BYD's Next-Gen Seagull and Seal 07 Take Shape as Solid-State Battery Timeline Slips to 2030
Published on 09/28/2026 at 18:01 | Editorial boerse-global.de
BYD is pressing ahead on two fronts at once: refreshing the volume models that carry its home-market sales, and laying out a long-range battery roadmap that won't bear fruit for years. The company unveiled design sketches and specifications for the second-generation Seagull on 22 September, while confirming that commercial mass production of solid-state batteries is targeted for around 2030.
A bigger, punchier entry-level hatchback
Sketch images of the redesigned Seagull — sold in export markets as the Atto 1 and known in Chinese as Da Haiou, or "Great Seagull" — were released by the head of sales for BYD's Ocean series. The compact EV moves to a rear-wheel-drive platform with a multi-link rear suspension and seating for five, according to media reports. Output from the electric motor climbs to 95 kW (127 PS), a substantial step up from the 55 kW (75 PS) unit in the current car. A market launch in China is slated for before the end of 2026.
The Seagull's overhaul follows a string of other additions to the line-up. Earlier in September, BYD launched the Sealion 08, a flagship SUV in the Ocean range offered in both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid form. That rapid cadence of new and updated nameplates is central to the manufacturer's effort to defend its position against cutthroat competition at home.
Seal 07 grows, gains LiDAR option
Alongside the Seagull, BYD published the first official images and specifications for the second generation of its Seal 07 sedan. The car gains noticeable length and wheelbase, and will be available as a plug-in hybrid or as a pure electric version with a motor producing up to 300 kW. Buyers can also specify a roof-mounted LiDAR system for advanced driver-assistance functions.
Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying BYD?
Solid-state cells: 2030, and not a Blade replacement
On the technology side, BYD is aiming for large-scale commercial output of solid-state batteries around the end of the decade, leaning heavily on sulfide-based solid electrolytes in its development work. Chief scientist Lian Yubo said the new cells are not intended to immediately displace the established Blade battery, which uses lithium iron phosphate chemistry. The two are expected to be deployed in parallel, with solid-state technology reserved for premium models for the time being.
That timeline puts BYD alongside rivals such as Toyota, which is also targeting its first vehicles with solid-state packs in 2027 and 2028.
Charging build-out and an Australian fleet push
Management is simultaneously pushing harder outside China. The company plans to erect 90,000 fast-charging stations by 2028, with 20,000 in place before the end of 2026, another 30,000 during 2027 and a further 40,000 in 2028.
In Australia, BYD is deepening its push into commercial sales. Stephen Collins, chief operating officer of BYD Australia, said the fleet share of the country's sales mix has climbed from roughly 8% to 20% within a year, with a medium-term target of the mid-30% range.
First-half profit drop weighs on the shares
Heavy spending on products and expansion is colliding with a slowdown in earnings momentum. In the first half of 2026, net profit attributable to shareholders fell 20.54% year on year to RMB 12.33 billion. Revenue for the six months to June slipped 7.13% to RMB 344.82 billion. Second-quarter net profit did rise 30% to RMB 8.2 billion, but that fell short of analyst expectations for growth of around 48%.
The stock reflects that caution. BYD shares changed hands at EUR 8.70 on Tuesday, down 1.6%, and at EUR 8.76 in a separate reading, a daily decline of 0.9%. Either way, the equity sits 30% below its 52-week high of EUR 12.49. Whether the coming model launches and higher overseas ambitions can durably support growth momentum should become clearer in the next set of quarterly figures.
Ad
BYD Stock: New Analysis - 28 September
Fresh BYD information released. What's the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends.
