Introduction
The BYD Dolphin is set to revolutionize the EV market in Ireland and other countries where it has already been launched. With its impressive affordability and range, this car is making waves in the automotive industry.
The Price and Safety Tech
The BYD Dolphin is making waves in the automotive industry with its attractive price tag. Priced significantly cheaper than its competitors, this electric vehicle offers consumers an affordable option for eco-friendly transportation. But it’s not just the price that sets the Dolphin apart.
Standard Safety Tech
When it comes to safety, BYD has gone above and beyond. The Dolphin comes equipped with state-of-the-art safety technology that is often considered a luxury in other car companies. Features like collision warning, lane departure assist, and automatic emergency braking are all standard in the Dolphin, leaving other car manufacturers scrambling to catch up.
Disrupting the Market
Looking towards the future, my prediction is that BYD and other companies like them will force traditional car brands to adjust their prices and specifications. This shift will ultimately benefit consumers everywhere, as they will have access to advanced safety features without breaking the bank. It’s an exciting time for the automotive industry, as disruptive companies like BYD set new standards for affordability and innovation.
Exploring the Dolphin’s Features
Now, let’s take a closer look at the Dolphin. One of the first things you’ll notice is the charging port located at the rear of the vehicle. With an 88 kW CCS charger, you can expect efficient and convenient charging options.
Moving inside, you’ll find a unique feature that sets the Dolphin apart from other vehicles – NFC technology. A small sensor on the mirror allows you to use a card to unlock and start the car. Say goodbye to cumbersome keys and hello to a hassle-free experience. Additionally, there’s an accompanying app that provides an even more convenient way to access the car.
Safety in Unexpected Situations
In the unlikely event that you find yourself in an emergency situation, the Dolphin has you covered. Concealed inside the vehicle is a handy tool that resembles a lipstick. This tool is designed for cutting seat belts, providing a lifeline in case of being trapped in the car in water or during a fire. While we hope you never have to use it, having this tool readily available showcases BYD’s commitment to safety.
The Spacious Interior
The BYD Dolphin may not have a frunk (front trunk), but that’s not really a big deal considering it’s not the largest car out there anyway. However, that doesn’t mean the car is lacking in space on the inside. In fact, the interior is surprisingly roomy, with enough room to accommodate all your needs. The boot, in particular, is generously sized and features a sleek black, textured BYD finish. Depending on the color option you choose, there’s also a black and a snow-and-ice-inspired option, which adds a touch of variety to the car’s appearance.
Price and Availability
Currently, the BYD Dolphin is priced around €30,000, but next year, two cheaper trims will be released, bringing the price down. However, these lower-priced options won’t be available until the second quarter of 2024, so for now, potential buyers will have to consider the somewhat higher price tag. That being said, considering the features and performance of the Dolphin, the price is quite reasonable.
Impressive Safety Features
When it comes to safety, the BYD Dolphin doesn’t disappoint. It is equipped with a blind-spot monitoring system, a feature that is not even available on the popular ID3. Additionally, the car also comes with rear collision avoidance technology, providing peace of mind and enhancing driver safety. These safety features alone make the Dolphin a noteworthy competitor in the market.
Heat Pump Technology
The BYD Dolphin also boasts a heat pump as a standard feature across all range models. But what exactly does a heat pump do? Unlike traditional heating systems that rely solely on the car’s battery, a heat pump uses a different power source to warm up the car in cold weather. This means that heating the car doesn’t drain the battery, allowing you to enjoy maximum range without sacrificing comfort. It’s an innovative feature that sets the Dolphin apart from its competitors.
A Unique Design Detail
One interesting design quirk of the BYD Dolphin is the placement of the rear light bar. Unlike other cars where you might be able to remove the builder’s emblem with a hairdryer and dental floss, the Dolphin’s light bar is firmly fixed behind it, making any attempts at customization or removal impossible. While this may disappoint some car enthusiasts, it’s a quirky characteristic that adds to the car’s overall uniqueness.
BYD Dolphin Review: A Cobalt-Free and Ethical Option
When it comes to electric vehicles, one of the major concerns for environmentally conscious consumers is the use of Cobalt in the battery production process. However, with the BYD Dolphin, you can rest easy knowing that it is Cobalt-free. This is a significant advantage for those who prioritize ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices.
BYD, which stands for Build Your Dreams, has been in the game for nearly 30 years. They are a well-established player in the industry and have gained recognition for their battery technology. In fact, one in five smartphones and one in three Android phones are powered by a BYD battery. This speaks volumes about the quality and reliability of their products.
One of the standout features of the BYD Dolphin is its ample storage space. Instead of the traditional map pockets, you have a cleverly designed area to store your tablets, making it perfect for modern-day road trips. The door bins in the back also provide sufficient space for rear passengers, ensuring comfort and convenience for everyone.
Moving on to the battery, the BYD Dolphin offers impressive performance. With a lifespan of three to 5,000 cycles, it can cover up to a million kilometers, which is a remarkable feat. Additionally, the battery is designed to last for 200,000 km or eight years, double the length of many comparable electric vehicles on the market. This longevity is a testament to the durability and reliability of BYD’s technology.
When it comes to the interior, the BYD Dolphin is not as fancy as some of its competitors. However, this doesn’t mean that it is a boring place to sit. The car features quirky little center console buttons that add a touch of personality to the overall design. While it may not have all the bells and whistles, the Dolphin delivers on the essentials and provides a comfortable driving experience.
One of the most appealing aspects of the BYD Dolphin is its impressive range. With over 400 km on a single charge, you can confidently embark on longer journeys without worrying about running out of power. This range is on par with other electric vehicles in this price range, making the BYD Dolphin a practical and reliable option for daily commuting and occasional road trips.
In terms of pricing, the BYD Dolphin falls in the €25,000 range, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers. With its competitive price point and impressive range, this electric vehicle offers excellent value for money.
In conclusion, the BYD Dolphin is a reliable and ethical choice for eco-conscious consumers. Its Cobalt-free battery, impressive range, and long battery lifespan make it a practical and sustainable option for everyday use. While it may not have the flashiest interior, it still offers comfort and convenience, making it a great choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable electric vehicle.
Shortcuts and Screen Functions
The BYD Dolphin comes equipped with convenient shortcuts that allow easy access to important features such as charging, climate control, and hazard lights. Unlike other vehicles that require navigating through various screens, the Dolphin simplifies the process by providing direct access to these key functions. The car’s famous screen can be rotated into landscape or portrait mode, according to your preference. However, even with the screen present, shortcuts to frequently used options are readily available, ensuring a seamless user experience. The climate control feature remains easily accessible at the bottom of the screen, regardless of the chosen screen orientation. Additionally, for more advanced settings, further options can be accessed by clicking into the actual menu.
Enhanced Safety Features
For those who find continuous alerts and notifications irritating, the BYD Dolphin offers customizable settings. The car provides real-time updates on driving habits, such as exceeding the speed limit, using a vocal prompt or beep. These safety features are designed to make your driving experience safer; however, they may also prove to be a source of occasional annoyance. The Dolphin offers different levels of intervention, allowing you to decide how involved you want the car to be in terms of regenerative braking. By adjusting the shortcuts settings, you can control the level of assistance provided by the vehicle.
Battery and Charging Efficiency
With an onboard charger of 86.11 kW and an anti-theft alarm system, the BYD Dolphin ensures a reliable and secure charging experience. However, in colder weather conditions, the car’s energy consumption may increase, resulting in around 19 kW hours per 100 km. It is important to note that this value may improve significantly during the summer season. Despite its compact size, the Dolphin is equipped with a high-capacity 60 kWh battery, ensuring sufficient power for extended journeys. The presence of charging cables and an ashtray in the rear of the car enhances convenience for passengers. Wireless charging pads, depending on the chosen specification, can be found in the vehicle, providing a seamless charging experience. Furthermore, additional storage options offer ample space for personal items while on the go, ensuring a clutter-free environment within the car.
In conclusion, the BYD Dolphin offers a range of features designed to enhance user experience, safety, and efficiency. The car’s intuitive shortcuts and versatile screen functions simplify navigation and accessibility to key features. Enhanced safety features provide real-time alerts, ensuring a safer driving experience. The Dolphin’s battery capacity and charging capabilities make it suitable for both short commutes and long-distance travels. With its thoughtfully designed storage options and wireless charging pad, the Dolphin offers convenience and practicality. Whether you choose a high or low level of car involvement, the BYD Dolphin aims to provide an enjoyable and efficient driving experience.
Design and Features
The BYD Dolphin is a car that exudes a sense of uniqueness with its distinctive design elements. The door handles resemble fins, adding a touch of character to the vehicle. The instrument screen, though small in size, manages to display a plethora of information. From speed and blind spot warnings to range and battery charge, all the essential details are neatly incorporated. Additionally, the car boasts shortcut buttons, including one that allows you to manipulate the screen on the steering wheel. With its compact size, the Dolphin manages to pack in a surprising amount of features.
Performance
Equipped with a front-wheel drive and a powerful 204 brake horsepower, the BYD Dolphin delivers impressive performance on the road. It is worth noting that there are four trim levels available, each offering a different power output. The variant under review boasts a 204 brake horsepower, while there are also options with 176 and 95 brake horsepower. The second trim level, priced just above €25,000, comes with a multi-link rear suspension, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride.
Price Considerations
As mentioned, the BYD Dolphin is priced at just over €25,000 for the second trim level. It is important to note that these prices factor in grants and incentives, which may change over time. Without grants, the most expensive trim level would cost around €36,000, which may seem steep considering the size of the vehicle. It is worth considering the potential future changes to these incentives and grants, as they may impact the final price of the car.
The Potent BYD Dolphin: Powerful and Versatile
The BYD Dolphin is a remarkable car that offers impressive features and capabilities. With a horsepower that rivals the mark 5 Golf GTI, this small hatchback is both practical and exciting to drive. Whether you’re heading to mass or embarking on a longer journey, the Dolphin is more than capable of meeting your needs.
A Comfortable and Functional Interior
One of the standout features of the BYD Dolphin is its well-designed interior. While the steering may lack significant feedback, it compensates for this with light and easy maneuverability. As a front-wheel drive car, it performs admirably even on slippery roads. Though some tire struggling for traction may occur, it does not make the car undrivable.
Advanced Audio Warnings and Speed Limit Alerts
When driving the Dolphin, you’ll notice the abundance of audio warnings and alerts. When accelerating vigorously, you’ll hear prominent beeps, letting you know the car’s speed is increasing rapidly. Additionally, the Dolphin comes equipped with a feature that audibly alerts you when you’re exceeding the speed limit. However, it seems that this feature is not functioning properly in colder climates, as observed in our current test drive.
Efficiency and Range
During our brief journey, the Dolphin displayed a fuel consumption rate of approximately 21 kilometers per 100 kilometers. While this may not be the most accurate representation, considering the limited distance traveled, it gives us a glimpse of the car’s efficiency. Over a longer period, the Dolphin is estimated to achieve around 19 kilometers per 100 kilometers. However, it’s important to note that this calculation is based on only 200 kilometers driven, and a more comprehensive assessment would require a full week of testing.
If you’re a proud owner of an earlier version of the Dolphin, we would greatly appreciate your input on fuel consumption and efficiency. Feel free to share your experiences with us as it would contribute to our understanding of the car’s overall performance.
Impressive Tech Features
The BYD Dolphin comes with an array of impressive technological features that are worth mentioning. One notable feature is the 360-degree camera, which provides a comprehensive view of your surroundings. This is a great addition to enhance safety and ease of maneuvering.
Standard Tech Package
When you explore the BYD Dolphin’s website, you’ll be amazed by the level of technology that comes as standard. This is remarkable considering the price point of the car. It’s rare to find such advanced features included without any additional cost.
Considering the Price
Although the technology and features of the BYD Dolphin are impressive, its price suspension may raise some concerns. However, this is quickly overshadowed by the benefits the car offers. Even with the entry-level 16-inch alloys, the car feels light and agile, eliminating the notorious wallowing bounce often experienced in other electric vehicles (EVs).
Sharp Handling and Safety
The BYD Dolphin boasts sharp handling, thanks to its low seating position and responsive brakes. Safety is also a priority in this car, as evidenced by the hazards coming on at relatively low speeds. While you may need to manually turn off certain alerts and features for a more personalized experience, leaving everything on ensures maximum safety compliance.
An Exceptional Value
One aspect that truly stands out about the BYD Dolphin is its price. Considering the range of features and technologies included, the car offers exceptional value for money. It’s hard to find a vehicle in the same price range that offers such a compelling package.
Watch Out for Clearances
While the BYD Dolphin impresses in many areas, it’s important to be cautious of ramps and uneven surfaces. The car’s low ground clearance may make it susceptible to scraping. However, with some mindful driving, this can be easily avoided.
Speed Limit Alerts
Another noteworthy feature of the BYD Dolphin is the speed limit alert. While some may find this beeping irritating, it serves as a helpful reminder to abide by the rules of the road. Keeping your points and license clean becomes easier with this constant reminder.
A Final Verdict
When all is said and done, the undeniable highlight of the BYD Dolphin is its impressive price and value. It may have minor drawbacks, but the combination of advanced technology, safety features, and agile handling make this EV an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable and reliable option.
BYD Dolphin Review: A Game-Changer in the EV Market
Affordable EVs with a 400km Range
At just €25,000, the BYD Dolphin offers a brand new EV experience at an extremely competitive price point. In a market segment that craves more affordable EV options, the Dolphin stands out as an enticing proposition.
Furthermore, the Dolphin boasts an impressive range of over 400km, making it a practical choice for both city driving and longer journeys. Gone are the days of range anxiety; the Dolphin provides peace of mind.
Market Impact
The launch of the BYD Dolphin has already caused a stir, topping the sales charts in its respective segment. This success is expected to continue in Ireland as well, where interest in the car’s larger models has already created a waiting list.
BYD has also expanded its dealership network, with new dealerships opening in Wexford, Cork, and Dublin. This increased accessibility will further drive the popularity of the Dolphin among Irish consumers.
A Well-Equipped Vehicle
For a car priced at €25,000, the BYD Dolphin offers an impressive array of features. While some aspects may give away its affordable price, overall, the Dolphin’s value for money is undeniable.
Although the Dolphin may not have the same luxurious feel as its more expensive counterparts, it certainly doesn’t feel like a significantly cheaper car either. Its design and build quality suggest an exceptional attention to detail, considering its price point.
Conclusion
The BYD Dolphin offers an impressive range of over 400 kilometers and a price point that makes electric vehicles accessible to a wider audience. With its advanced safety technology and thoughtful features, it’s clear that BYD is leading the charge in the electric vehicle market. As we look towards the future, it’s exciting to see how companies like BYD will continue to revolutionize the automotive industry, making sustainable transportation more affordable and convenient for everyone.
The BYD Dolphin presents a unique and intriguing option in the market, with its distinctive design and impressive range. With over 400 kilometers on a single charge, it offers practicality for daily commuting or longer trips. However, potential buyers should also take into account the current grants and incentives that contribute to the lower price. As the future of these incentives remains uncertain, it is important to consider the long-term cost of owning a BYD Dolphin. Overall, it is a captivating car that combines style, performance, and sustainability.
The BYD Dolphin is a game-changer in the EV market, offering an affordable price tag and an impressive range of over 400km. Its success in other countries, coupled with the growing interest in Ireland, indicates that it is set to make a significant impact.
If you’re in the market for an EV, the BYD Dolphin should be at the top of your list. Its affordability, range, and well-equipped features make it a wise choice for environmentally-conscious drivers.
Experience the future of driving with the BYD Dolphin.