BYD DOLPHIN: A Seafaring Marvel in Electric Hatchback Form
In the ever-turbulent ocean of electric vehicles, a new creature has surfaced, one that's as nimble and smart as it is environmentally friendly. Enter the 2023 BYD DOLPHIN, a compact electric hatchback hailing from the far shores of China, courtesy of BYD Auto. This vehicular wonder promises to capture the hearts of the youthful and the tech-enthralled, making waves with its ingress into electric mobility's arena.
Exploring 'Marine Aesthetics': A Design Philosophy
Diving deeper, the BYD DOLPHIN swims against the current with its design philosophy coined as 'Marine Aesthetics.' Under the creative vision of Wolfgang Egger, BYD's chief designer, this approach amalgamates the fluidity of aquatic curves with the crispness of defined contours. The outcome? A hatchback that not only turns heads but also effortlessly stands out from the crowd with its enthralling exterior.
Propelling Forward: Electric Vigor and Vitality
Tapping into the heart of the BYD DOLPHIN, one discovers its lifeline: the BYD LFP blade batteries, ingeniously cradled by the advanced BYD 3.0 platform. The DOLPHIN is endowed with a synchronous motor, brandishing a frontal permanent magnet, available in two vigor variants: a 70 kW/180 Nm and a more robust 130 kW/290 Nm. This configuration ensures not just a zippy acceleration but a serene ride, perfectly tailored for the city's labyrinthine streets and beyond.
Boundless Voyages: Battery Life and Rapid Recharging
Belonging to an aquatic namesake, the DOLPHIN boasts a stellar 44.9 kWh LFP Blade battery, offering a considerable 420 kilometers of journeying on a single charge. Suited for the daily commute and the occasional escapade, this hatchback also supports 60 kW fast charging, ensuring your adventures are only briefly paused for energy replenishments.
Smart and Sophisticated: A Tech Haven
For the technology zealots, the DOLPHIN is more than a chariot; it's a smart hub on wheels. Its infotainment system is a testament to intuitive design, providing effortless connectivity. Beyond entertainment, the DOLPHIN is a fortress of modernity, equipped with advanced safety protocols and the capability to sync with your digital lifestyle, ensuring a harmonious ride.
Wallet-Friendly: An Alluring Proposition
The allure of the BYD DOLPHIN isn't just in its aesthetics or performance; it's also in its accessibility. Starting at a modest $16,700, it's a beacon for those seeking not just an electric hatchback, but one that's drenched in style and soaked in technological wonders, making it a tantalizing option for the budget-conscious yet trendy motorist.
Charting new territories in electric mobility, the BYD DOLPHIN is set to dominate the urban seascape with its beguiling blend of style, performance, and technological grandeur. As it leaps into the market, it invites you to steer towards a future where technology and affordability sail together, unhindered by the traditional confines of electric vehicle design and capability.
Exterior and Interior photos
Watch the Video Overview
F.A.Q. about BYD DOLPHIN:
What is the range of an electric vehicle on a single charge?
The BYD DOLPHIN has a range of 420 kilometers (261 miles) on a single charge.
How long does it take to fully charge an electric vehicle?
The charging time for the BYD DOLPHIN can vary, but typically it takes around 6-8 hours using a standard home charging station.
Are electric vehicles more expensive than gasoline cars?
The initial cost of electric vehicles like the BYD DOLPHIN can be higher, with a starting price of $13,865 (approximately £11,260 or €13,085), but they often save on fuel and maintenance costs over time.
What is the price of a car?
The price of the BYD DOLPHIN is $13,865, which is roughly equivalent to £11,260 or €13,085.
What is a battery capacity?
The BYD DOLPHIN has a battery capacity of 45 kWh.
What is top speed?
The BYD DOLPHIN has a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph).
What is total power?
The BYD DOLPHIN offers a total power output of 177 horsepower (132 kW).
What is total torque?
The exact torque figure for the BYD DOLPHIN isn't specified, but electric vehicles typically provide high torque at low speeds.
Can electric vehicles be charged at any charging station?
Yes, the BYD DOLPHIN can be charged at most public charging stations, provided the station is compatible with the vehicle's charging port.
Accerleration compared to other EVs?
The BYD DOLPHIN can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, which is competitive among electric vehicles in its class.
Comparison of BYD DOLPHIN:
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.
