Thabo Nkosi 
The BYD Dolphin is an affordable compact electric vehicle (EV) that balances price, features, and practicality. Introduced in 2021, it has become a global success, achieving over 1 million sales by December 2025. Its standout features include a price starting around $34,100, a range of up to 265 miles, and advanced technology like Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality. Available in two battery options, the Dolphin also boasts a five-star safety rating and a sleek design inspired by "Ocean Aesthetics." Markets like Africa benefit from its durable Blade Battery, designed for extreme conditions and long-term use. With competitive pricing and a focus on global expansion, the Dolphin is reshaping the EV landscape.
Key Highlights:
- Price: Starting at $34,100 in the U.S., with lower prices in regions like South Africa and Australia.
- Range: Up to 265 miles (WLTP) with a 60.4 kWh battery.
- Features: Includes a heat pump, 360° camera, and V2L technology delivering 3.3 kW of power.
- Battery: Blade Battery (LFP) with high safety standards and an 8-year warranty.
- Global Success: Over 1 million units sold by late 2025, with strong performance in markets like Brazil, Thailand, and Africa.
The Dolphin’s combination of affordability, range, and safety makes it a strong contender in the EV market.
BYD Dolphin Key Specifications and Global Pricing Comparison
Features and Specifications
Design and Build
The Dolphin’s design, crafted by Wolfgang Egger’s team, draws inspiration from BYD’s "Ocean Aesthetics" concept. Its sleek, flowing lines mimic a dolphin leaping through water, giving the compact hatchback a distinct and dynamic appearance. Measuring 168.9 inches in length, 69.7 inches in width, and standing 61.8 inches tall, the Dolphin is built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0. Its 106.3-inch (2,700 mm) wheelbase provides a surprisingly roomy interior, offering more rear legroom than is typical for compact electric vehicles.
The cargo space is both practical and flexible. With the rear seats upright, it provides 12.2 cubic feet (345 liters) of storage. Fold the 60:40 split rear seats flat, and the space expands to an impressive 46.3 cubic feet (1,310 liters). Safety is a priority too – the Dolphin earned a five-star safety rating from both Euro NCAP and ANCAP in 2023. This thoughtful design is paired with cutting-edge battery technology, detailed below.
Battery Technology and Performance
The Dolphin runs on BYD’s Blade Battery, a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) system designed with durability and safety in mind. The battery cells are arranged in long, thin strips, maximizing efficiency while eliminating the need for cobalt. This setup is not only eco-friendly but also built to endure deep discharge cycles and repeated rapid charging with minimal wear. The battery has undergone rigorous safety tests, including being heated to 572°F (300°C) and overcharged by 260%, without catching fire or exploding.
"The Dolphin’s ‘Blade’ battery has LFP (lithium iron phosphate) cathode chemistry. It’s more durable in deep cycles than the more common LMC… and yes it’s cobalt-free." – Top Gear
Buyers can choose between two battery capacities: a 44.9 kWh option paired with either a 94 hp or 174 hp motor, or a 60.48 kWh version featuring a 201 hp motor. The latter accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 7.0 seconds. All models include a heat pump as standard, which improves thermal efficiency by up to 15% in colder climates. The "8-in-1" powertrain integrates key systems – including the battery management system, motor controller, and power distribution unit – into one streamlined unit for enhanced efficiency. The battery is also backed by a robust eight-year warranty, covering between 125,000 and 150,000 miles.
Interior and Comfort
The Dolphin’s interior is designed for both functionality and comfort. A 12.8-inch touchscreen takes center stage, rotating 90 degrees to switch between landscape and portrait modes. This is paired with a 5-inch digital instrument cluster that moves with the steering wheel, ensuring clear visibility. The seats, upholstered in vegan leather, combine style with sustainability, while a flat rear floor provides extra comfort for passengers in the middle seat.
Storage is a strong point, with over 20 compartments thoughtfully distributed throughout the cabin. These include a spacious glovebox and a tray beneath the main screen. The Dolphin also features a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) system capable of delivering 3.3 kW of power – enough to run household appliances, power tools, or serve as backup energy during outages. On the safety front, the Dolphin comes equipped with advanced driver-assistance features such as a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 106.3 inches (2,700 mm) |
| Boot Capacity | 12.2 cu ft (seats up) / 46.3 cu ft (seats folded) |
| Battery Options | 44.9 kWh or 60.48 kWh (LFP Blade) |
| Max Power | 201 hp (150 kW) |
| 0-62 mph | 7.0 seconds (Extended Range) |
| V2L Output | 3.3 kW |
Pricing and Affordability
Global Pricing
The BYD Dolphin stands out as one of the most budget-friendly electric vehicles available today, offering prices that are lower than many of its established competitors. In the UK, the entry-level Active trim starts at £26,195 (around $34,800). The Boost and Comfort trims are priced at £27,195 and £30,195, while the top-tier Design model comes in at £31,695 (approximately $42,100).
In South Africa, the Dolphin Surf Comfort launched at R339,900 (about $18,500). Over in Australia, the Dolphin Essential starts at $29,990 AUD (roughly $20,000).
Even the base models pack in impressive standard features like a heat pump, a 360° camera, adaptive cruise control, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology. These competitive prices are further enhanced by localized incentives, making the Dolphin an attractive option for buyers worldwide.
Affordability in Africa
In Africa, the Dolphin goes beyond just a competitive price tag – it’s designed to be economical for long-term ownership. Local partnerships and incentives play a big role in making it even more accessible. For instance, in South Africa, BYD has teamed up with ABSA to provide a R999 insurance rebate for Dolphin buyers. Early adopters have also benefited from a 10% cash incentive and a free 7kW home charger. The car is backed by a 3-year warranty and service plan, along with an 8-year/200,000 km (124,000 miles) battery warranty.
"BYD just dropped a bomb by releasing an electric car at this price [R339,900]." – Calvin Fisher, TopGear South Africa
The Dolphin’s Blade Battery is built for the long haul, with a lifespan of up to 1.5 million kilometers (932,000 miles), ensuring low ownership costs over time. Maintenance is simplified, and capped service costs over an 8-year period total about $2,390.
African buyers can also explore flexible financing options and browse Dolphin models on EV24.africa, an online platform offering clear pricing and delivery services across 54 African countries. BYD’s growing presence in Africa – expanding to over 16 countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, and Ethiopia by May 2025 – means better access to parts and service support.
Driving Range and Charging
Official and Actual Driving Range
The BYD Dolphin comes with two battery options: a 44.9 kWh Standard Range and a 60.48 kWh Extended Range. The Extended Range model boasts an official WLTP range of 265 miles (427 km) and an NEDC range of 304 miles (490 km). However, under real-world conditions, you can expect about 249 miles (400 km). City driving typically stretches this to 323 miles (520 km), while highway driving reduces it to around 196 miles (315 km).
Factors like weather and driving habits also play a role in range performance. Energy consumption ranges from 116 Wh/km in city traffic to 247 Wh/km during cold highway trips. For buyers in hot climates, such as in Africa, the standard heat pump helps maintain efficiency. However, extended high-speed drives or extreme heat could slightly impact the range. These figures highlight the importance of the Dolphin’s charging capabilities.
Charging Speed and Options
The Dolphin supports both AC and DC charging, offering flexibility for different charging needs. Using a 7 kW home wallbox, the 60.48 kWh battery charges fully in about 9.6 hours. If you have access to an 11 kW three-phase charger, standard on Comfort and Design trims, the charging time drops to roughly 6.5 hours. For faster charging, public DC fast chargers are an option. The Extended Range model supports up to 88 kW, charging from 10% to 80% in just 40–41 minutes. Meanwhile, the Standard Range battery, with a peak of 60–65 kW, achieves the same charge level in about 38 minutes.
| Charging Method | Power | Time (60.48 kWh Battery) | Range Added Per Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Wall Outlet | 2.3 kW | 31 hours (0–100%) | 7 miles/hour |
| Home Wallbox (Single Phase) | 7 kW | 9.6 hours (0–100%) | 28 miles/hour |
| AC Station (Three-Phase) | 11 kW | 6.5 hours (0–100%) | 34 miles/hour |
| DC Fast Charger | 88 kW | 41 min (10–80%) | 217 miles/hour |
In regions like Africa, where charging infrastructure is still evolving, the Dolphin’s Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature stands out. This technology delivers up to 3.3 kW of power to external devices, making it especially handy during power outages or for off-grid use. Early buyers in South Africa even received a free 7 kW home charger, simplifying home charging right from the start.
"BYD’s LFP battery chemistry is known for being long-lasting and durable, able to withstand lots of fast charging without deterioration." – Lawrence Allan, Automotive Content Editor, RAC
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Global Success and African Market Fit
Global Sales Performance
The BYD Dolphin has cemented its place as a standout in the electric vehicle (EV) market. By December 2025, it hit an impressive milestone of 1 million global sales, joining the ranks of a select few EVs to achieve such numbers. Notably, BYD reached the production of its 500,000th Dolphin in September 2023 – a feat accomplished in just 25 months after the model’s initial launch.
This success isn’t limited to one region. In 2023, the Dolphin became Brazil’s best-selling electric car, with 6,812 units sold. The momentum carried into 2024, where Thailand saw the Dolphin dominate its 100% electric vehicle registrations, with 13,386 units sold – surpassing even BYD’s popular Atto 3 model. The Dolphin’s widespread appeal lies in its balance of affordability, advanced safety features, and overall value. Recognized with five-star safety ratings from both Euro NCAP and ANCAP, the Dolphin has also earned accolades such as "Best Small Electric Car" at the Carbuyer Best Car Awards 2024 and "Japan EV of the Year 2023".
"BYD, a company Elon Musk once dismissed… has overtaken Tesla to be the world’s top EV seller." – CNBC
This global success provides a strong foundation for the Dolphin’s planned expansion and tailored strategies in Africa.
Suitability for Africa’s EV Market
Building on its global achievements, the Dolphin is well-suited to address the specific needs of African markets. One standout feature is its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, which provides 3.3 kW of external power. This essentially transforms the car into a mobile power station – an invaluable function in regions prone to load shedding. Additionally, the Dolphin’s LFP Blade Battery technology ensures long-lasting durability, withstanding frequent fast charging and deep cycling without performance loss.
BYD has also made significant commitments to support its growth in South Africa. The company plans to install 300 ultra-fast charging stations across the country by the end of 2026. Furthermore, its dealership network is set to expand from 35 locations in early 2026 to 60–70 by the year’s close. Highlighting the brand’s strategic focus, BYD Founder and Chairman Wang Chuanfu personally delivered 10 Dolphin Surf models to South African fleet provider Everlectric in October 2025.
"South Africa is a very important market. Once we start here, you can duplicate the story into other African countries." – Stella Li, Executive Vice President, BYD
For detailed information on available models, pricing, financing options, and delivery services across all 54 African countries, visit EV24.africa.
BYD Dolphin Review: Is This SA’s Best Value EV?
Conclusion
The BYD Dolphin stands out with its modern design and features tailored to meet the needs of African markets. It delivers a strong package for electric vehicle buyers by blending competitive pricing with an impressive WLTP range, all while maintaining high standards of quality and safety. This is backed by its five-star safety ratings from both Euro NCAP and ANCAP, as well as accolades like "Best Small Electric Car" at the Carbuyer Best Car Awards 2024.
For African buyers, the Dolphin offers practical solutions like its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability and the durable LFP Blade Battery, addressing local energy challenges. Even the entry-level Active trim includes advanced safety and convenience features that other brands often reserve for higher trims or optional packages.
"For sheer value-for-money the Dolphin’s range of talents is hard to beat." – Lawrence Allan, Automotive Content Editor, RAC
Its global appeal is further demonstrated by its success as Brazil’s best-selling electric car, highlighting the vehicle’s strong market performance. For the latest updates and regional availability, visit EV24.africa.
FAQs
What makes the BYD Dolphin’s Blade Battery stand out from other EV batteries?
The BYD Dolphin comes equipped with the Blade Battery, a standout innovation developed by BYD. This battery sets itself apart from traditional EV batteries by prioritizing safety, durability, and efficiency – key features that enhance the Dolphin’s overall performance.
One of the highlights of the Blade Battery is its slim, space-efficient design, which not only saves room but also boosts thermal stability. This improved stability helps enhance the vehicle’s range and ensures consistent performance. Additionally, its unique structure offers extra protection against overheating, making it a dependable option for drivers who value both safety and reliability in an electric vehicle.
What are the benefits of the BYD Dolphin’s Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature?
While there’s no confirmed information yet about the BYD Dolphin’s Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, it’s worth noting what this technology typically offers. V2L enables electric vehicles to act as mobile power sources, allowing them to supply electricity to external devices like tools, appliances, or even charge other EVs.
This feature can come in handy for a variety of situations – think road trips, outdoor adventures, or emergencies where having portable power can make a big difference. If the Dolphin is equipped with V2L, it could provide added convenience and flexibility, especially in scenarios where dependable power sources are hard to come by.
What makes the BYD Dolphin a great choice for African markets?
The BYD Dolphin has quickly gained attention in African markets, thanks to its affordability, practicality, and economical running costs. It’s perfectly positioned to meet the increasing demand for budget-friendly electric vehicles. BYD’s large-scale production in China allows the Dolphin to be priced much lower than many imported EVs, delivering great value for money. In South Africa, for instance, it’s promoted as the most affordable EV, with a starting price of around $18,000 – an inviting option for many first-time EV buyers.
The Dolphin’s compact dimensions, light steering, and 360-degree parking camera make it a breeze to maneuver through busy city streets. Its efficient battery system and 55 kW front-wheel-drive motor ensure low energy consumption, making it a practical choice for urban commuting. Charging at home is incredibly cost-effective, with expenses averaging just $0.05 per mile – a huge plus in areas where fuel prices remain high and charging networks are still expanding. With its balance of affordability, efficiency, and urban-friendly design, the Dolphin is well-suited for African consumers eager to transition to electric mobility.
