The BYD Dolphin (Chinese: 比亚迪海豚; pinyin: Bǐyǎdí Hǎitún) is a battery electrichatchback 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'.[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.[9]
Overview
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.[10] 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.[10]
The production model was presented three months later as the BYD Dolphin, and became available in August 2021.[11] 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.[10] The Dolphin was the first production model to feature the new BYD logo.[12]
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 LFPblade battery in varying capacities.[13]
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.[14]
On 22 September 2023, the 500,000th Dolphin rolled off the assembly line after 25 months in production.[15]
Front view (global)
Rear view (global)
Rear view (China)
Interior
BYD EA1 Concept
Powertrain
China / Latin America
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.[16]
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.[22] For the Extended Range version, it receives a more sophisticated independentmulti-link rear suspension setup replacing torsion beam.[9]
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).[18] 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.[15]
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.[25]
Europe
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.[9]
Australia
In February 2022, BYD's Australian distributor, EVDirect, announced plans to sell the Dolphin in Australia.[26] The car was released in an announcement event at Sea World in Gold Coast, Queensland on June 22, 2023, and would include two variants — a 70 kW (94 hp) "Dynamic" model and a 150 kW (200 hp) "Premium model", as well as a future limited edition "Sport" model with sub-7 seconds 0-100 kph performance and custom wheels and body kit.
New Zealand
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).[27]
Thailand
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.[28][29] 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.[30]
Malaysia
In May 2023, the Dolphin was the second car launched in Malaysia after the Atto 3. The car is sold in two variants — the Dynamic Standard Range (70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) and the Premium Extended Range (150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp)). Deliveries started in August 2023.[31]
Japan
In September 2023, the Dolphin launched in Japan. The car is sold in 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)).[32][33]
Indonesia
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.[34] Sales were commenced at the 31st Indonesia International Motor Show in February 2024.[35]
Brazil
The Dolphin was released in Brazil In July 2023. Currently it is available in three models, which are Dolphin, Dolphin Diamond and the global market Dolphin Plus.[36][37]
The Dolphin was sold 6,812 units in Brazil in 2023, making it the best-selling electric car in the country.[38]
^ ab"25个月50万辆下线，海豚速度改写A0级轿车市场新格局" [500,000 units rolled off the assembly line in 25 months, Dolphin rewrites the new pattern of the A0 class sedan market]. Sohu. 2023-09-22. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
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