The BYD Dolphin (c=) is a battery electric hatchback produced by the Chinese manufacturer BYD Auto since 2021. A subcompact car (B-segment) hatchback, the Dolphin is positioned above the BYD Seagull in the Chinese market and part of BYD's Ocean Series.
The Dolphin has been exported to overseas markets such as Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia since 2023 with lengthened dimensions to satisfy more stringent crash safety standards, and placing it in the Compact car or C-segment space.
Overview
During
Auto Shanghai in April 2021, BYD presented a pre-production prototype of the Dolphin called BYD EA1 Concept, while also announcing a modernized design language and company logo.
The company also introduced presented a new generation of electric car platform called the e-Platform 3.0, which offer more efficient performance and range.
The production model was presented three months later as the BYD Dolphin, and became available in August 2021.
The interior of the Dolphin features a rotatable 12.8-inch infotainment screen, and a full 5-inch LCD instrument panel. It comes standard with the LFP blade battery in varying capacities.
The modified version destined for the global market was introduced in 2023. For most export markets, the Dolphin was lengthened by approximately in order to accommodate a new front-end crash structure, which was designed to achieve a five-star Australian ANCAP safety rating. The global model received different front and rear bumpers, front hood and wing fenders that extended its overhang, which increased its length to and placing it as a C-segment car.
On 22 September 2023, the 500,000th Dolphin rolled off the assembly line after 25 months in production.
2025 facelift
The Dolphin received a major update in March 2025 for the Chinese market.
The model received a redesigned front and rear design which increased its length by , revised dashboard design, and a steering-mounted
gear selector. It is also equipped with BYD's latest advanced driver assistance system marketed as God's Eye C and DiPilot 100 as standard.
File:BYD Dolphin facelift 001.jpg|2025 BYD Dolphin facelift
File:BYD Dolphin facelift 002.jpg|Rear view
File:2025 BYD Dolphin interior.png|Interior
Powertrain
China / Latin America
The specifications below corresponds to the -long Dolphin marketed in China and some export markets such as Latin America.
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| 30.72 kWh LFP blade battery | FWD | Permanent magnet synchronous motor | | | 10.5 seconds | | | | 2021–2022 | |
| 44.9 kWh LFP blade battery | | | 10.9 seconds | | | | 2021–present | Exported to Latin America |
| 44.9 kWh LFP blade battery | | | 7.5 seconds | | | | 2021–present | |
| 60.48 kWh LFP blade battery | | | | | | | 2024–present | Available with the Dolphin Champion Edition |
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Global
The global, -long Dolphin became available in 2023 in Europe, and
right-hand drive markets such as Australia, Thailand and Malaysia. The global version is also sold in Latin America as the Dolphin Plus.
For the Extended Range version, it receives a more sophisticated independent multi-link rear suspension setup replacing
torsion beam.
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| 44.9 kWh LFP blade battery | | | 7.5 seconds | | | 2024–present |
| 50.25 kWh LFP blade battery | | | 12.3 seconds | | | 2024–present (Thailand) |
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Markets
Asia
Brunei
The Dolphin has been launched in Brunei in 15 June 2024 and it was only offered in Dynamic Standard Range (44.9 kWh) in a single trim.
China
In China, the Dolphin is available in two versions and three trim levels. The Free and Fashion trim levels is equipped with a motor, while the Knight Edition has a more powerful motor. Previously, the Dolphin was available in a basic trim with a 30.72 kWh blade battery, with a range of .
Between 2023 and 2024, all versions uses the same 44.9 kWh blade battery. With the
body kit equipped to the Knight Edition, the variant is longer.
In September 2023, the Dolphin 500,000 Commemorative Edition was released to celebrate the production of the 500,000th Dolphin. It was available in two sub-variants, Pro and Plus.
In February 2024, the Dolphin Champion Edition went on sale as the 2024 model year. It received an independent multi-link rear suspension setup, a 60 kWh battery option with a electric motor and a wireless charger, which were previously reserved for the global market version.
In February 2025, the Dolphin was facelifted with the new design front and rear with the length increased 4,280 mm (168.5 in).
Indonesia
The Dolphin was introduced in Indonesia in January 2024 alongside the Atto 3 and
BYD Seal, as part of BYD's entry to the Indonesian passenger car market.
Sales price were announced at the 31st Indonesia International Motor Show in February 2024.
It is available in two variants: the Dynamic Standard Range ( and the Premium Extended Range (.
Japan
The Dolphin was launched in Japan in September 2023, with two variants: the Dolphin (44.9 kWh and the Dolphin Long Range (58.56 kWh .
Malaysia
The Dolphin was launched in Malaysia on 27 July 2023, as the second BYD model to be marketed in Malaysia, with deliveries started in August 2023. It is available in two variants: Dynamic Standard Range ( and Premium Extended Range (.
Nepal
The Dolphin was launched in Nepal on 11 September 2023, by Cimex Inc., the authorized distributor. The electric hatchback features a 44.9 kWh battery with a range of up to 340 km.
Thailand
In March 2023, the global right hand drive version of Dolphin was shown to the public for the first time as the Standard Range ( with 44.9 kWh blade battery) at the Bangkok International Motor Show 2023.
Rever Automotive, BYD's
Thailand distributor, introduced Standard Range 95 PS and Extended Range ( with 60.48 kWh blade battery) to the press at the end of June 2023.
In July 2024, the locally assembled model went on sale with a lower price. The Standard Range model received a larger 50.25 kWh battery, increasing its NEDC-rated range to . It also received faster DC charging capacity from 60 kW to 70 kW.
Vietnam
The Dolphin was introduced in Vietnam on 18 July 2024 alongside the Atto 3 and
BYD Seal, as part of BYD's entry in Vietnam. It is available in a sole GLX variant using the Standard Range 44.9 kWh powertrain.
Europe
The
version of the Dolphin was introduced in April 2023. As with the global specification, the European market Dolphin occupies the
C-segment as it received different front and rear bumpers that extended its length to of . In addition, the powertrain of the European-spec Dolphin is upgraded. The car is powered by a front-wheel drive motor, paired with a 60.48 kWh battery which is shared with the Atto 3.
Latin America
Brazil
The Dolphin was released in Brazil In July 2023. It is available in two models, which are Dolphin and the global market Dolphin Plus.
The Dolphin sold 6,812 units in Brazil in 2023, making it the best-selling electric car in the country.
Mexico
The Dolphin was launched in Mexico on 20 September 2023, as the fourth BYD model to be marketed in Mexico.
Oceania
Australia
In February 2022, BYD's
distributor, EVDirect, announced plans to sell the Dolphin in Australia.
The Dolphin went on sale in Australia on 22 June 2023, with three grades: Dynamic, Premium and Sport. The Dynamic grade use the 44.9 kWh blade battery pack, while the Premium and Sport grades use the 60.48 kWh blade battery pack.
The Dynamic was replaced by the Essential (44.9 kWh) as the entry-level trim for the Dolphin in January 2025.
New Zealand
In New Zealand, the Dolphin is available with two range variants: the Standard Range has a 44.9 kWh blade battery with a WLTP range of and the Extended Range carries a 60.48 kWh blade battery, increasing the WLTP range to .
South Africa
The Dolphin was launched in South Africa on 18 May 2024, with two variants: Standard Range (44.9 kWh) and Extended Range (60.48 kWh).
Recall
On 30 September 2024, BYD recalled 96,714 Dolphin and Yuan Plus vehicles in China due to a fire risk. The affected vehicles were manufactured between November 2022 and December 2023. At the time, it was BYD's largest recall to date. The issue involves a defect in the production of the electric power steering column assembly (CEPS) controller. When the tool cover is closed, it may press against internal components, causing tiny cracks. Over time, these cracks may expand and lead to short circuits, overheating, or fires. BYD dealers would install insulation pads on the controllers to eliminate the safety risk.
Safety
Awards
BYD Dolphin won the title of 'Best Small Electric Car' at the Carbuyer Best Car Awards 2024.
In March 2024, BYD Dolphin won the Japan EV of the Year 2023 award.
Sales
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| 2021 | 29,598 | | | | | | |
| 2022 | 204,674 | | | | | | 205,417 |
| 2023 | 299,708 | 9,410 | 1,313 | 925 | 6,812 | | 367,419 |
| 2024 | 160,594 | 13,386 | 1,431 | 2,116 | 15,202 | 1,186 | 198,320 |
| 2025 | | | | | 15,238 | | |
See also
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List of BYD Auto vehicles
