Thabo Nkosi 
BYD South Africa is set to make waves in the local electric vehicle (EV) market with the introduction of its compact and affordable electric hatchback, the Dolphin Surf. The vehicle, which features a bold design inspired by high-end sports cars, is expected to officially launch in the South African market in September.
A New Name for a New Market
Initially rumored to be called the Atto 1, BYD South Africa recently confirmed that the new model will adopt the name Dolphin Surf, aligning it with the carmaker’s naming conventions in Europe and South America. In its home market of China, however, the model is branded under the name Seagull.
Aiming for Affordability
The Dolphin Surf is poised to become South Africa’s most affordable EV. BYD South Africa has indicated that prices will start under R400,000, with speculation that the entry-level model could be priced closer to R350,000. Currently, the Dayun S5 – priced at R399,900 – holds the title of the country’s least expensive EV. However, the Dayun S5 is smaller and primarily geared toward city driving, positioning the Dolphin Surf as a more versatile option for the market.
BYD has stated that the Dolphin Surf is "priced for young professionals", making it an attractive option for those seeking accessible, eco-friendly transportation.
Compact Yet Spacious
Measuring 3,780mm in length, the Dolphin Surf slots in size between vehicles such as the Suzuki Celerio and Swift. Despite its compact footprint, the hatchback is designed to offer practical space for daily use, catering to a broad demographic that includes young professionals, entrepreneurs, and homemakers.
Performance and Technology
While specific details for the South African market remain under wraps, the Dolphin Surf is available internationally with two battery options. The smaller 30kWh battery provides a WLTP range of 220km in mixed driving conditions and up to 356km in city driving. The larger 43.2kWh battery extends the range to 322km combined and up to 507km in urban settings. Both options feature the innovative BYD Blade Battery, a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) design touted for its safety, durability, and performance.
The vehicle also incorporates advanced technology such as Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, which allows it to operate as a power source for external devices – an increasingly popular feature among modern EVs.
Inside the cabin, the Dolphin Surf comes equipped with BYD’s signature 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen, compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A voice command system that responds to "Hi BYD" adds to the vehicle’s user-friendly experience. Additionally, an accompanying BYD App allows owners to remotely unlock the car, control air conditioning, and monitor battery charge levels.
A Step Toward EV Accessibility in South Africa
BYD is confident that the Dolphin Surf will broaden access to the EV market. "South Africa has been crying out for an electric vehicle that delivers on both value and experience", the company said in a statement. "Until now, most EVs have been either too premium, too big or too niche for the average consumer. The BYD Dolphin Surf changes that. It’s small but spacious, connected but affordable, bold but practical."
With its competitive price point, practical size, and advanced features, the BYD Dolphin Surf promises to bring eco-conscious driving within reach of more South Africans when it debuts in September. This launch marks a significant step in democratizing EV ownership in the country.
