today are the Seres E1 Mid at Rs. 16,49,000 and the MG Comet Pace at Rs. 18,75,000.
- No Nepal launch or price has been confirmed for the new Seagull, Dolphin Mini or Dolphin Surf.
BYD is giving its cheapest EV, sold as the Seagull in China, the Dolphin Mini in Latin America and the Dolphin Surf in Europe, a full second-generation overhaul. The new car is reported to be larger, to switch to rear-wheel drive, and to add a front trunk and a bigger screen. It also moves noticeably upmarket from the tiny city runabout we know today.
For Nepali buyers the interesting part is the size. The reported dimensions are 4,205 mm long, 1,810 mm wide and 1,570 mm high, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase. That puts the new Seagull in the same size class as the Geely EX2 and well clear of the micro-EVs that currently make up Nepal's cheapest tier.
BYD has not announced a Nepal launch for the second-generation car, and we have no price for it. This guide covers what is known so far, how the size and power change affects the Nepal import-duty picture, and which cars you can buy today at the budget end of the market.
Key Highlights
- Bigger body: reported at 4,205 x 1,810 x 1,570 mm with a 2,650 mm wheelbase, a clear step up from the first-generation car.
- Rear-wheel drive: the motor moves to the rear axle, which frees up a front trunk (frunk).
- More power: the reported motor rating is 95 kW (127 hp), with a top speed of 150 km/h.
- Upscale interior: a larger central screen, a two-spoke steering wheel and a redesigned console. Spy shots also show roof-mounted LiDAR, which points to BYD's "God's Eye" driver-assist tech.
- Price context in China: the current Seagull starts at about $10,000, so the new one will likely cost more.
- Nepal today: the cheapest EVs on our database are the Seres E1 Mid at Rs. 16,49,000 and the MG Comet Pace at Rs. 18,75,000.
Detailed Analysis
What is actually changing
The first-generation Seagull earned its reputation as a cheap, compact city car with a front-mounted motor. The second generation keeps the affordable positioning but changes the layout. Moving the motor to the rear is a bigger step than it sounds. Rear-wheel drive usually gives better steering feel and traction when climbing, and it leaves room up front for a small luggage space.
The interior follows BYD's newer design language. That means one large central display, a simpler two-spoke wheel and a cleaner console. Spy images show a roof LiDAR unit, so higher trims may get more advanced driver assistance than anything in this price class today. Earlier reports also mention surprise luxury touches such as massage seats on some versions.
Why size matters for a budget EV
A car this size sits in a different market segment. The table below compares the reported length and wheelbase with cars in our database.
| Vehicle | Length (mm) | Wheelbase (mm) | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| New BYD Seagull (reported) | 4,205 | 2,650 | 5 |
| Geely EX2 | 4,135 | 2,650 | 5 |
| Deepal S03 | 4,435 | 2,735 | 5 |
| MG Comet Pace | 2,974 | 2,010 | 4 |
| Seres E1 Mid | 3,030 | 1,960 | 4 |
The new Seagull shares its wheelbase with the Geely EX2 and is about 1,200 mm longer than the Comet or E1. In practice that means real rear legroom and a usable boot. The existing micro-EVs cannot offer either.
How the range stacks up
The current Chinese-market Seagull is rated at 405 km on the optimistic CLTC cycle. Owners say real use with air conditioning and music running is closer to 300 km. Reports from hot climates are lower, roughly 200 to 230 km from the larger battery with the AC working hard. Europe's Dolphin Surf, with its 43.2 kWh pack, delivers a realistic 130 to 180 miles in mixed driving according to road tests.
That is a useful reality check when you read Nepal spec sheets. Claimed ranges on the CLTC cycle are optimistic. Hills, passengers and AC all cut into them.
Here is how the nearest cars in our database compare on battery and range.
| Vehicle | Battery | Claimed range | Motor power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geely EX2 | 40.16 kWh | 410 km | 85 kW |
| Deepal S03 | 40 kWh | 405 km | 120 kW |
| MG Comet Pace | 17.3 kWh | 230 km | 31.3 kW |
| Seres E1 Top | 16.8 kWh | 220 km | 30 kW |
Pro tip: Range figures are quoted on different test cycles (CLTC, ARAI and others), so they are not directly comparable. Treat the ARAI and NEDC numbers as the more conservative ones.
Today's cheapest EVs in Nepal
The table below compares the cheapest priced cars in our database. The Seres E1 and the Henrey Mincar are small four-seaters, so they are only a rough comparison for a five-seat hatchback.
| Vehicle | Price | Battery | Claimed range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seres E1 Mid | Rs. 16,49,000 | 13.8 kWh | 180 km |
| Seres E1 Top | Rs. 17,99,000 | 16.8 kWh | 220 km |
| MG Comet Pace | Rs. 18,75,000 | 17.3 kWh | 230 km |
| Henrey Mincar | Rs. 19,95,000 | 16.5 kWh | 205 km |
Every one of these is a city car. None has fast charging, and all top out at about 100 km/h. A car like the new Seagull would be the first at this price point to feel like a proper small family car.
Impact on Nepal EV Market
Duty bands will decide the price
Import duty in Nepal depends on motor power. Reported slabs put motors up to 50 kW at 15% customs and 5% excise. Motors between 51 kW and 100 kW pay 20% customs and 15% excise. Our database lists the Comet Pace at 31.3 kW and the Seres E1 Top at 30 kW, so they sit in the lower band. The Geely EX2 (85 kW) and the Deepal S03 (120 kW) are in or above the higher one.
A 95 kW Seagull would fall in the 51-100 kW band, so it would be taxed more heavily than the micro-EVs. A further Clean Infrastructure Investment Fee applies on top, based on customs value. The Kathmandu Post has reported that revised tax slabs could squeeze the market. Whether the new Seagull is still "cheap" in Nepal depends on its landed value and the final tax slabs, not just the China sticker price.
What it means for buyers
- Budget buyers who want a genuine five-seater should watch this car and the Geely EX2 closely. Both offer far more space than the Comet or E1.
- City commuters in Kathmandu valley will find the micro-EVs easier to park and cheaper to buy, and their running cost stays low. At roughly Rs. 0.70 per km, a 30-40 km daily commute costs about Rs. 1,000-2,000 a month.
- Hill drivers should note that rear-wheel drive is generally better on steep, wet gradients. That matters for monsoon driving on roads out of the valley.
Dealers and the used market
A larger, better-equipped budget EV puts pressure on the micro-EV segment. If prices on the Comet and E1 soften, that will also flow through to the Used EVs market, where small first-generation cars may lose value faster.
Petrol was reported at about Rs. 217 per litre in May 2026. At that price, even a mid-sized EV pays back quickly for high-mileage drivers.
What to Expect Next
The second-generation Seagull is expected to reach showrooms in China first. Production and spy images are appearing now, and BYD typically follows China launches with export versions as the Dolphin Mini and Dolphin Surf. Right-hand-drive markets generally come later.
For Nepal, the realistic path is an official or semi-official import after the Chinese launch, with pricing set by the duty slabs. We will add the car to our database as soon as there is a confirmed spec sheet and Nepal price. Until then, treat any Nepal price you see online as a guess.
In the meantime, use the Compare EVs tool to line up today's budget options side by side.
Explore All EVs Available in Nepal
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the BYD Seagull, Dolphin Mini and Dolphin Surf the same car?
A: Yes. They are one model sold under different names in different markets. It is called the Seagull in China, the Dolphin Mini in Latin America and the Dolphin Surf in Europe. Battery sizes, equipment and some details vary by market.
Q: How big is the new BYD Seagull?
A: The second-generation car is reported at 4,205 mm long, 1,810 mm wide and 1,570 mm high, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase. That is similar in size to the Geely EX2, which is 4,135 mm long with the same wheelbase.
Q: Will the new BYD Seagull come to Nepal and what will it cost?
A: There is no confirmed Nepal launch or price yet. The reported 95 kW motor would fall in Nepal's 51-100 kW duty band, which is taxed more heavily than the micro-EVs. The final price will depend on landed cost and the tax slabs in force.
Q: What are the cheapest electric cars in Nepal right now?
A: On our database, the Seres E1 Mid is the cheapest at Rs. 16,49,000, followed by the Seres E1 Top at Rs. 17,99,000 and the MG Comet Pace at Rs. 18,75,000. All three are small city cars with a claimed range of 180 to 230 km.
Q: How much would it cost to charge a small EV in Nepal?
A: At home, charging costs roughly Rs. 10-12 per kWh, so a 17 kWh battery like the MG Comet Pace's costs about Rs. 170-205 for a full charge. NEA public stations charge Rs. 6-10.5 per kWh, which is cheaper still.
