BYD Sparks New Price War With Major EV Cuts

China’s top electric vehicle maker, BYD, is turning up the heat in its home market with a wave of aggressive price cuts across its electric and plug-in hybrid lineup. The discounts are some of the biggest we’ve seen this year and could have a flow on effect to BYD's global pricing strategies including markets like Australia.

▶️MORE: What BYD electric cars are coming to Australia?

Affordable just got cheaper: Seagull now under A$12,000

BYD’s smallest electric hatchback, the Seagull, is already a budget-friendly option in China, but it’s now even more affordable. For a limited time, the car is being offered at the equivalent of under A$12,000, down almost A$3,000 from its usual starting price of around A$15,000.

That’s cheaper than some scooters or motorcycles sold here, and it gives a sense of how competitive the Chinese EV market has become.

▶️MORE: BYD Seagull Specs, Price And Features

Dolphin sees 22% discount

The BYD Dolphin, which is on sale in Australia starting from A$29,990 drive-away, has also seen a sharp drop in China. The local version there is now going for about A$16,700, a discount of 22%.

That said, the Chinese and Australian Dolphins are not the same. The model we get comes with more features and higher specifications to meet local standards and requirements.

▶️MORE: 2025 BYD Dolphin EV Price and Specs

Atto 3’s Chinese twin gets 10% off

The Yuan Plus, known to us as the Atto 3, has also been discounted in China. It’s now selling for the equivalent of A$22,200, which is around 10% less than before.

In Australia, the Atto 3 starts at A$48,011 drive-away, so while it’s a popular choice for budget-conscious EV buyers here, it’s still priced well above its Chinese counterpart due to shipping, taxes, and safety compliance requirements.

▶️MORE: 2025 BYD Atto 3 Price and Specs

Why the sudden cuts?

Reports suggest that BYD’s dealers have been dealing with rising inventory levels and these temporary price cuts, running through the end of June, are likely aimed at clearing stock quickly.

But it’s also a strategic move in the world’s most competitive car market, where EV makers are constantly under pressure to stay ahead. Price wars in China are nothing new, but BYD’s deep cuts could force other brands to rethink their pricing, possibly spilling into global markets over time.

▶️MORE: 2025 BYD Sealion 7 Price and Specs Revealed

What about Australian buyers?

Don’t expect BYD to slash prices locally just yet. However, with Australia’s end of financial year sales season kicking off and competition from other EV brands growing, you might see limited-time offers, incentives, or value-adds on certain models.

Keep an eye out for:

• Free home charger installation deals
• Discounted servicing packages
• Trade-in bonuses

In a market where value is becoming just as important as tech and range, even small perks can make a big difference.