BYD, the world's leading NEV manufacturer, opens the next chapter for further growth in Europe with the announcement of two promising newcomers from the so-called Ocean Series. In addition to the BYD SEAL, the brand is also introducing the new BYD DOLPHIN which will be available to European customers around the fourth quarter of 2023. Find out why the DOLPHIN makes electric driving more attractive and affordable.
The BYD DOLPHIN is a five-door hatchback with a length of 4.29 meters. It’s the most compact model in the European line-up yet and responds to the rapidly increasing demand for practical and, above all, affordable EVs in the middle class. Final pricing will be announced in the run-up to the market launch, but we can already reveal that the price range of the BYD DOLPHIN will be approximately between 30,000 and 40,000 euros.
With its affordability, the DOPLHIN will appeal to a wide range of customers, as practical and attractive EVs with leading specs and technology is still relatively limited in the compact segment.
What can you expect from the BYD DOLPHIN?
Let's start with the electric drive technology. The DOLPHIN will be offered as standard with BYD's unique Blade Battery, which is revolutionizing safety, durability and performance in the EV industry.
This cobalt-free lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery offers a considerably higher level of safety than conventional lithium-ion batteries which are widely used in EVs. BYD’s Blade Battery also ensures high power density and ultra-low energy consumption. With its battery capacity of 60 kWh, the DOLPHIN has a range of up to 427 km (WLTP combined cycle).
The battery can be charged at a regular charging point (AC) with 11 kW, while it just takes 29 minutes to charge up from 30 to 80% at a ultra-fast charging station (DC). The BYD DOLPHIN therefore meets all contemporary standards and is future-proof for the rapidly developing EV ecosystem in Europe.
As with the already popular BYD ATTO 3, the DOLPHIN also uses BYD's intelligent e-Platform 3.0, as well as the innovative 8-in-1 electric powertrain that integrates all essential components for propulsion, charging, control and management. This ensures impressive efficiency, optimal performance and a better driving experience.
The electric motor drives the front wheels and delivers 150 kW (204 hp) and 290 Nm of torque. The driver can adjust the driving character to his liking using the four driving modes – Sport, Normal, Economy and Snow. When the conditions are optimal and the electric motor sends its full power to the front wheels, the DOLPHIN accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7 seconds.
The progressive nature of BYD and the DOLPHIN is also reflected in the standard heat pump for improved battery performance in the cold winter weather, ass well as the 3.3 kW vehicle-to-load system which allows external electrical devices to be powered by the car’s battery.
How practical and safe is the BYD DOLPHIN?
The BYD DOLPHIN is 4.29 meters long, 1.77 meters wide and 1.56 meters high. This makes it a typical C-segment hatchback, only the wheelbase of 2.70 meters is quite large. The ample distance between the front and rear wheels results in plenty of space and comfort for up to five occupants. In addition, the rear seats can be folded in unequal parts (60/40), which means the luggage compartment can be expanded from 345 to 1,310 litres. With these figures, the BYD DOLPHIN can be used as a practical family car for many European families.
To make it even more pleasant on board the BYD DOLPHIN, the front seats are heated and electrically adjustable. The attention to quality and finish is immediately noticeable in the extensive equipped interior, and there are more than twenty practical and flexible storage spaces available. Also good to know: the range topping variants feature a large panoramic sunroof made of high-strength acoustic and thermally insulated double-layer glass, with a surface comparable to that of a D-segment luxury car.
As standard, BYD DOLPHIN offers a wealth of safety and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to help the driver avoid collisions, simplify parking, optimize vehicle stability in all conditions and improve night-time performance using advanced lighting technology.
In short: the BYD DOLPHIN is not just a compact model that will be added to the European range, but an intelligent and attractive EV which makes high-quality technology accessible to a wide group of motorists. The market launch is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2023 and customers can choose from seven appealing colour combinations with a contrasting roof, with the BYD design team being inspired by the dolphin.
