How does it compare?
Compare the BYD Dolphin with peers like the Renault Zoe E-Tech, the Nissan Leaf, and the Peugeot e-208, and you’ll find an electric hatchback showdown worthy of any eco-warriors garage. Let’s untangle their specs in a Jeremy Clarkson fashion.
Range
The BYD Dolphin offers a juicy range of 420 kilometers (261 miles)—not bad for its 45 kWh battery. The Renault Zoe E-Tech ekes out 395 kilometers (246 miles) with its 52 kWh powerhouse, and the Nissan Leaf gives you a decent 363 kilometers (226 miles) per charge, courtesy of its 40 kWh battery. Comparatively, the Peugeot e-208 sprinkles you with 340 kilometers (211 miles) from a 50 kWh unit.
Acceleration
On the acceleration front, the BYD Dolphin shimmies from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. The Renault Zoe E-Tech, bless its French heart, manages a 9.5-second sprint, while the Nissan Leaf hits 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds. The Peugeot e-208 provides a middle-of-the-road 8.1 seconds. Clearly, the Dolphin has a sprinting edge, leaving other hatchbacks gasping for breath and withering in its electric jet-stream.
Power
With 177 horses under its hood, the BYD Dolphin feels like a stallion ready to burst through the stables. The Renault Zoe E-Tech is comparatively sedate with 134 horsepower. The Nissan Leaf churns out a respectable 147 hp, while the Peugeot e-208 gives you a gallant 136 hp ride. It’s clear that the Dolphin is the alpha horse in this crowd, giving you much more bang for your buck.
Charging Time
As for how quickly you can juice up these beauties, the BYD Dolphin claims about 30 minutes to charge from 20% to 80% using DC fast charging. The Renault Zoe E-Tech takes around 60 minutes for a similar feat with its 50 kW DC capacity. The Nissan Leaf brings it to around 40 minutes, thanks to its 50 kW DC charging rates. Meanwhile, the Peugeot e-208 can guzzle in about 30 minutes with a 100 kW DC charger.
Price
Price-wise, enjoy your butterflies as the BYD Dolphin dethrones its European rivals at a sprightly $13,865 (£10,780, €12,800). The Renault Zoe E-Tech? Prepare for an invoice around $32,000 (£25,000, €30,000). The Nissan Leaf hovers at $31,000 (£24,000, €28,900), and the Peugeot e-208 proclaims its price tag at $34,000 (£26,000, €32,000), leaving your wallet feeling slightly used and abused.

