Quick Verdict
The BYD Dolphin is the most accessible entry point into the BYD lineup and one of the best value electric hatchbacks in Europe. It offers a real-world range well over 200 miles (extended range version), a cheerful interior, and BYD’s excellent Blade Battery technology at a price that undercuts most direct rivals.
Best for: City drivers and commuters wanting a practical, affordable EV with a bit of character.
Key Specs
| Spec | Dolphin Standard | Dolphin Extended |
|---|---|---|
| UK price | £26,195 | £28,695 |
| Battery | 44.9 kWh | 60.48 kWh |
| WLTP range | 201 miles | 265 miles |
| Power | 94 bhp | 201 bhp |
| 0–62 mph | 12.3 sec | 7.0 sec |
| Max DC charge | 60 kW | 88 kW |
| DC time (10–80%) | ~40 min | ~35 min |
| AC charge | 7 kW | 11 kW |
| Boot space | 345 L | 345 L |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Competitive price for an EV with genuine real-world range
- Blade Battery: LFP chemistry, durable, safe
- Funky, well-made interior
- 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating
- 6-year/150,000-mile warranty
- Heat pump standard on Extended Range
Cons
- Standard Range has limited range and slow 60 kW DC charging
- 345-litre boot is smaller than VW Polo/Ford Fiesta class
- AC charging limited to 7 kW on Standard Range
- Less driver-focused than some rivals
- Dealer network thinner than mainstream brands
Trim Levels
Dolphin Active (Standard) — £26,195
- 44.9 kWh Blade Battery
- 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen
- LED headlights
- Heated front seats
- 16-inch alloys
- Rear parking sensors
Dolphin Comfort (Extended) — £28,695
- 60.48 kWh Blade Battery
- Heat pump
- 360-degree cameras
- 17-inch alloys
- Wireless phone charging
- 8-speaker sound system
Dolphin Design (Extended) — £30,695
- 17-inch two-tone alloys
- Ambient interior lighting
- Tinted rear windows
- Additional colour options
Real-World Range
The Extended Range Dolphin with 60.48 kWh battery delivers the most useful real-world figures:
- Motorway at 70 mph: 175–210 miles
- Mixed urban/rural: 220–250 miles
- Urban/city: 260–290 miles
The Standard Range model is better suited to city use — its 201-mile WLTP figure drops significantly on motorways.
Charging
The Extended Range model’s 88 kW DC peak charge rate is practical for en-route top-ups. From 10–80% takes approximately 35 minutes on a compatible 88+ kW rapid charger.
Note: The Standard Range model charges at up to 60 kW DC, and only 7 kW AC at home. For daily home charging from around 20%, this takes approximately 5–6 hours on a 7 kW wallbox.
The Dolphin uses CCS charging and is compatible with all major UK/European public networks.
Interior and Technology
The Dolphin’s cabin is a highlight. BYD has given it a personality that budget EVs from mainstream brands often lack:
- Rotating touchscreen: The 12.8-inch screen rotates between landscape and portrait mode — handy for different views and maps.
- DiLink infotainment: Android-based, responsive, with app support.
- Quality: Better than price suggests. Soft-touch materials in key contact areas, good fit and finish.
- Rear space: Adequate for two adults; cramped for tall passengers.
- Boot: 345 litres — fine for daily use but smaller than class leader.
Safety
The Dolphin earned a 5-star Euro NCAP rating:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane-keep assist
- Driver fatigue monitoring
- Speed sign recognition
Best Alternatives
- MG4 — more range options, good value, less distinctive interior
- Vauxhall Corsa Electric — familiar dealership support, smaller range
- Renault 5 E-Tech — stylish, brand new platform, slightly less value
- Peugeot e-208 — well-established rival, comparable range
Verdict
The BYD Dolphin makes a compelling case as the best-value EV hatchback in its segment. It’s not the most exciting drive, and the boot is on the small side, but the combination of competitive range, LFP battery durability, distinctive styling, and low price makes it hard to dismiss. For anyone doing under 200 miles a week who charges at home, it’s an excellent choice.