NEW BYD Dolphin – strange name, great EV? | What Car?

Summary

The BYD Dolphin is a new electric hatchback from the Chinese manufacturer, aiming to make a splash in the European market. With a stylish interior featuring vegan leather and a rotating touchscreen, it offers a modern feel at a competitive expected starting price of around €30,000. Performance-wise, it boasts a 201 hp motor, a top speed of 100 mph, and an impressive range of 265 miles from its 60 kWh battery. While it provides good legroom, headroom can be limited in models with a sunroof. Overall, the Dolphin presents a compelling option for budget-conscious EV buyers.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The BYD Dolphin is a new fully electric hatchback aimed at the European market, expanding BYD's presence in the EV sector.
• 🌍 BYD, which stands for 'Build Your Dreams,' is one of the largest electric car manufacturers globally, though it is still gaining recognition in Europe.
• 💰 The Dolphin is expected to have a competitive starting price around €30,000, potentially making it one of the cheapest new electric cars available.
• ✨ Inside, the Dolphin features a modern layout with vegan leather and materials that generally feel good, although some components appear less premium.
• 📱 The car includes a rotating touchscreen infotainment system that is user-friendly, with physical controls for essential functions like air conditioning.
• 👥 Rear seating in the Dolphin offers generous legroom, but headroom can be limited with the optional sunroof, which may feel cramped for taller passengers.
• 🔋 The Dolphin is equipped with a 201 brake horsepower electric motor, enabling a top speed of 100 mph and a 0 to 62 mph acceleration in about 7 seconds.
• 🔌 It comes with a 60 kWh battery, offering an official range of 265 miles, and supports both AC (up to 11 kW) and rapid charging (up to 88 kW).
• ⚡ A unique feature is the 2L function, which allows the Dolphin to act as a portable power source for charging devices or appliances.
• 🏁 The Dolphin's design and features make it a strong competitor against other small electric cars like the Peugeot e208 and MG4, appealing to budget-conscious consumers.

Q & A

What is the BYD Dolphin?

The BYD Dolphin is a fully electric hatchback from the Chinese manufacturer BYD, designed to compete in the European EV market.

What does BYD stand for?

BYD stands for 'Build Your Dreams.'

How does the BYD Dolphin compare in size to other vehicles?

The Dolphin is similar in size to the Peugeot e208 and MG4, making it a compact option in the small electric car segment.

What is the expected starting price for the BYD Dolphin in Europe?

The starting price is expected to be around €30,000, which could make it one of the cheapest new electric cars available.

What kind of interior features does the Dolphin offer?

The Dolphin features a visually appealing interior with a vegan leather finish, a central touchscreen infotainment system, and physical controls for air conditioning.

What are the performance specifications of the Dolphin?

The Dolphin has a 201 brake horsepower electric motor, a top speed of 100 mph, and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7 seconds.

What is the range of the Dolphin on a single charge?

The Dolphin has an official range of 265 miles with its 60 kWh battery.

What charging capabilities does the Dolphin have?

The Dolphin supports 11 kW AC charging and rapid charging up to 88 kW, allowing for a quick charge from 30% to 80% in about half an hour.

What is unique about the Dolphin's boot space?

The Dolphin features a height-adjustable boot floor, which can create additional storage options and enhance practicality.

Does the BYD Dolphin offer any special features for powering external devices?

Yes, the Dolphin includes a 2L function that allows it to act as a portable power source for devices like laptops or small appliances.