BYD Dolphin

The BYD Dolphin (Chinese: 比亚迪海豚; pinyin: Bǐyǎdí Hǎitún) is a battery electric hatchback produced by the Chinese manufacturer BYD Auto since 2021. A subcompact (B-segment) hatchback in its home country, the Dolphin is positioned above the Seagull in the Chinese market and part of BYD's 'Ocean Series'.[7]

BYD Dolphin
BYD Dolphin (Chinese spec)
Overview
ManufacturerBYD Auto
Production2021–present
AssemblyChina: Changsha, Hunan; Fuzhou, Jiangxi
DesignerUnder the lead of Wolfgang Egger
Body and chassis
Class
Body style5-door hatchback
LayoutFront-motor, front-wheel-drive
Platforme-Platform 3.0
Related
Powertrain
Electric motorPermanent magnet synchronous
Power output
  • 70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp)
  • 130 kW (177 PS; 174 hp)
  • 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) (Europe)[1]
Battery
Electric range
  • 301 km (187 mi) (NEDC, 30.72 kWh)
  • 401–405 km (249–252 mi) (NEDC, 44.928 kWh)[2]
  • 427 km (265 mi) (WLTP, European 60.48 kWh)[3]
Plug-in charging
  • AC:
  • 7.4 kW (China)[4]
  • 11 kW (global)
  • DC:
  • 40 kW (30.7 kWh, China)[4]
  • 60 kW (44.9 kWh, China)[4]
  • 88 kW (global)[5]
  • V2L
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length
  • 4,070–4,150 mm (160.2–163.4 in) (China)
  • 4,290 mm (168.9 in) (global)
Width1,770 mm (69.7 in)
Height1,570 mm (61.8 in)
Curb weight1,285–1,450 kg (2,832.9–3,196.7 lb)[6]

The Dolphin has been exported to overseas markets such as Europe, Australia and Thailand since 2023 with lengthened dimensions to satisfy more stringent crash safety standards, and placing it in the compact or C-segment space.[8]

Overview

During Auto Shanghai in April 2021, BYD presented a new generation of the platform dedicated to electric cars under the name e-Platform 3.0, which thanks to better weight distribution is to offer more efficient performance and range.[9] At the same time, the Chinese manufacturer presented a pre-production prototype of the new hatchback called BYD EA1 Concept, while also announcing a modernized design language and company logo.[9]

The production model was presented three months later as the BYD Dolphin. The car mirrors the look of the prototype, with a one-box silhouette devised by head of BYD design team Wolfgang Egger.[9] The Dolphin was the first production model to feature the new BYD logo.[10]

The rear cargo space or trunk is rated at 345 L that increases to 1310 L when the back seats are folded.

For the exported model destined for the global market, the Dolphin is lengthened by approximately 20 cm (7.9 in) in order to accommodate a new front-end crash structure, which is claimed to be designed for a five-star Australian ANCAP safety rating. The global model received different front and rear bumpers, front hood and wing fenders that extended its overhang, which increased its length to 4,290 mm (168.9 in) and placing it as a C-segment car.[11]

  • Front view (global)
    Front view (global)
  • Rear view (global)
    Rear view (global)
  • Rear view (China)
    Rear view (China)
  • Interior
    Interior
  • BYD EA1 Concept
    BYD EA1 Concept

Markets

China

In China, the Dolphin is available in two versions and three trim levels. The Free and Fashion trim levels is equipped with a 70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) motor, while the Knight Edition has a more powerful 130 kW (177 PS; 174 hp) motor. All versions uses the same 45 kWh Blade battery. With the body kit equipped to the Knight Edition, the variant is 30 mm (1.2 in) longer.

Europe

The European version of the Dolphin was introduced in April 2023. As with the global specification, the European market Dolphin occupies the C-segment as it received different front and rear bumpers that extended its length to of 4,290 mm (168.9 in). In addition, the powertrain of the European-spec Dolphin is upgraded. The car is powered by a 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) front-wheel drive motor, paired with a 60.48 kWh battery which is shared with the Atto 3.[8]

New Zealand

BYD Dolphin is available in New Zealand in two range variants. The Standard Range has a 44.9 kWh Blade battery with a WLTP range of 340 km (210 mi) and the Extended Range carries a 60.48 kWh Blade battery, increasing the WLTP range to 427 km (265 mi).[12]

Australia

In February 2022, BYD's Australian distributor, EVDirect, announced plans to sell the Dolphin in Australia.[13] The car was formally released in an announcement event at Sea World in Gold Coast, Queensland on June 22, 2023, and would include two variants — a 70 kW (94 hp) "Dynamic" model and a 150 kW (200 hp) "Premium model", as well as a limited edition "Sport" model with sub-7 seconds 0-100 kph performance and custom wheels and body kit.

Thailand

In March 2023, the global right hand drive version of Dolphin was shown to the public for the first time as the Standard Range at the Bangkok International Motor Show 2023.[14][15] Rever Automotive, BYD's Thailand distributor, introduced Standard Range and Extended Range to the press at the end of June 2023.[16]

Malaysia

In May 2023, the Dolphin was the second car launched in Malaysia after the Atto 3. The car is sold in two variants — the Dynamic Standard Range and the Premium Extended Range. Deliveries will start in August 2023.[17]

Japan

In September 2023, the Dolphin launched in Japan. The car is sold in two variants — the Dolphin and the Dolphin Long Range.[18][19]

Sales
Year China
2021 29,598[20]
2022 204,674[21]

Awards

BYD Dolphin won the title of 'Best Small Electric Car' at the Carbuyer Best Car Awards 2024.[22]

References
  1. "BYD Dolphin is now available to pre-order".
  2. "BYD Dolphin: range and battery capacity exposed".
  3. "BYD bestätigt Europa-Start von Dolphin und Seal".
  4. Hughes, David (2021-08-30). "BYD launches pre-sales of the Dolphin in China - electrive.com". Electrive. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
  5. "First drive: BYD Dolphin". www.businesscar.co.uk. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
  6. "NEDC endurance 301km/405km BYD Dolphin endurance range exposed".
  7. Pandaily (2023-06-05). "BYD Ocean Series Car Model Sold 102,572 Units in May". Pandaily. Retrieved 2023-07-03.
  8. Breevoort, Leo (2023-04-17). "BYD's inflatable Dolphin: Why Euro version is larger than the Chinese?". CarNewsChina.com. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
  9. "BYD Introduces 800V E-Platform 3.0 And New EVs: EA1, X DREAM". Retrieved 2021-07-02.
  10. "BYD Dolphin platform first model released, equipped with new car logo + blade battery". Retrieved 2021-07-02.
  11. "Australia's BYD Dolphin electric car to be larger than Chinese model". Drive. 2023-05-09. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
  12. "Dolphin - Ebbett BYD". Ebbett BYD. Retrieved 2023-06-05.
  13. "China's BYD electric brand arrives from $44,381, online". CarExpert. Retrieved 2022-02-20.
  14. Kuhudzai, Remeredzai (2023-03-22). "BYD Launches Dolphin In Thailand At Price Parity With Popular ICE Vehicles!". CleanTechnica. Retrieved 2023-07-01.
  15. "BYD เปิดตัว DOLPHIN EV ราคา 799,999 บาท ในงาน Motor Show 2023". Thansettakij (in Thai). 2023-03-22. Retrieved 2023-07-01.
  16. "BYD Dolphin เพิ่มรุ่นย่อย Extended Range เคาะราคาเปิดตัว 6 ก.ค. นี้". PPTVHD36 (in Thai). 2023-06-28. Retrieved 2023-07-01.
  17. Samuel (2023-07-27). "2023 BYD Dolphin launched in Malaysia, from RM101k - up to 427km range, 2 variants". AutoBuzz.my. Retrieved 2023-07-27.
  18. "China's BYD sets Dolphin EV price in Japan at 3.63 mln yen -website". Reuters. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  19. "BYD takes aim at Japan's EV market with new Dolphin hatchback". The Japan Times. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  20. Demandt, Bart (2021-09-19). "BYD Dolphin EV China auto sales figures". carsalesbase.com. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
  21. "China: Nearly 6 Million Plug-In Cars Were Sold In 2022". InsideEVs. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  22. "Carbuyer Best Car Awards 2024 - the winners". Carbuyer. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
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