BYD Dolphin: The Affordable Electric Car Option
The electric vehicle market is growing rapidly, and Chinese manufacturer BYD is making a name for itself in the UK with its new small car, the BYD Dolphin. With deliveries starting at the end of this year, the Dolphin is one of the cheapest electric cars on sale today, undercutting the likes of the MG 4 EV by around £500. In this article, we will take a closer look at the BYD Dolphin, its features, and what makes it an affordable electric car option.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The BYD Dolphin starts from £25,490 in the UK and €29,990 in mainland Europe. It is available with a choice of four trim levels: Active, Boost, Comfort, and Design. Active and Boost trims are available with a 44.9kWh battery. Active cars offer 93bhp and around 211 miles of range, while Boost ups performance to 178bhp but drops range to 188 miles. Comfort and range-topping Design cars gain a larger, 60.4kWh battery with 265 miles of range and a more powerful, 201bhp electric motor supported by 228lb ft of torque. With this motor, the car can complete 0-62mph in around 7.0sec.
Charging and Driving Modes
In its highest specification, the BYD Dolphin can charge at up to speeds of 88kW, which takes the battery from 0-80% in around 29 minutes. Meanwhile, there are four driving modes: Sport, Normal, Economy, and Snow.
Standard Equipment
Standard equipment includes a rotating, 12.3in touchscreen, a heat pump, and a suite of safety technology such as emergency braking, traffic alerts, lane assist, and adaptive cruise control. Also included is a 360deg camera. Range-topping Comfort cars gain a panoramic sunroof, a vehicle-to-load power strip, rear privacy glass, and wireless phone charging. Prices for this model start from £30,990.
Exterior and Interior Design
There will be a wide range of exterior finishes to choose from, including optional dual-tone paint and a panoramic glass roof, in keeping with the brand’s efforts to pitch itself as a semi-premium offering on a par with the likes of Kia and Hyundai. At 4290mm long, the new BYD Dolphin sits in between the Peugeot e-208 and Volkswagen ID 3 in size. It is based on the same e-Platform 3.0 as the BYD Atto 3 family hatchback with which the brand launched its UK offensive earlier this year.
The interior of the Dolphin is a more conventional-looking affair than the wildly styled interior of the Atto 3, but the Dolphin still gets some aquatic-themed details including what one company source describes as “dolphin-shaped interior door handles that will bring a joyful twist”. A comparably spacious three-person rear bench and a 345-litre boot also make the BYD Dolphin an interesting small family car option, straddling the traditional B- and C-segment hatchback classes.
Shell Recharge Partnership
Thanks to a tie-up with Shell Recharge, BYD Dolphin drivers will also get a discounted charging rate at Shell charging stations, and early takers will also get over 1000 miles of free public charging.
Dealerships and Delivery
As with the BYD Atto 3, the Dolphin will be sold through a number of established dealers including Arnold Clark, Pendragon, Lookers, and LSH Auto. Deliveries for the Dolphin will begin across Europe in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Conclusion
The BYD Dolphin is an affordable electric car option that offers a range of features and trim levels to suit different needs and budgets. With a competitive price point and a range of up to 265 miles, it is a compelling option for those looking to make the switch to electric. The partnership with Shell Recharge also makes it easier and more affordable for drivers to charge their vehicles on the go. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, the BYD Dolphin is a promising addition that offers a lot of value for its price.
