Summary
– BYD’s Seagull and Hyundai’s Inster are affordable and usable EVs competing in the European market
– The Inster is longer, taller, and has a larger trunk compared to the Seagull
– In terms of battery capacity, the Inster offers more driving range in the real world
– The Inster has better acceleration and top speed compared to the Seagull
– The Inster boasts more features such as dual 10.25-inch screens, V2L, and a heat pump, while the Seagull has a single 10.1-inch central display and wireless smartphone charger
Article
The competition between affordable and usable electric vehicles is heating up in Europe, with big automakers like Hyundai and BYD introducing their sub-$25,000 models. The Hyundai Inster and BYD Seagull are both A-segment cars designed for urban driving, offering spacious interiors despite their compact size. The Inster is slightly larger than the Seagull, with a longer wheelbase and bigger trunk space. Both models are targeted at customers in big cities who may not need to travel long distances regularly.
In terms of battery capacity and driving range, the Hyundai Inster and BYD Seagull offer different options. The Inster comes with a choice of 42 kWh or 49 kWh battery packs, while the Seagull offers 30.08 kWh or 38.88 kWh options. The Inster is projected to have a range of up to 220 miles on a full charge, while the Seagull boasts a maximum advertised range of 252 miles. However, these figures may not reflect real-world driving conditions, as test cycles can vary.
Performance-wise, both the Inster and Seagull offer modest acceleration numbers suitable for city driving. The Inster is quicker off the line, with a 0-62 mph sprint in 10.6 seconds for the Long Range version, compared to the Seagull’s 13-second time. Hyundai’s EV also has a higher top speed of 93 mph. When it comes to features, the Inster edges ahead with a more comprehensive list of amenities, including dual 10.25-inch screens, a heat pump, wireless smartphone charger, and advanced driving assistance systems. The Seagull, on the other hand, offers a single 10.1-inch display and fewer standard features.
While official pricing for the Inster and Seagull has not been released, estimates suggest they will be priced around €20,000 ($21,500) in Europe. This places them in a slightly higher price segment compared to the Dacia Spring, the cheapest EV on sale in the European Union. The Spring offers less power and driving range but comes with additional features like a frunk and vehicle-to-load capability. It remains to be seen which of these subcompact EVs will come out on top in the competitive market for affordable electric vehicles in Europe.
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