BYD Dolphin: A New Electric Car with a Range of 265 Miles
Chinese automaker BYD has announced the European pricing for its new electric car, the BYD Dolphin. The car will be available in the UK later this year and will start from €29,990, which is roughly £26,000. The BYD Dolphin comes in four trim levels: Active, Boost, Comfort, and Design.
Active and Boost trims are equipped with a 44.9kWh battery. Active models offer 93bhp and around 211 miles of range, while Boost cars have a performance of 178bhp but a range of only 188 miles. Comfort and Design models come with a larger 60.4kWh battery, which provides 265 miles of range and a more powerful 201bhp electric motor supported by 228lb ft of torque. The BYD Dolphin can complete 0-62mph in around 7.0sec.
Charging the BYD Dolphin is also quick and easy. In its highest specification, the car can charge up to speeds of 88kW, which charges the battery from 0-80% in around 29 minutes. There are four driving modes: sport, normal, economy, and snow.
The BYD Dolphin comes with 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. It also includes a 360-degree camera. Range-topping Comfort models gain a panoramic sunroof, a vehicle-to-load power strip, rear privacy glass, and wireless phone charging. Prices for this model start from €37,690 (£32,387).
The exterior of the BYD Dolphin is available in a wide range of finishes, including optional dual-tone paint and a panoramic glass roof. The car is based on the same E-Platform 3.0 as the BYD Atto 3 family hatchback. At 4290mm long, the BYD Dolphin sits in between the Peugeot e-208 and Volkswagen ID 3 in size.
The interior of the BYD Dolphin is more conventional-looking than the Atto 3, but it still gets some aquatic-themed details, including “dolphin-shaped interior door handles that will bring a joyful twist.” The car also has a comparably spacious three-person rear bench and a 345-litre boot, making it an interesting small family car option.
BYD has partnered with Shell Recharge, which means that BYD Dolphin drivers will get a discounted charging rate at Shell charging stations. Early takers of the car will also get over 1000 miles of free public charging. The BYD Dolphin will be sold through a number of established dealers, including Arnold Clark, Pendragon, Lookers, and LSH Auto.
In conclusion, the BYD Dolphin is an exciting new electric car from Chinese automaker BYD. With a range of 265 miles and quick charging times, it is a practical and convenient option for those looking to switch to electric. The car’s range of features and safety technology make it a compelling choice for families, while its exterior finishes and semi-premium positioning make it an attractive option for those looking for a stylish and modern car.