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BYD DOLPHIN SURF

User Rating: 4.39 / 5

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Last updated: 17 June 2025

The BYD DOLPHIN SURF is a 2025 electric hatchback with a 46 kWh battery, 310 km (193 mi) range, and 156 hp. Priced at $19,990 (€18,540 / £15,800), it delivers efficient, affordable EV driving for city commuters.

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Price and Technical Specifications:

BYD DOLPHIN SURF price:

US$ 19990 *

manufactured in  China 
sales start  2025 
range (km)  310 
battery (kWh)  46 
max. speed (km/h)  150 
0 to 100 km/h (sec)  9.1 
power (h.p.)  156 
car type  hatchback / 5 doors 
drive type  FWD 

* Minimum price set by the manufacturer, excluding taxes and additional options

BYD Auto Company logo
BYD DOLPHIN SURF photo
Image credit: BYD Auto

Exterior and Interior photos of BYD DOLPHIN SURF

Click to enlarge the photos

Image credit: BYD Auto

BYD DOLPHIN SURF Review

BYD DOLPHIN SURF 2025: Compact EV Value with a Splash of Style

The BYD DOLPHIN SURF 2025 makes a convincing case for budget-minded EV buyers who still want a dash of fun and tech. Priced at just $19,990 (around €18,540 / £15,800), this front-wheel-drive hatchback from China is tailored for urban explorers and first-time EV owners. As part of BYD’s growing international push, the Dolphin Surf brings compact agility, five-door practicality, and a real-world range that covers most commutes with ease. In a market often flooded with overpriced electrics, the Dolphin Surf dives into the deep end with affordability and efficiency as its lifebuoys.

  • Manufactured in China, the BYD DOLPHIN SURF entered global markets starting in 2025.
  • It rides on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, which also underpins other successful EVs like the Atto 3 and Seal.
  • At $19,990 (or €18,540 / £15,800), it undercuts nearly every mainstream EV while offering modern features and styling.
  • It’s designed for young professionals, city drivers, and small families who want value without compromise.

BYD DOLPHIN SURF Specs: Battery and Performance Breakdown

Battery Details

Don’t expect a mega-range here—but the Dolphin Surf does enough to meet daily driving needs. Its 46 kWh Blade Battery delivers a claimed 310 km (193 miles) of range on the CLTC cycle. That figure realistically translates to 240–260 km (149–162 miles) in mixed driving. Charging is straightforward: a 60 kW DC fast charger takes the battery from 30% to 80% in under 30 minutes, while a home 7 kW charger tops it off in about 6.5 hours overnight. For a car this light and compact, the efficiency is solid.

  • Battery capacity: 46 kWh
  • Claimed range: 310 km (193 mi)
  • Estimated real-world range: 240–260 km (149–162 mi)
  • DC Fast Charge (30–80%): 30 minutes at 60 kW
  • AC Home Charge: 6.5 hours at 7 kW

Performance Capabilities

With 156 horsepower and a 0–100 km/h time of 9.1 seconds, the BYD DOLPHIN SURF isn’t chasing Teslas—but it’s no slouch either. The instant torque of electric motors makes it feel zippy off the line, perfect for tight city streets and highway merging. Its top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph) is plenty for daily commutes and weekend errands. Power is sent to the front wheels via a single motor setup that’s tuned for efficiency and light-footed handling.

  • Power: 156 hp (116 kW)
  • Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in 9.1 sec
  • Top speed: 150 km/h (93 mph)
  • Drive type: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Though the Dolphin Surf doesn’t pack AWD or off-road capabilities, its strength lies in nimble urban maneuverability and low operating costs.

Exterior and Interior Features of the BYD DOLPHIN SURF

Exterior

The Dolphin Surf wears a youthful look with aerodynamic curves, bold LED lighting, and surfboard-inspired accents. It’s not trying to look like a performance car—it’s quirky, clean, and unmistakably EV. Available in two-tone paint schemes and bright colorways, it stands out among conservative competitors. A low drag coefficient helps reduce energy consumption, while compact 16-inch alloy wheels keep weight and cost down.

Interior

Step inside and you’re greeted by a surprisingly modern cabin for a sub-$20K EV. The central rotating touchscreen dominates the dash, paired with a minimalist digital cluster. Soft-touch materials, ambient lighting, and vegan leather seats (optional) elevate the experience. There’s enough room for four adults, and the rear seats fold flat to expand cargo space. With a flat floor and thoughtful design, space utilization feels generous for a hatch of this size.

Pros and Cons of the BYD DOLPHIN SURF

Pros

  • Ultra-affordable price under $20,000
  • Modern interior with rotating touchscreen
  • Good real-world range for city use
  • Fast-charging support and efficient battery
  • Quirky, youthful design and compact size

Cons

  • Limited range for long-distance travel
  • No all-wheel drive or performance variant
  • Not ideal for tall rear passengers on long trips
  • Storage space modest compared to small crossovers

Conclusion: BYD DOLPHIN SURF 2025 in Review

If you’re searching for an electric car that won’t drown your budget, the BYD DOLPHIN SURF brings a breath of fresh air. With its sub-$20K price tag, nimble handling, and clever features, it’s built for the urban EV era—simple, smart, and stylish.

Watch the Video Overview

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BYD DOLPHIN SURF Video Overview
Video review
Image credit: BYD Auto

FAQ:

What is the range on a single charge?

The BYD DOLPHIN SURF offers a claimed range of 310 km (193 miles) per charge, with real-world usage typically delivering 240–260 km (149–162 miles).

How fast does it go from 0 to 100 km/h?

It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 9.1 seconds, which is quick enough for urban traffic and short highway stretches.

What is the top speed?

The top speed of the BYD DOLPHIN SURF is 150 km/h (93 mph), making it suitable for both city and occasional highway driving.

How much horsepower does it produce?

The front-wheel-drive setup delivers 156 horsepower (116 kW), giving it sprightly low-end torque for urban agility.

What is the battery capacity?

It uses a 46 kWh Blade Battery, known for thermal safety and efficiency, offering dependable range and fast-charge capability.

How long does it take to charge?

With a 60 kW fast charger, the battery charges from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes. A full charge via 7 kW AC at home takes around 6.5 hours.

Does it support fast charging?

Yes, the BYD DOLPHIN SURF supports DC fast charging at 60 kW, perfect for quick top-ups during the day.

How much does it cost?

The starting price is $19,990, which is approximately €18,540 or £15,800, making it one of the most affordable EVs globally.

What’s the seating and interior like?

It comfortably seats four adults with foldable rear seats, ambient lighting, and a rotating central touchscreen for a modern driving feel.

Is it available globally?

Yes, the BYD DOLPHIN SURF is expanding across Asian and European markets in 2025, targeting budget-conscious EV buyers worldwide.

Comparison:

In the cutthroat world of subcompact EVs, the BYD DOLPHIN SURF offers an attractive blend of price, efficiency, and style. But how does it stack up next to similarly priced electric hatchbacks like the MG Comet EV, Renault Twingo E-Tech, Dacia Spring Electric, and Wuling Air EV?

Range Comparison

The BYD DOLPHIN SURF leads the pack with a 310 km (193 mi) CLTC-rated range. In contrast, the MG Comet EV delivers 230 km (143 mi), the Renault Twingo E-Tech hits around 190 km (118 mi), and the Dacia Spring offers 230 km (143 mi). The Wuling Air EV trails with roughly 200 km (124 mi).

Acceleration Comparison

The DOLPHIN SURF clocks 0–100 km/h in 9.1 seconds, clearly ahead of the Spring Electric (13.7 sec), Air EV (12 sec), and Comet EV (11.5 sec). Only the Twingo E-Tech comes close at 10.5 seconds.

Power Output Comparison

With 156 hp (116 kW), the DOLPHIN SURF leaves competitors in the dust—compare that to the Spring Electric (44 hp), Air EV (40 hp), and Comet EV (41 hp). The Twingo E-Tech offers 81 hp, still well short of the Dolphin’s punch.

Charging Time Comparison

Fast charging up to 60 kW lets the DOLPHIN SURF regain 50% in 30 minutes. The Dacia Spring offers 30 kW DC input, taking closer to 50 minutes. The Comet EV and Air EV rely solely on AC charging, adding hours to charging time.

Price Comparison

At $19,990 (€18,540 / £15,800), the BYD DOLPHIN SURF is well-positioned. The Spring Electric starts at €18,400, the Comet EV at $9,700 but lacks performance, while the Twingo E-Tech starts at €23,000. For its price, power, and range, the DOLPHIN SURF edges out rivals on value alone.