Latest news with #BYDNewZealand
NZ Autocar
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
BYD Seagull first drive: Could a baby EV work in NZ?
Sometimes a car surprises you not because of what it is—but what it isn't . The BYD Seagull is a case in point. It looks like a budget commuter box. It's priced like one. But it doesn't feel like one. We headed to Shenzhen to try the Seagull for ourselves, and came away wondering: could this be the car that makes EV ownership genuinely affordable for everyday Kiwis? The Seagull sits between a traditional small car and a Japanese-style Kei car You don't need a tape measure to tell the Seagull is small. But for the record, it's just 3,780mm long and 1,715mm wide—about 20cm smaller in both directions than a modern Mini. It rides on a 2,500mm wheelbase and weighs between 1,160kg and 1,240kg depending on battery size. Despite that compact footprint, there's space for four adults, and even this 6-foot-plus motoring writer found enough leg- and headroom to be comfortable in the back. Boot space is surprisingly decent too—300 litres with the seats up, expanding to 900 litres when folded. The rear bench is a single piece, but it folds flat easily, making this tiny EV more versatile than you might expect. Under the stubby bonnet sits a 55kW motor driving the front wheels. It doesn't sound like much, and on paper the 0–100km/h time is nearly 15 seconds. But in practice, it's quick off the mark up to urban speeds. Around 0–50km/h, it feels eager—perfect for darting through traffic or making a quick getaway from the lights. We ran the Seagull through a tight handling course and a bumpier section of BYD's test track, and came away smiling. Steering is light but direct, and while there's body roll, it's all part of the charm. There's even a touch of lift-off oversteer if you're silly enough to provoke it. If pink isn't your style, there are other choices Two battery options are available in China—a 30kWh unit with a 305km CLTC range, and a 38.88kWh pack offering 405km. In the real world, expect around 220–250km from the bigger pack. It's paired with DC fast charging up to 40kW, or 6.6kW AC. Not rapid, but reasonable for overnight top-ups. Inside, it's anything but cheap-feeling. A rotatable 10.1-inch infotainment screen and 5-inch digital cluster headline the tech, and the two-tone 'wing' dashboard design feels fresh. Safety spec is equally impressive for a budget EV, with six airbags, rear disc brakes, electronic stability control and an electric parking brake. Rear-seat passengers don't get USB ports but enjoy surprising comfort, good legroom, and air coming from the floor. There's also generous headroom for such a compact car. The only notable omission is a centre console box, though storage elsewhere is cleverly handled. BYD New Zealand hasn't confirmed anything yet, but they are actively canvassing feedback from media and prospective buyers. Would Kiwis buy a stylish, city-focused EV that undercuts the Dolphin by 10 grand or more? If the answer is yes, we reckon BYD would be mad not to bring it. This isn't just a cheap EV. It's a cleverly packaged, fun-to-drive, surprisingly refined one. And that makes it more than just a city car—it makes it a statement. We will have an expanded first drive in the July edition. Powertrain• Motor: 55kW permanent magnet synchronous• Torque: 135Nm• Drive: Front-wheel • Transmission: Single-speed auto Battery Options• 30.08kWh LFP – 305km (CLTC)• 38.88kWh LFP – 405km (CLTC) • Estimated real-world: 220–250km (larger pack) Charging• AC: 6.6kW• DC: 30kW (base) / 40kW (extended) • 30–80% charge: ~30 mins (DC) Performance• 0–50km/h: ~6 sec• 0–100km/h: ~14.9 sec • Top speed: 130km/h Dimensions• Length: 3,780mm• Width: 1,715mm• Height: 1,540mm• Wheelbase: 2,500mm• Kerb weight: 1,160–1,240kg • Boot: 300L (900L with rear seat folded) Interior & Safety• Rotating 10.1-inch touchscreen• 5-inch digital cluster• Six airbags• Rear disc brakes• ESP + electronic parking brake • Two-tone dash options (pink/grey, black/blue)
NZ Autocar
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Budget 2025: New tax break should boost vehicle investment
A major new tax incentive announced in Budget 2025 should spur business investment in productive assets by offering tax relief on new purchases. That includes a vehicle for a small business or a fleet of vehicles for a larger firm. The so-called Investment Boost allows businesses to deduct 20 per cent of the cost of new assets from their taxable income in the year of purchase. That's atop standard depreciation deductions. The scheme applies to vehicles, machinery, tools, equipment, technology, and commercial buildings. Land, residential property, and second-hand assets already in use are excluded. There is no upper cap on investment, so small firms buying one vehicle or those buying a fleet are equally eligible. As any example, a company purchasing a new BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute for $69,990 (including GST) would be able to claim a deduction of $12,173 in the year of purchase. That's a tax saving of approximately $3408 at the standard corporate tax rate of 28 per cent. Warren Willmot, Country Manager of BYD New Zealand, says the move makes smart business sense for fleet operators looking to modernise. Warrent Willmot, BYD New Zealand Brand Manager. 'Today's announcement by the New Zealand government of a 20 per cent tax write-off for business vehicles is a fantastic initiative. It will accelerate the adoption of cleaner, safer, and more efficient transport across the country.' 'For businesses, this policy makes the shift to cutting-edge electric vehicles even more compelling. It delivers immediate financial benefits while supporting long-term sustainability goals. 'Beyond the corporate sector, this is a win for all New Zealanders. Fleet vehicles typically enter the used market within three to four years. That means more Kiwi drivers will soon have greater access to affordable, low-emission, and advanced-technology pre-owned EVs.' The policy comes as the government seeks to reignite investment and productivity in the private sector. Unlike the Clean Car Discount Scheme which targeted low-emission vehicles, the Investment Boost offers support based on the asset's contribution to productivity, regardless of its emissions profile. Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the move was designed to drive future-focused investment and deliver stronger returns than a blanket tax cut. Nicola Willis, Minister of Finance. 'Investment Boost delivers more bang for buck than a company tax cut because it only applies to new investments, not those made in the past.' Treasury and Inland Revenue estimate the policy will lift GDP by 1 per cent, and increase wages by 1.5 per cent. They calculate it will grow the country's capital stock by 1.6 per cent over the next 20 years. About one-half of that impact is expected in the first five years. The policy is will be welcome news for businesses considering vehicle upgrades. For many operators, the immediate deduction could help improve cash flow and support investment in newer, more efficient models.
