The highly anticipated arrival of the BYD Dolphin electric vehicle in Europe has been confirmed, with deliveries scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of this year. Priced between 29,990 euros and 37,740 euros, the BYD Dolphin will offer European customers a range of options across four different versions.
The entry-level model, known as the Active version, combines a 70 kW engine with a 44.9 kWh capacity LFP battery. For those seeking more power, the Boost version retains the same battery but boasts an impressive 130 kW engine. In addition to these options, customers can opt for the Comfort and Design variants, both equipped with a 150 kW engine and a larger 60.4 kWh LFP battery. Initially, BYD will introduce only the models featuring the larger battery capacity in the European market, while the Active and Boost versions are set to be available from the first quarter of 2024.
The WLTP ranges provided by BYD for the Dolphin electric vehicle range from 310 to 427 kilometers, depending on the chosen version. Furthermore, all versions come equipped with a high-efficiency integrated heat pump, offering increased thermal efficiency of up to 15 percent during winter conditions.
When it comes to charging, the larger battery options can be charged at up to 11 kW (AC) and 88 kW (DC), allowing for rapid charging. In fact, using a DC charger, it takes just half an hour to charge the battery from 30 to 80 percent. The smaller variants, on the other hand, support charging speeds of 7 kW (AC) and 60 kW (DC), with a charging time of 28 minutes to reach 30 to 80 percent battery capacity. Interestingly, BYD has not provided specific details on the usual charging range of ten to 80 percent for both variants.
With dimensions measuring 4.29 meters in length, 1.77 meters in width, and 1.57 meters in height, the BYD Dolphin offers a compact yet spacious design. The wheelbase spans 2.77 meters, providing stability and maneuverability. In terms of cargo capacity, the Dolphin boasts a 345-liter luggage compartment, expandable to an impressive 1,310 liters when the rear seats’ backrests are folded down.
In addition to its impressive specifications, the BYD Dolphin comes equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, enabling external discharge of up to 3.3 kW. This innovative feature allows the electric vehicle to function as a mobile power station, providing convenient power supply for various activities such as outdoor picnics and open-air movie screenings, opening up multiple lifestyle applications.
BYD has recently announced its market entry into France and Italy, where it will introduce the Atto 3 and the Han electric vehicles. Additionally, the company offers its large electric SUV, the Tang, in various European markets including Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Spain, and Portugal.
With the upcoming arrival of the BYD Dolphin in Europe, consumers can look forward to embracing sustainable mobility without compromising on performance and functionality. The availability of different versions and notable features such as Vehicle-to-Load technology further contribute to the growing appeal of electric vehicles in the region.