Introducing the BYD Dolphin: The Affordable Electric Car

Chinese automaker BYD has announced the pricing and specifications for its new electric car, the Dolphin, which is set to hit UK roads by the end of 2023. With a starting price of £25,490 in the UK and €29,990 in mainland Europe, the Dolphin is one of the most affordable electric cars on the market today. In this article, we will take a closer look at the features and specifications of the BYD Dolphin.

Design and Specifications

The BYD Dolphin is a small electric car that measures 4290mm in length, making it slightly larger than the Peugeot e-208 and smaller than the Volkswagen ID 3. It is based on the same e-Platform 3.0 as the BYD Atto 3 family hatchback, which was launched earlier this year in the UK.

The Dolphin is available in four trim levels: Active, Boost, Comfort, and Design. The Active and Boost trims come with a 44.9kWh battery, offering 93bhp and around 211 miles of range for the Active trim and 178bhp but a reduced range of 188 miles for the Boost trim. The Comfort and Design trims come with a larger 60.4kWh battery, offering 265 miles of range and a more powerful 201bhp electric motor supported by 228lb ft of torque. The car can complete 0-62mph in around 7.0sec.

The BYD Dolphin can charge at up to speeds of 88kW, taking the battery from 0-80% in around 29 minutes. There are four driving modes: Sport, Normal, Economy, and Snow. 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. The car also comes with a 360deg camera.

The Comfort trim and range-topping Design trim come with a panoramic sunroof, a vehicle-to-load power strip, rear privacy glass, and wireless phone charging. There will be a wide range of exterior finishes to choose from, including optional dual-tone paint and a panoramic glass roof.

Interior

The interior of the BYD Dolphin is a more conventional-looking affair than the Atto 3, but it still gets some aquatic-themed details including dolphin-shaped interior door handles. The car comes with a comparably spacious three-person rear bench and a 345-litre boot, making it an interesting small family car option that straddles the traditional B- and C-segment hatchback classes.

Charging and Dealerships

Thanks to a tie-up with Shell Recharge, BYD Dolphin drivers will get a discounted charging rate at Shell charging stations, and early takers will also get over 1000 miles of free public charging. The Dolphin will be sold through a number of established dealers including Arnold Clark, Pendragon, Lookers, and LSH Auto.

Conclusion

The BYD Dolphin is an affordable electric car that offers impressive range and performance. With a starting price of £25,490 in the UK and €29,990 in mainland Europe, it is one of the most affordable electric cars on the market today. The car comes with a range of features and specifications that make it an interesting option for small families or those looking for an affordable electric car. With deliveries set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2023, the BYD Dolphin is definitely worth considering for anyone in the market for an electric car.