Chinese automaker BYD has launched an affordable electric vehicle called the Seagull that sells for around $12,000 in China and threatens the US auto industry. The Seagull is well-built, drives well, and has craftsmanship rivaling more expensive US EVs, though tariffs currently keep it out of the US market. BYD uses its battery expertise and vertical integration to manufacture the Seagull efficiently and keep costs low, allowing a longer range on smaller batteries. US automakers must relearn design and engineering practices and ditch excess costs to compete, like with simpler components and reducing weight.
