A tiny, low-priced electric vehicle called the Seagull has American automakers and politicians trembling. The car, launched last year by Chinese automaker BYD, sells for around $12,000 in China. But it drives well and is put together with craftsmanship that rivals U.S.-made electric vehicles that cost three times as much.
A Seagull electric vehicle from Chinese automaker BYD for test driving is parked outside a showroom in Beijing, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. The tiny, low-priced electric vehicle called the Seagull has American automakers and politicians trembling. The car, launched last year by Chinese automaker BYD, sells for around $12,000 in China . But it drives well and is put together with craftsmanship that rivals U.S.-made electric vehicles that cost three times as much.
U.S. politicians and manufacturers already see Chinese EVs as a serious threat. The Biden administration on Tuesday is expected toStock market today: Asian stocks drift after Wall Street closes another winning weeksays in a paper that government subsidized Chinese EVs “could end up being an extinction-level event for the U.S. auto sector.”
Company President Terry Woychowski, a former chief engineer on General Motors’ big pickup trucks, said the car is a “clarion call” for the U.S. auto industry, which is years behind China in designing low-cost EVs. BYD makes many of its own parts, including electric motors, dashboards, bodies and even headlights. It also has the advantage of its huge scale — 3 million vehicles sold worldwide last year.
The weight savings add up, allowing the Seagull to travel farther per charge on a smaller battery. For example, the Seagull that Caresoft tested weighs 2,734 pounds , about 900 pounds less than a Chevrolet Bolt, a slightly larger electric vehicle made by GM. A brief drive through some connected parking lots by a reporter showed that it runs quietly and handles curves and bumps as well as more costly electric vehicles.
In Europe, BYD offers larger models such as the Seal, which starts at 46,990 euros , in France. The Chinese maker’s top two overseas markets were Thailand and Brazil in the first two months of this year, according to the China Passenger Car Association.
China Transportation Technology Auto Industry General News Ford Motor Co China Government World News Mexico F Business Joe Biden Detroit Technology Washington News Elon Musk A Climate And Environment General Motors Co World News Washington News Climate
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Asian American and Chinese & American Food space for lease11th and P Street, NW 'Dear PoPville, I'm hoping someone has more info about what happened! It hasn't stopped being busy from what I can tell (and I walk by it multiple times a day usually), even saw the owner/ family getting their daughter from the school nearby a few weeks ago still, so...
Read more »
'Every single day, I've watched small children die': American nurse shares heartbreaking work in Gaza“It makes me cry every time.'
Read more »
American Culture Wars, Chinese Imports: Why Australia's EV Market Is So FascinatingAustralia is on its own unique path to electrification, but stop us if you've heard some of these challenges before.
Read more »
Local Chinese-American community feels targeted in identity theft scamAccording to our 6abc Data Journalism Team, the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware tri-state area ranks eighth in the country for identity theft reports.
Read more »
Chinese American Museum of Chicago offers engaging blend of history, cultureFrom historic artifacts to lively exhibits, the Chinese American Museum of Chicago provides a little bit of something for everyone visiting Chinatown.
Read more »
Step behind the lens with documentary spotlighting renowned Chinese American photographer Corky Lee'He was a real treasure.' For 50 years, Chinese American photographer Corky Lee documented the celebrations, struggles and daily lives of Asian American Pacific Islanders. He died in 2021. Now, a new documentary takes us behind the lens to show us the groundbreaking work of this talented man.
Read more »