The 2023 BYD Dolphin: An Affordable Electric Hatchback

The 2023 BYD Dolphin is an upcoming all-electric hatchback that is aimed at the budget EV market and will start from just £25,490.

BYD, the renowned Chinese automaker, has unveiled its latest all-electric vehicle (EV) offering, the BYD Dolphin. This hatchback-sized car is specifically targeted at the budget-friendly EV segment, aiming to compete with popular models like the Vauxhall Corsa Electric, Volkswagen ID.3, and the MG4.

This is big for the Chinese automaker, as generally, EVs are currently still seen as mostly unaffordable for the masses and adoption has slowed since the various government grants have ended. BYD expects the Dolphin to sell well thanks to its £25,490 base starting price.

Scheduled to hit the market in the summer of 2023, with initial deliveries expected in early 2024, the Dolphin will occupy a position below BYD's all-electric Atto 3 SUV in the brand's lineup. With prices starting at £25,490, the Dolphin significantly undercuts the Atto 3 by over £10,000. Utilizing the same e-platform 3.0 as the Atto 3, the Dolphin incorporates an innovative 'Blade' battery design, integrating cells directly into the car's structure instead of traditional packs.

The Dolphin will be available in four distinct trim levels: Active, Boost, Comfort, and Design. The entry-level Active and Boost variants feature a 44.9kWh battery, providing a range of 211 miles and 193 miles, respectively. The Active model is equipped with a 93bhp electric motor powering the front wheels (all Dolphins are front-wheel drive), while the Boost variant boasts a more potent 178bhp motor.

For those seeking enhanced specifications, the higher-end Comfort and Design trims come with a larger 60.4kWh battery, enabling an extended range of up to 265 miles. These models also offer 204bhp and 310Nm of torque, allowing for a 0-62mph acceleration time of just seven seconds.

Charging speed details for the smaller battery models have not been provided by BYD. However, the 60.4kWh-equipped variants can be charged at a rate of 88kW, achieving a 30 - 80% recharge in approximately 29 minutes. Standard features include three-phase 11kW AC charging and a heat pump. Additionally, the Dolphin possesses vehicle-to-load capacity, enabling the charging of external devices.

The European version of the BYD Dolphin, an extensively updated iteration of the model already available in China, boasts slightly larger dimensions, measuring around 4.3 meters in length. This makes it almost 30cm longer than the Vauxhall Corsa Electric but approximately 10cm shorter than the newly electrified Astra.

The Dolphin's design exhibits a rounded profile resembling a leaping dolphin, lending inspiration to its name. The vehicle's boot capacity stands at 345 litres, expandable to 1,310 litres when the rear seats are folded down, though this configuration results in a slightly uneven floor surface.

Even the base Active model includes the same 12.8-inch infotainment system found in the Atto 3. Like its sibling vehicle, the Dolphin's display can be adjusted between portrait and landscape orientations. The electrically-operated front seats are upholstered with vegan leather for added sustainability.

Starting at £26,490, the Boost trim offers increased power, 17-inch two-tone wheels, and a multi-link rear suspension. Priced from £29,490, the Comfort variant adds two front parking radars, heated front seats, and an upgraded sound system. Topping the range, the Design model begins at £30,990, incorporating two-tone exterior paint, tri-colour alloy wheels, a panoramic roof, tinted windows, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

The BYD Dolphin is due to start taking sales in 2023 and deliveries are scheduled for early 2024.