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 or A0-class) hatchback in its home country, the Dolphin is positioned above the Seagull in the Chinese market and part of BYD's 'Ocean Series'.[9]

BYD Dolphin
BYD Dolphin (Chinese spec)
Overview
ManufacturerBYD Auto
ProductionAugust 2021 – present
Assembly
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) (outside China)[3]
Battery
Electric range
  • 301 km (187 mi) (NEDC, 30.72 kWh)
  • 401–405 km (249–252 mi) (NEDC, 44.928 kWh)[4]
  • 427 km (265 mi) (WLTP, European 60.48 kWh)[5]
Plug-in charging
  • AC:
  • 7.4 kW[6]
  • 11 kW (Europe, except base model)
  • DC:
  • 40 kW (30.7 kWh, China)[6]
  • 60–65 kW (44.9 kWh)[6]
  • 70 kW (50.25 kWh)
  • 88 kW (global)[7]
  • 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 weight1,285–1,658 kg (2,832.9–3,655.3 lb)[8]

The Dolphin has been exported to overseas markets such as Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia since 2023 with lengthened dimensions to satisfy more stringent crash safety standards, and placing it in the compact or C-segment space.[10]

Overview

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During Auto Shanghai in April 2021, BYD presented a pre-production prototype of the Dolphin called BYD EA1 Concept, while also announcing a modernized design language and company logo.[11] The company also introduced presented a new generation of electric car platform called the e-Platform 3.0, which offer more efficient performance and range.[11]

The production model was presented three months later as the BYD Dolphin, and became available in August 2021.[12] The Dolphin adopts BYD's Marine Aesthetics design language that is also used in other Ocean Series models, a one-box side silhouette devised by head of BYD design team Wolfgang Egger.[11] The Dolphin was the first production model to feature the new BYD logo.[13]

The interior of the Dolphin features a rotatable 12.8-inch infotainment screen, and a full 5-inch LCD instrument panel. It comes standard with the LFP blade battery in varying capacities.[14]

The modified version destined for the global market was introduced in 2023. For most export markets, the Dolphin was lengthened by approximately 20 cm (7.9 in) in order to accommodate a new front-end crash structure, which was designed to achieve 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.[15]

On 22 September 2023, the 500,000th Dolphin rolled off the assembly line after 25 months in production.[16]

Powertrain

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China / Latin America

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The specifications below corresponds to the 4.1-metre (161.4 in)-long Dolphin marketed in China and some export markets such as Latin America.[17]

Battery Layout Electric motor Power Torque 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) (claimed) Range (claimed) Calendar years Note
CLTC NEDC WLTP
30.72 kWh LFP blade battery FWD Permanent magnet synchronous motor 70 kW (94 hp) 180 N⋅m (18.4 kg⋅m; 133 lb⋅ft) 10.5 seconds 301 km (187 mi) 2021–2022
44.9 kWh LFP blade battery 70 kW (94 hp) 180 N⋅m (18.4 kg⋅m; 133 lb⋅ft) 10.9 seconds 420 km (261 mi) 405 km (252 mi) 2021–present Exported to Latin America
44.9 kWh LFP blade battery 130 kW (174 hp) 290 N⋅m (29.6 kg⋅m; 214 lb⋅ft) 7.5 seconds 401 km (249 mi) 2021–present
60.48 kWh LFP blade battery 150 kW (201 hp) 310 N⋅m (31.6 kg⋅m; 229 lb⋅ft) 520 km (323 mi) 2024–present Available with the Dolphin Champion Edition[18]
References: [17][19][20][21][22]

Global

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The global, 4,290 mm (168.9 in)-long Dolphin became available in 2023 in Europe, and right-hand drive markets such as Australia, Thailand and Malaysia. The global version is also sold in Latin America as the Dolphin Plus.[23] For the Extended Range version, it receives a more sophisticated independent multi-link rear suspension setup replacing torsion beam.[10]

Type Battery Layout Electric motor Power Torque 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) (claimed) Range (claimed) Calendar years
NEDC WLTP
Standard Range 44.9 kWh LFP blade battery FWD Permanent magnet synchronous motor 70 kW (94 hp) 180 N⋅m (18.4 kg⋅m; 133 lb⋅ft) 12.3 seconds 410 km (255 mi) 340 km (211 mi) 2023–present
44.9 kWh LFP blade battery 130 kW (174 hp) 260 N⋅m (26.5 kg⋅m; 192 lb⋅ft) 7.5 seconds 315 km (196 mi) 2024–present
50.25 kWh LFP blade battery 70 kW (94 hp) 180 N⋅m (18.4 kg⋅m; 133 lb⋅ft) 12.3 seconds 435 km (270 mi) 2024–present (Thailand)[24]
Extended Range 60.48 kWh LFP blade battery 150 kW (201 hp) 310 N⋅m (31.6 kg⋅m; 229 lb⋅ft) 7.0 seconds 490 km (304 mi) 427 km (265 mi) 2023–present
References: [25][26][27]

Markets

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China

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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. Previously, the Dolphin was available in a basic trim with a 30.72 kWh blade battery, with a range of 301 km (187 mi).[19] Between 2023 and 2024, all versions uses the same 44.9 kWh blade battery. With the body kit equipped to the Knight Edition, the variant is 30 mm (1.2 in) longer.

In September 2023, the Dolphin 500,000 Commemorative Edition was released to celebrate the production of the 500,000th Dolphin. It was available in two sub-variants, Pro and Plus.[16]

In February 2024, the Dolphin Champion Edition went on sale as the 2024 model year. It received an independent multi-link rear suspension setup, a 60 kWh battery option with a 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) electric motor and a wireless charger, which were previously reserved for the global market version.[28]

Europe

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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.[10]

Australia

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In February 2022, BYD's Australian distributor, EVDirect, announced plans to sell the Dolphin in Australia.[29] The car was released in an announcement event at Sea World in Gold Coast, Queensland on June 22, 2023. Two variants are available: a 70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) Dynamic trim and a 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) Premium trim.

New Zealand

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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).[30]

Thailand

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In March 2023, the global right hand drive version of Dolphin was shown to the public for the first time as the Standard Range (70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) with 44.9 kWh blade battery) at the Bangkok International Motor Show 2023.[31][32] Rever Automotive, BYD's Thailand distributor, introduced Standard Range 95 PS and Extended Range (150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) with 60.48 kWh blade battery) to the press at the end of June 2023.[33]

In July 2024, the locally assembled model went on sale with a lower price. The Standard Range model received a larger 50.25 kWh battery, increasing its NEDC-rated range to 435 km (270 mi). It also received faster DC charging capacity from 60 kW to 70 kW.[24]

Malaysia

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In May 2023, the Dolphin was the second BYD model launched in Malaysia after the Atto 3, with deliveries started in August 2023. It is available in two variants: the Dynamic Standard Range (70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) and the Premium Extended Range (150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp).[34]

Brazil

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The Dolphin was released in Brazil In July 2023. Currently it is available in two models, which are Dolphin and the global market Dolphin Plus.[35][36]

The Dolphin was sold 6,812 units in Brazil in 2023, making it the best-selling electric car in the country.[37]

Japan

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In September 2023, the Dolphin was launched in Japan, with two variants: the Dolphin (44.9 kWh 70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) and the Dolphin Long Range (58.56 kWh 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp).[38][39]

Indonesia

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The Dolphin was introduced in Indonesia in January 2024 alongside the Atto 3 and Seal, as part of BYD's entry to the Indonesian passenger car market.[40] Sales price were announced at the 31st Indonesia International Motor Show in February 2024.[41] It is available in two variants: the Dynamic Standard Range (70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) and the Premium Extended Range (150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp).[42]

South Africa

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The Dolphin was launched in South Africa on 18 May 2024 in two variants: Standard Range (44.9 kWh) and Extended Range (60.48 kWh).[43]

Brunei

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The Dolphin has been launched in Brunei in 15 June 2024 and the car were offered only in Dynamic Standard Range (44.9 kWh) in a single trim.[44]

Vietnam

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The Dolphin was introduced in Vietnam on 18 July 2024 alongside the Atto 3 and Seal, as part of BYD's entry in Vietnam. It is available in a sole GLX variant using the Standard Range 44.9 kWh powertrain.[45]

Israel

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The Dolphin was introduced in Israel on 8 August 2023. It is available in two variants, both with the same 60.48kWh battery, and 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) engine. Base model "Comfort", and "Design" that adds more premium equipment such as panoramic roof & wireless phone charger.

Awards

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BYD Dolphin won the title of 'Best Small Electric Car' at the Carbuyer Best Car Awards 2024.[46]

Safety

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Euro NCAP test results
BYD Dolphin (LHD) (2023)[47]
Test Points %
Overall:      
Adult occupant: 35.8 89%
Child occupant: 43 87%
Pedestrian: 53.9 85%
Safety assist: 14.4 79%

Sales

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Year China Thailand Malaysia[48][i] Australia Brazil
2021 29,598[49]
2022 204,674[50]
2023 299,708[51] 9,410[52] 1,313 925[53] 6,812[54]
  1. ^ Figures based on registration (Malaysia)

See also

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References

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  2. ^ Kang, Lei (4 July 2024). "BYD Thailand plant opens as its 8 millionth NEV rolls off line". CnEVPost. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  3. ^ "BYD Dolphin is now available to pre-order". 13 August 2021.
  4. ^ "BYD Dolphin: range and battery capacity exposed". 16 July 2021.
  5. ^ "BYD bestätigt Europa-Start von Dolphin und Seal".
  6. ^ a b c Hughes, David (30 August 2021). "BYD launches pre-sales of the Dolphin in China - electrive.com". Electrive. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  7. ^ "First drive: BYD Dolphin". www.businesscar.co.uk. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
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  9. ^ Pandaily (5 June 2023). "BYD Ocean Series Car Model Sold 102,572 Units in May". Pandaily. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  10. ^ a b c Breevoort, Leo (17 April 2023). "BYD's inflatable Dolphin: Why Euro version is larger than the Chinese?". CarNewsChina.com. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
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