The BYD Dolphin is a compact electric hatchback produced by Chinese automaker BYD Auto. The Dolphin serves as the brand’s affordable offering in their Philippine lineup. BYD’s five-door EV hatchback is powered by a single electric motor that generates 94 hp and 180 Nm of torque.
On the design front, BYD designed the Dolphin to look clean, sleek, and futuristic. The Dolphin’s exterior strikes a balance between aerodynamics and style, featuring smooth curves and a distinct front grille that exudes a sense of innovation. Meanwhile, the interior is characterized by a minimalist yet sophisticated approach, integrating high-quality materials and advanced technology seamlessly. The layout promotes a user-friendly interface, ensuring drivers have easy access to essential controls and information.
Launch
BYD Philippines presented the Dolphin at the 2023 Manila International Auto Show. The electric hatchback is offered in the Philippines with a single variant capable of reaching a claimed 405 km range. The Dolphin comes with a price tag of P1,398,000.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The BYD Dolphin is powered by a single electric motor capable of generating 94 hp and 180 Nm of torque. This electric motor is powered by BYD’s Blade Battery with a 44.9 kWh capacity allowing the Dolphin to reach a NEDC claimed range of up to 405 km. Furthermore, the BYD Dolphin can reach a top speed of 130 km/h and can sprint from zero to 50 km in just 3.9 seconds.
Charging the Dolphin takes around 30 minutes from 30 percent to 80 percent using a 60 kW DC charger. Meanwhile, an AC charger takes eight hours to charge the Dolphin up from zero to 100 percent.
As for the chassis, the Dolphin is built on the e-Platform 3.0, a platform BYD developed purely for its electric vehicles. MacPherson struts support the Dolphin up front while the rear gets a torsion beam rear suspension setup. At the front, ventilated discs are installed, while solid discs are employed in the rear wheels.
Chassis
Class
Subcompact car
Body Style
5-door hatchback
Platform
Layout
Front-motor, front-wheel-drive
Platform
e-Platform 3.0
Powertrain
Engine
70.0 kW Motor 44.9kWh Battery Capacity 405km range electric engine
Power Output
94 horsepower 180 newton-meters torque
Transmission
Electronic
Technology Features
The Dolphin is fitted with a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers for the entire cabin. Automatic air-conditioning is equipped along with power windows and front and rear indoor LED lights.
Other tech features include a push-button start system, speed-sensing door locks, a tire pressure monitoring system, a panoramic camera, hill-start and hold control, anti-theft equipment, regenerative braking, and an electronic stability program.
Safety
Despite being a small hatchback, the BYD Dolphin is equipped with a range of safety features to keep journeys safe. The Dolphin has six airbags mounted on the front, side, and car curtain, ISOFIX anchors, speed-sensing door locks, tire pressure monitor, vehicle stability system, traction control, panoramic camera, and hill start and hold.
In addition, the Dolphin has a keyless entry system with an advanced anti-theft system to deter break-ins.
Puns aside, this model in the Ocean Series lineup makes a splash with its exceptional value and considerable range. This compact hatchback has got pretty much all the bells and whistles that you need including a range worthy of a long drive. With 405 kilometers on a single charge, sea all you need to and more with this EV. Check it out on this episode of Behind the Wheel!
