Small, well-built Chinese EV threatens US auto industrybr br A tiny, low-priced electric car called the Seagull has American automakers and politicians trembling. The car, launched last year by Chinese automaker BYD, sells for around $12,000 in China, but drives well and is put together with craftsmanship that rivals US electric vehicles that cost three times as much. A shorter-range version costs under $10,000.