New BYD Dolphin DRIVEN. Is this the cheap electric car we’ve been waiting for? | Electrifying
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 มิ.ย. 2024
- #byddolphin #byd #electriccars
Read the review: www.electrifying.com/reviews/...
If you’re in the market for a small, efficient and affordable electric car, you don’t need us to tell you that options are thin on the ground. In stark contrast to the petrol car market, where cheap runabouts are easy to come by, those wanting to switch to electric power have precious few to choose from.
However, that could be about to change with the arrival of cars like the BYD Dolphin. Thanks to low production costs and what’s known in the industry as a ‘vertical supply’ chain (which means one company builds and makes everything from the microchips to the mirrors) Chinese brands are perfectly placed to bring their products to the market at prices that European carmakers simply can’t match.
The Dolphin is set to follow the Atto 3 into UK showrooms by the end of 2023 and has the potential to be a real game-changer. With precious few rivals (the MINI is set to be replaced, the Fiat 500e is gorgeous but expensive and the Renault Zoe comes with a zero star EuroNCAP safety rating, the Dolphin is aiming at an open goal.
Join Nicola as she takes the Dolphin for a drive in European spec for the first time. Will BYD’s £25,490 supermini be on your shortlist, or is the MG4 still the car of choice? Let us know in the comments below.
-------------------------------
We upload new videos to Electrifying.com every week. Don't miss one by subscribing now: bit.ly/3U9z1RE
Visit our website at www.electrifying.com/
Electrifying.com is the UK’s leading car electric car news and review site. Founded by Ginny Buckley, we are the go-to site for the latest developments in the world of electric cars and the latest reviews of the newest models. Our site is packed with advice and information written in plain english for those looking to make the switch or wanting to find out more about the world of electric cars.
Our reviews are written by some of the most experienced reviewers in the business and will even help you find the perfect new or used car.
New Car reviews: bit.ly/3VrTy5c
The latest electric car news: bit.ly/3gvFfh5
Tips and advice: bit.ly/3XtKWMW
Sign up to our email newsletter for a monthly round-up of all our electric car news, reviews and advice: bit.ly/3Ud6zyw
Follow Electrifying.com:
LIKE Electrifying.com on Facebook: bit.ly/3XvUjMo
FOLLOW Electrifying.com on Twitter: bit.ly/3OG04TG
FOLLOW Electrifying.com on Instagram: bit.ly/3tZnBVS
Check out our full video library: bit.ly/2W81iu9
00:00 intro- The BYD Dolphin
00:43 Design and Size
02:07 Interior
05:15 Rear seats
05:55 Boot space
06:15 Driving impressions
07:43 Battery Size and performance
09:21 Charging
10:00 The annoying things
10:44 Price and specs
11:53 our verdict - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Given BYD's position in the EV chain, he is probably the only company capable of offering an EV that is affordable to the vast majority of the population.
The Dacia Spring is much cheaper than this (under £20,000). But also far more basic, admittedly. In terms of spec and looks, I'd have this over the Dacia any day, but the point is that there is another option if money is really tight.
@@Broccoli_Highkicks I think what he/she meant was, BYD might most likely be the one if someone want to purchase an EV with good build quality, decent design and relatively advanced techs at that price point, which is quite acceptable for most of the car owners in the world.
Dacia Spring and MG4 are cheaper and the MG4 is outright better in every way. Doubly so if you are leasing since the MG4 is nearly £100 cheaper a month.
Nice to see some actual design (doesnt matter if you like it or not) in the interior, it makes a change from all tones of black and grey.
I love the design and totally agree with you - so good to see a manufacturer trying to make the interior interesting.
Yeah I agree, it's really refreshing.
i have an atto3.. it has an even "wonkier" design, but i love it! so different than anything else you can find on the market.
love it too
That's not what I'd call design. I'd call that a desperate, vomit inducing attempt to stand-out by a manufacturer that has direct links to the Chinese Communist Party. I'm giving the BYD a hard pass.
BYD Dolphin will easily be the most affordable long range EV in any given market. BYD Seagull just came out even cheaper just shyly half of price of the dolphin around 8-15k usd. The era of BEVs is already here.
I was hoping the sodium battery Seagull way more than this Dolphin
@@lucisleesion8824 BYD was reported to release sodium-ion battery in 2024, still next year. Pricing for EV will eventually drop to affordable level with this breakthrough of replacement to lithium battery. The whole automobile industry has weighted in the future of EV revolutions, there will be lots of affordable EVs in the foreseeable future.
Here in Thailand MG EP (5) Estate is bigger and cheaper
@@WAWACreations Lucky you. EVs are much affordable and attainable in Asia markets.
@@ossxq and then consider that there is a 300% import duty on foreign cars in Thailand, which says a lot about the real price of the car.
I’ve driven this car and although the exterior isn’t my taste, the driving experience was amazing, the interior is extremely nice too ! I actually own a Tesla mod 3 😊😊😊
I love it! Love the design, love the colour, love the interior, love the rear lights! Love the price too!
Worth mentioning that all the beeps can be done away with and the indicator sounds and that hum when going slow can be changed in settings on the infotainment screen - I have an atto3
At least BYD seems to be having fun, they don't seem to be afraid to be quirky which I think helps them stand out vs. the more recognised names.
Agreed. They’re to be commended for being different. For people who can think for themselves and not buy what they think the herd will approve of?
In fact, in the Chinese electric vehicle market, BYD's design is not particularly peculiar. Nowadays, there are a variety of electric vehicles in China, and the bright body colors and interior design have become a symbol of electric vehicles.
The good thing for the screen to turn vertical is for the navigation, you can see far more road in front of you then the horizontal display, also you have more camera views when you needs them in the tight corner. Owner of atto 3 for 4 months, extremely satisfied. Such a nice car and way better then my BMW's and Mercedes. Up the hill with one hand steering is more then enough, down the hills does not need to break most of the times. the Dolphin on this review has the small motor 70Kw, then the next level is 150kw, which is much more powerful and fast. I just ordered the sport limited edition which looks like the hottest hatchback so far.
I've seen a black BYD Dolphin that passed by in front of our house for about three times now. I must say the build quality is like a German hot hatch and the black exterior makes it more serious and premium. I don't know about the fun colors BYD is sending to reviewers; to me, it makes the car feel cheaper or for younger people.
Totally agreed with you! I especially hate the two-tone exterior which looks very very cheap.
I think this looks great for a cheap car. Frankly the interior looks great, I dunno what you were complaining about really. The Volume thing seems to be a software update issue as its obviously not been updated for righthand I reckon. The exterior design is good nothing too offensive, I like the rear, the front is a bit dull to be fair. I think this is a great alternative to MG4, it doesn't look as good exterior wise, but the tech and interior looks way better imo. As for performance (you did state it needed a software update) but the figures you were throwing out there which you kind of sneered at are as good as say a Cupra Born! 0-60 in 7secs is more than sporty enough for anyone and equal to the Born. Come on. That charging curve as well, I have a Born and its almost a miracle if it ever reaches 80 kW charging speed on Public Chargers, its supposed to do 125 kW. So 88kW which is almost guaranteed a straight curve is impressive and probably very quick to charge to full. Nothing to sniff at there imo. Give them a little credit shall we. The latest Niro EV only chargers at around 80kW too. You didn't mention the Batteries either and the reason it can charge at such a sustained high kW. They're apparently the newer LFP technology, which is far safer than the Cobalt alternatives. I'll definitely keep an eye on BYD when I consider my next EV for sure.
Thanks for the input
Fabulous! Between the swatch of sandpaper that is a VW ID3/4 and an ironed out dishcloth that is a MINI, this design is so refreshing and more organic than the contrived circles (groundbreaking 🙄).
It's kind of like watching her in pain trying to find things to hate about it, but coming up short. That's a bigger statement than you'd think these days!
Some of the annoyances can be changed in the menu. For example, my slow speed "pedestrian warning" sound is a musical tune, but can be disconnected if it's really a problem ( a NZ video shows how in an Atto 3 version, which is the same in the Dolphin). You can also change the lane assist to vibrate instead of "beep".
BYD clearly don't like traditional interiors, but at least follow through on a clear theme. The Ocean series of BYD's cars are boldly different and might not have universal appeal. But choice is what is good for car markets, so good on BYD.
Honestly, after the first day the interior design becomes insignificant and the only things that are a worry are other drivers, and making sure you charge mostly at home using domestic supply rates rather than at expensive charging stations.
I think it's a legal requirement in Europe and yes, it can be changed to a musical theme - we've done that on our atto3. One sneaky work around I've read about is putting a cover over the speaker... obviously the volume will be controlled by what you use to cover it with.
Got an Atto 3 and been very impressed. Thought the interior was a bit....unusual and not really to my taste but I've had it a month and don't even think about it.
Really like all the new models coming and think these new cars are going to make a big 'Splash' in the EV market. The Seagull will be even cheaper. I see the Dolphin and Seagul as being aimed at younger markets with can only be a good thing. BYD (Build your own Dreams) won't bother that many people. The MG 4 has been selling so well and I think BYD will just add to that Market.
MG也是中国品牌
BYD blade battery is amazing. Almost flat and very safe. Way forward.
I love the design. It's fun and quirky. Nice to not have another boring set of design language. i love the Build Your Dreams bit on the back. It's so counter to the usual dull german sameyness. Can't wait to drive one.
My BMW i3 says "smile when you say that, stranger".
I love that BYD are offering something fresh in terms of design. Car looks good in most respects and decent value for an EV. Its not for me, the interior is far too trippy but it think it will do well as I am sure plenty will love how different it is.
as the dolphin owner kinda of feeling how lucky it is to get same models in China for only half of the price
well, you can say the same for imported european cars
Chinese model is not the same as the export model. Significant changes to make roadworthy for the western markets.
Good review. A solid EV price vs spec. Deserves to do very well indeed. And yes 88kw is perfectly acceptable if the charge curve is pretty flat up to 80%. The Stellantis group cars (and we own one) have a marketing gimmick speed of 100kW - as in real life this tails off pretty quickly soon after 10% SoC or so and effectively becomes 40-50kW over the course of a charge. It is no looker this BYD but in terms of personal transport is pretty much perfect. Puts more pressure on the Europeans and Koreans which seem ever more over priced.
Actually looks quite decent and I'm sure a software update will fix a few things. One to keep an eye on.
Interesting that it was a RHD in Spain!
It is a weird interior, but… I think it might grow on me. At least it has my preferred side-by-side cupholders! I would guess that the low-speed "hum" is a pedestrian warning sound. 88kW fast charging is… not fast charging… not any more. Ah, well… I doubt we'll see the BYD Dolphin on our side of the pond. At least not for a very long time. Nicola: you're a charmer and make me laugh!
Defin8ly a charmer, she is.
Love the colours in BYD designs. So fed up with acres of black and silver.
The last time we had good colours in the interior of a car was 1980's Vauxhalls.
Welcome back colour!
one of the most interestingly designed cars. I love when cars are fun.
The vertical screen is good for navigation app just like how our phone works better for it than landscape mode. Can't wait for it to be officially launched in Malaysia... it will be the second cheapest EV car here after Neta V.
88kW charging is not disappointing at all considering you can get the Dolphin with a 60kWh battery compared to the Setllantis 46kWh (50kWh to come); A car of this size isn't designed to drive across Europe and for the odd family holiday in Cornwall or Scotland 88kW is more than sufficient. Also I am confident that the BYD battery has a better charging curve than Stellantis EVs, which means it'll charge at 88kW for longer whereas a Stellantis EV only reach their claimed 100kW for a few minutes and soon tail off.
20% to 80% in 30 minutes for DC charging.
@@michaelreid9100 just enough to have a short break :) - I'm sure the Corsa-e takes longer
Will be very interesting to see a real world test of the charging curve. If it's really that flat, then you might be talking 10-90% or even 5%-95% charging becoming the new 20-80.
Love your presenting style. Entertaining and informative. Thanks.
Great job presenting the car! And an intriguing car it is. Funky and functional might be the best summary.
And now I'm going to give you a hard time, because that's my way. I laughed when it beeped at you and you acted confused... And then the camera showed the exterior of the car and you were driving on the center line! It was great! Seems like something I would do lol.
I was a bit on the fence with the Atto 3 but I am genuinely excited to try this one! Also it looks fantastic in blue!
BYD builds more EVs than anyone else, in fact it builds all the chassis, motors and batteries for the new electric London double decker 😊
Most operation can be done by the voice command when you are driving, like volume/AC/windows adjust.
The weird thing about this car is it uses a stretched platform of a small car. So its like the length of an Astra but the width of a Corsa. I wonder how it will compare to other medium sized hatches.
Less width is probably a good thing with our small parking bays.
good and bad. It probably gets better stability around the corner at the cost of scarifying a sharper turning angle.
Yes, my biggest fear is that the forthcoming Tesla compact car will be too wide in practice.@@bikeman123
Thanks for the review 👍
Most used color in flowers on graveyards . . . . .Purple.
I really love this small car! But I still feel that BYD could make it cheaper than 25k. May be around 20k?
I have no idea, perhaps BYD needs to recover its R&D cost...
It might have something to do with the overhead cost of setting up in a new market.
@@ChinaSongsCollection VAT
@@manimalworks7424 Yes, also that.
It’s cheaper than the others but still not cheap.
in China you can buy the top model(150kw) for usd 18700$
Would anyone happen to know if the Dolphin has ambient interior lighting like the Atto 3?
Glad Nicola is here now. She's great fun and a good motoring journalist. What Matt Carwow, used to be.
The presenter is doing very good job... I can see she's really enjoying telling us her opinion of the car
Byd is an amazing brand. Love it and it has a sassy vibe too...
Haha, BYD is considered affordable, reliable but less sassy back in China, really interesting to know people from the other side of the world find it different.
Your comments about the «Build your dreams» branding were spot on, Nicola 😂👍
People from the west have no idea but 7 years ago when I visited Xian, China, BYD Electric Taxis were everywhere. And the taxi drivers there swear by its reliability.
Love your videos because you point out the real things! People pretend they care about horse powers or battery kW, but we all know that you gonna be annoyed by beeping or loud humming lol
Good review. The tech/battery issues were considered (unlike so many 'experts') most of the beefs, buttons etc were pretty minor. A valid comparison with the MG4 is that the Dolphin's electronics are more precise, and faster, and they do not have that terrible lane assist that MG owners have to put up with. On the other hand the rear wheel drive MG rides better. Range was just accepted, hmm - more real world performance required on that issue. Can't remember whether she said the BYD can be charged to 100% unlike rivals 80%. Some comment on Build quality (Good?)would be helpful.
Splendid job, Nicola.
Simp
Apparently the lane-keep assist has to be manually disabled EVERY TIME you start this car and it doesn't work properly on UK roads. Is this correct?! I hope they fix this.
If priced realistically and marketed well in the uk this could be like MG given time
Enjoyed the review Nicola love the humour:)
When does it finally arrive in the UK?
The are some many choices in Europe, in North America not so much. Loads of interesting models to see on this channel in the next year or so.
Political reasons
Did presenter spend some time to learn about the car? If she did, she would have known that it was easy to turn off those warning beeps. Shows how professional she was.
did you look at the safety score and maintenance recalls?
Agree about the rear badge wish it just said byd like the front it’s definitely temping at that base price though
I think BYD is trying to let people know what byd stand for 😅
@@JIMMY-nz1ldI get that but imagine if BMW put Bayerische Motoren Werke in massive letters on the back of their cars
@@sp3lllz I always wondering why BMW stand for lol😅
Just subscribed, any chance you have a copy of the Dolphin's owners manual?
So much more expensive then in Asia 😮 our politicians must take a cut out of everything here in Europe.
Very nice and interesting car, the great value for the money will make it a bestseller.
From the description I thought this would be a small car but not really, 4.3m in europe. Still the small battery version sounds like a great upgrade from my 24kwh Leaf Tekna. I considered the mg4 but you can’t get the LFP battery with the 360 camera.
Yeah.... Which I think is a big mistake.
If mg offered a 4 trophy with the smaller LFP battery, 3 phase 11kw av charging and a way to save driver profiles for let's say under 28k then boom they'd clean up
I'm glad you said "vegan leather seats.. aka plastic basically" as not a lot of people realise that. They say vegan leather to make customers feel it's a 'greener' choice, but actually it's plastic which I think most people wouldn't want. Cloth seats for the win then.
What ever happened to the portmanteau pleather? (plastic & leather)
Does it come in dolphin blue?
Reminds me of a honda jazz but a little more good looking
when this would be available in Canada?
Ground clearance mam ??
Well here's a new one, do you guys review any cars that I can afford AND fit inside of as a 6 foot 1 man 230 lbs?
We’re looking for price parity with ICE cars, dear manufacturers. This was touted to be when battery prices dropped to $100 per kwh at the pack level, which presumably has happened, with LFP batteries. So how about it? Huh?
Excellent presentation, Nicola. I await further interesting videos from you.
Really love the colour and the big screen!
Excellent 👌 presentation. BYD rocks
FOR THE MONEY this is a very tempting car. If this was sitting in the mid 30ks like the Stelantis superminis it would be a hard pass but,... That's just a really good price. Like,... Really good.
For the spec and interior space, £31k is bloody good in today's market.
To think that the base model in China is around £10,200
I like Nicola her style of presenting. Don't beat around the bush and just plain and simple tell your own honest opinion.
Those beeps and bongs would bug me too, I would be more intrigued by a different color pattern and by all means: just stick BYD on the rear and be done with it. It's a shame that they combine BYD in full front with the rear tail lights which makes it difficult to remove I guess.
I would like to see the BYD seal, one I am more inclined to reconsider than the Dolphin or Seagull. But that's my personal preference. Good that they do offer a sharp price to compete against MG 4, Stellantis cars.
6 year and 100,000 mile warranty? that's better than most of other brands.
Electrifying including Nicola are Brill. I love all the presenters.
The Leaf has got very serious competition especially on back seat space
Nissan leaf sucks because it has no battery refrigeration 😢
I would say the lady makes the interior looks a a lot better!
I like the interior, agree with the cameraman, and the different interior to those boring charcoal interior with straight lines everywhere and dull. Follow the flock basically whereas BYD doesn't follow the flock in this or the Atto 3. Lighter materials to reflect the heat of the warming planet and those 40c temps the UK is now getting. Signal sound is fine with me each to their own. All a personal opinion in the end. Once week long testing occurs from other channels including charge testing and 100-0 test as well which there are TH-camrs who review it will do.
I hope BYD will come to the US.
Is that beeping sound the eyes off the road warning? Just curious...
the vertical screen is perfect for tiktok and the humming sounds like a dolphin, I think......this is such an important car vw-id3 dropped 20% just to compete with it in china..... and it's everywhere already on the streets of chinese cities like a phenomenon. dont think id3 can catch up. I would change a few graphics here and there, but did you see the seagull! it's very gorgeous and I am falling for it. please review soon.
Bless you, Nicola... you do make me giggle, the way you do your reviews... so much so, in fact, that my wife said, "What are you smiling at over there...?" 🤣
As for the car - I think it's a worthy entrant in to the entry-level new EV marketplace... yes, whilst the exterior design is a bit 'meh', at least it's not offensive ("Build Your Dreams" logo excepting... 😳) and we Brits have always been more interested in value-for-money rather than flash designs (as proven by the Vauxhall Corsa being such a hit...!)
And the interior certainly is 'interesting' - at least it HAS design elements (MG4, yes, I'm looking at you...) and may well just be a bit more colour-dependent than most.
So, all-in-all, a great new addition to the UK market and I will certainly be having a look-see when it's launched over here. 👍
Simp
Agree
Well now. That’s an interesting one. I’m a big fan of eccentric, Citroën styling of old and this interior is ‘sort of’ like that but perhaps trying too hard.
In a different colour, without the nail salon/crèche/hair dresser colour scheme perhaps, this is actually really refreshing inside.
The outside is the complete opposite: dull, instantly forgettable but perfectly good. (To my eyes a bit like a Hyundai i20 profile with a squashed up Saab 95(ish) front.)
That exterior could be a complete ‘no no’ to some or a strong selling point to others.
The interior? Ditto. You can’t see the exterior from inside anyway.
I assume the ride quality is acceptable and presumably it’ll come with a long and comprehensive warranty.
Damn it - I think I like it.
Still not ‘cheap’ though, just cheaper than the others.
As I said years ago, that script on the back would have to be covered, very tacky.
An EV doesn’t feature in my dreams….which I can’t tell you about here anyway. (I know, I know…as a man in my mid 60’s I should know better than to express an opinion at my age: should be sitting in my corner, rocking. That’s backwards and forwards, not giving it some to rock music…which I do)
A really good review by the way.
Good review.
Byline: "The BYD Dolphin - it's ...alright"
Can the lane assist be disabled? Bonus points if it can be permanently disabled!
Most car buyers are NOT looking for a racing car or a hot hatch. BYD are aiming at the average driver who wants a value for money car. BYD will be really successful
How do you know that the buttons won't work if you have eaten greasy food? 3:51 Maybe try it once and report back that it failed or succeeded?
BYD really need to set up a London office, to get more in touch with European consumers. I mean, its great that they are doing their own designs.. but sometimes less is more.
I love that, Dolphin looks exquisite. Europen small cars look so cheap and crude.
It's not designed for specifically EU nor is it suppose to be for, its designed for asia like other small asian cars but brought to EU.
Only here for a Hume review, miss her on AT…
Build Your Dreams!! Wonderful name for a car company in China!! It looks good, it sounds good and therefore, it IS good!!
2:40 This car is ahead of the curve.
‘Build your dreams’ a nightmare detail.
Can't wait to buy it!
Nice to see these finally arriving over in Europe and hopefully soon, the UK. At £30k i would be looking at an entry level Tesla with its superior charging network (and speed) at the lower end maybe it will sell. If the range was higher and say £19995 to £24995 then it would fly off the shelves….time will tell
Isn't the entry level model 3 £42k ?
@@benrgrogan used off Tesla for just under £29k with their full guarantee and charging network, believe me after driving non-Tesla’s since 2014 their network is such a relief
@@stevenbarrett7648 The Tesla network is now available to owners of other marques.
Tesla is different from BYD.
@@rogerlapin9809 A small fraction of it is...
Right hand drive?
Interesting video. This and the fiat 500 are the first wave of small EV's in Europe. It's interesting that at the point in time that the Renault 5, nissan Micra and id2 arrive, buyers will also have the option of new and second hand dolphins and seagulls. The new mini EV and others in the pipeline had better be good to be more compelling than something quirky and cheap from china. A dolphin could be the perfect replacement for our trusty Fabia. An EV option from Skoda may not arrive soon enough.
cant wait to see the charging curve
The atto 3 charges at max 89kW until 45% and 60kW until 85%
They've done that crease thing down the side (see Ioniq 5) which makes a bigger car looks small.
That loud pedestrian warning may be the choice because of the cacophony of sounds in a bustling city (London, Hong Kong, Paris, Rome). That quiet car could be drowned out by buses and lorries and the like. You probably wouldn't notice on your dailly city commute. Now a road trip....yeah....bzzzzzzzzz. 😆 (Still jealous because so many of these great offerings won't come to the U.S. grrrrr).
im absolutely loving the snark from Nicola, a great addition to the team!
but I also agree with the BYD badging across the back, it just feels... tramp stampy
Yes, no doubt there will be aftermarket trim strips to cover that monstrosity. Duct tape would also work for those on a tighter budget 😊
@@jamespaul2587 if they ever go to America they should change it to ''Jesus Love You'' or something.
@johnsmith-cw3wo lol, or with the cost of most EVs and everything else now, including rent and basic groceries, it could be FML 😊
tramp stampy 🤣 YUP
All reviewers should mention the 20%-80% recharge time. Most people drive less than 50 miles a day on well over 300 days a year and charge/top up overnight off-peak at home or for free at their workplace. Almost all "journalists" refuse to state any of this and always have.
Paul G/
The slowing down noise would probably be unheard over the music that we normally have on whilst driving.
They should do something with the headlights.
BYD is a major Chinese automaker based in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. Need I say anymore .
I love the design.
If they let you browse the internet on that display then the screen rotation makes a lot of sense.
People won't care about the design so long as the car is cheap and has good range. Looking forward to more information about the battery technology and how it performs under different conditions.