BYD Dolphin Electric Car Review

The BYD Dolphin Electric Car is a compelling entry in the world of affordable electric vehicles (EVs). BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant, has made a splash with its second offering in the UK market, the Dolphin.

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While it may not be without its flaws, it manages to fulfill its role as a small runabout with practicality and an impressive range.

This mid-sized electric hatchback is positioned as a budget-friendly option, but does it deliver on value and performance? Let’s dive into the details.

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Pricing & Market Position

China-based BYD is renowned as the world’s largest supplier of rechargeable batteries, and interestingly, it produces more cars than Tesla—despite not yet selling them in the United States.

The Dolphin Electric Car is BYD’s low-cost EV, priced at approximately $31,000 in Brazil (equivalent to R$149,800). For context, this puts it in the same price range as a basic Jeep Renegade or Toyota’s Corolla Cross.

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Striking a Balance Between Affordability & Features:

The Dolphin Electric Car starts at a competitive price point, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious EV buyers. However, unlike some budget EVs that skimp on features, the Dolphin EV packs a surprising punch.

Even the base trim comes loaded with a 12.3-inch rotating touchscreen, rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera. Higher trims offer additional features like heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and wireless phone charging.

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Performance & Range

Acceleration: The Dolphin Electric Car boasts a peppy ride due to its 201-horsepower electric motor. It can zip from 0-60 mph in a respectable 6.8 seconds, making it suitable for city commutes and highway merging.

Handling: While not the most thrilling, the Dolphin Electric Car offers a comfortable ride. However, some reviewers note that the handling can feel a bit soft, especially on uneven roads.

Range: The Dolphin Electric Car’s range depends on the battery size you choose. The larger battery offers a claimed range of around 265 miles, which is decent for an electric hatchback.

However, real-world testing suggests a lower figure, possibly around 188 miles, particularly in colder weather. Competitors like the MG4 might offer a slight edge in terms of maximum range.

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Design & Features

The Dolphin Electric Car is a one-box subcompact hatch, akin in size to Chevrolet’s Bolt EV. Its body-side creases resemble the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the front end vaguely echoes the first-generation Lincoln MKX.

Inside, the dash layout reminds us of the Volkswagen ID4 electric SUV, with a large, motorized screen that rotates between portrait and landscape modes. BYD has certainly packed in the surprises, outdoing even Rivian’s power-adjustable air vents.

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Comfort & Practicality

Despite its affordability, the Dolphin EV doesn’t feel cheap. It offers a well-built interior with comfortable seating, ample space, and impressive build quality.

Driving and living with it is hassle-free, although some users might find the touchscreen menus a bit labyrinthine. The boot space is decent, though not cavernous.

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Practicality for everyday driving:

Don’t be fooled by the Dolphin Electric Car’s compact size. The interior offers surprising legroom and decent passenger space, making it suitable for small families or couples.

The cargo area is adequate for everyday errands, and the folding rear seats provide additional flexibility when needed.

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Charging Time for BYD Dolphin EV?

The BYD Dolphin electric car offers different charging options based on its battery configuration. Let’s explore the charging times for this affordable EV:

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1. Fast/Rapid DC Charging (10% to 80%):
   • Charging a BYD Dolphin EV Premium / Sport from 10% to 80% at a fast/rapid DC charging station can be done in as little as 35 minutes, providing approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) of range. It’s generally recommended to limit charging at rapid chargers to 80% to preserve battery health.
2. Standard AC Charging:
   • Using a 220V 7KW wall-mounted charging pile, the theoretical calculations show the following charging times:
     • For the Dolphin EV 301km version: Approximately 5.1 hours from 0% to full charge.
     • For the Dolphin EV 405km version: Approximately 7.5 hours from 0% to full charge. Keep in mind that the actual charging time may be slightly shorter due to the battery not being completely drained.
3. Slow Charging:
   • If you’re using a portable charger and a standard 10A power socket, charging the BYD Dolphin Dynamic will take approximately 19.7 hours.
   • Upgrading to a 16A wall charger will reduce the time for a full charge to approximately 6.4 hours.

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Remember that charging times can vary based on factors like battery size and charging method. Overall, the BYD Dolphin Electric Car strikes a balance between affordability, range, and practicality, making it a sensible choice for city driving!

Warranty on BYD Dolphin Electric Car?

The BYD Dolphin electric car comes with a warranty that provides peace of mind for prospective buyers. Let’s explore the details:

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1. Basic Warranty:
   • The Dolphin EV is covered by a four-year warranty or 70,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty ensures that you’re protected against manufacturing defects and other issues during the initial years of ownership.
2. Battery Warranty:
   • BYD’s patented ‘blade’ battery in the Dolphin EV has its separate cover. It extends to eight years or 125,000 miles. This additional battery warranty provides confidence in the longevity and performance of the electric powertrain.
3. Servicing:
   • While specific service schedules for the Dolphin EV are yet to be determined, electric cars generally require less maintenance than petrol models due to having fewer moving parts. BYD already has four service centers in the UK, with plans to open more in the coming years.
4. Road Tax and Benefit-in-Kind Tax:
   • The Dolphin EV not only offers an affordable purchase price but also benefits from zero road tax (VED) until 2025. Company car drivers could pay as little as £105 per year in Benefit-in-Kind tax, given that the Dolphin falls into the lowest 2% bracket. Mid-spec comfort models incur slightly higher tax at £121 per year. Additionally, all Dolphin drivers can enter the London Congestion Charge and Ultra-Low Emissions (ULEZ) zones for free.
5. Depreciation:
   • Although the BYD Dolphin EV is a new model for the Chinese brand, early indications are promising. Similar models like the MG4 are forecast to retain between 50-54% of their value over three years and 36,000 miles. The larger sibling of the Dolphin EV, the BYD Atto 3, is predicted to retain roughly 57% of its value over the same period, which is slightly above average for the class.

In summary, the BYD Dolphin Electric Car combines affordability, practicality, and warranty coverage, making it an attractive choice for eco-conscious drivers!

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Top Speed of BYD Dolphin Electric Car?

The BYD Dolphin electric car has a maximum speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). This makes it suitable for city driving and highway cruising alike.

While it may not be a high-performance sports car, it offers a practical balance of affordability, range, and speed for everyday use.

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Conclusion

Overall, the BYD Dolphin Electric Car is a compelling option for budget-minded EV buyers who prioritize features and practicality. While it might not be the most exciting car to drive, it offers a comfortable and well-equipped ride for everyday commutes.

If handling and maximum range are your top priorities, you might want to consider other options in the market. It’s always wise to test drive the car yourself to see if it meets your needs and preferences.

The BYD Dolphin Electric Car swims ahead in the low-cost EV stakes. Its combination of affordability, range, and practicality makes it a sensible choice for city driving.

While it may not have the brand recognition of some competitors, it certainly holds its own. Keep an eye out for this little electric swimmer—it might just surprise you!