The UK is about to get one of its most affordable electric vehicles - the new BYD Dolphin.
BYD is a Chinese manufacturer that’s new to the leasing market, but it’s a brand you definitely need to check out.
Last year BYD launched its first vehicle in Britain in the form of the Atto 3 SUV, a medium-sized EV that competes with the likes of the MG ZS EV and the Volkswagen ID.4. You can read our review of the BYD Atto 3.
Now BYD is preparing to launch a more compact model - the ocean-inspired Dolphin - which will go up against rivals including the MG4 EV, Volkswagen ID.3, and the Renault Megane E-Tech.
One of the most eye-catching things about the Dolphin is the price to buy outright - which starts at £25,490.
That’s cheaper than the £26k MG4 EV, the £28k Fiat 500 Electric, and much less than the VW ID.3. That budget price tag should also be reflected in your monthly leasing fee - and bear in mind the MG4 can be leased from just £274 per month*.
And yet the Dolphin still looks to be a premium product, with a range of up to 265 miles between charges. Talk about having your cake and eating it.
Underpinning the Dolphin is BYD’s ‘Blade’ battery. It’s ground-breaking in that it’s both small and strong, withstanding rigorous penetration tests, while also being durable. It’s also what’s called a ‘LFP’ battery (Lithium iron-phosphate) as opposed to the NCM (nickel cobalt manganese) you’ll find in a lot of other EVs.
What’s the benefit of LFP compared with the more common NCM? Crucially, LFP is cobalt-free, which makes it more ethically-sound while also being CHEAPER to produce - hence the Dolphin’s wallet-friendly asking cost..
When the BYD Dolphin becomes available to lease later this summer you’ll be able to choose from four trims - entry-level ‘Active’ through to ‘Boost’, ‘Comfort’, and range-topping ‘Design’.
The Active trim - which will arrive shortly after the initial launch - gets a 44.9 kWh, power of 95 PS, DC rapid charging up to 60 kW, and a 211-mile range.
The Boost Dolphin gets bigger 17-inch alloys, added power at 176 PS, and a range of up to 193 miles, and also multi-link rear suspension.
Comfort trim models enjoy a larger 60.4 kWh battery with 204 PS, 88 kW rapid charging which can replenish the energy from 30-80% in 29 mins, and a 265-mile range.
And the plush Design models get all the same spec as the Comfort, but with a panoramic glass roof, uprated alloys, two-tone paint with a different coloured roof, and wireless phone charging.
The BYD Dolphin Comfort and Design trims will be quick off the mark - covering 0-62 mph in 7 seconds flat.
Another great thing about the BYD Dolphin is that a heat pump is standard - which means you’ll be able to make the most of the available range even in cold weather.
Also standard-fit are heated sports seats, a decently-sized 345-litre boot, and a safety systems like Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Brake, Lane Departure Prevention and Emergency Lane Keeping Assist.
You also get ‘Vehicle-To-Load’ capabilities as standard - which means you can use the BYD Dolphin as a mobile battery - perfect for plugging-in appliances when you’re camping, for example.
A BYD spokesperson tells us: “The epitome of safe, efficient and practical eco-friendly motoring, the BYD Dolphin is appealingly priced making high-tech electric mobility accessible to more consumers.”
As soon as it becomes available to lease, you’ll be the first to know.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 26/06/23.
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