BYD has launched the Dolphin EV today, following the release of the Atto 3 last December. This is the initial offering from BYD’s Ocean series, available in two distinct variants, starting with the Dynamic Standard Range as the entry-level model with a suggested retail price of RM99,900, and the Premium Extended Range with a suggested retail price of RM124,900.
Do note that these prices do not account for on-road costs. After including these costs, the Dynamic Standard Range would cost RM100,530, and the Premium Extended Range, RM125,530, without insurance, this ultimately makes it the second most affordable EV in Malaysia after the Neta V, which is priced at RM99,800.
As it is fully imported from China, it enjoys the current EV incentives (including exemptions from import duty, excise duty, and road tax) given by the government until 2025’s end.
The Dolphin is accompanied by a six-year, 150,000-km manufacturer’s warranty, and the battery has an eight-year/160,000-km coverage. Separate warranty provisions exist for the drive unit, including the motor, motor controller, DC assembly, and electric control assembly for eight years or 150,000 km.
Both versions of the Dolphin are equipped with a Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a front-wheel-drive electric motor.
The Dynamic Standard Range features a battery energy capacity of 44.92 kWh, sufficient for a 410 km range according to the NEDC standard (or 340 km according to the WLTP standards).
The Premium Extended Range variant presents an NEDC-verified range of 490 km (427 km according to the WLTP standards) due to an increased battery capacity of 60.48 kWh.
This top-tier model features an electric motor with more power, producing 204 PS (or 150 kW), and 310 Nm of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in seven seconds.
The Dynamic Standard Range offers 95 PS (or 70 kW) and 180 Nm, with a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 12.3 seconds.
Along with the stronger electric motor, the Premium Extended Range offers a higher maximum DC fast charging (CCS2) capacity of 80 kW.
In contrast, the Dynamic Standard Range can accommodate up to 60 kW. Both models come with the same built-in AC charger (Type 2) that supports a maximum input of 7 kW.
The Dolphin also features a Vehicle-to-load (V2L) standard, which allows owners to power other electrical items, provided it does not exceed the maximum output of 3.2 kW.
In terms of size, the Dolphin is smaller than the Atto 3, with dimensions of 4,290 mm in length, 1,770 mm in width, and 1,570 mm in height, along with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm.
Despite its compactness, the Dolphin still offers a decent boot space of 345 liters, which can be extended to 1,310 liters by folding down the 60:40 split rear seats.
Both variants come equipped with various features such as automatic LED headlamps with High Beam Assist, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, electrically heated and adjustable side mirrors, keyless entry and start, automatic air-conditioning with a PM2.5 air filter, a five-inch digital instrument cluster, synthetic leather upholstery, a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system, wired Apple CarPlay support, navigation, six speakers, and an electronic parking brake.
The Premium Extended Range offers additional features such as a panoramic glass roof, a wireless phone charger, powered front seats with ventilation, rear LED reading lights, and one-touch up-down for all windows.
As for safety features, both variants are equipped with six airbags (front, side, and curtain), a tire pressure monitoring system, standard passive systems (ABS, ESC, traction control, EBD), parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and door open warning.
They also include advanced driver aids like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping support, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert with braking support, lane departure prevention, emergency lane keeping assist, predictive collision warning, rear collision warning, and lane change collision warning.
The Dynamic Standard Range is available in two color schemes: Urban Grey with a grey/black interior and Sand White with a brown/black interior. The Premium Extended Range offers two-tone exterior finishes: Atlantis Grey/Delan Black roof with grey/black interior, Surf Blue/Urban Grey roof with blue/black interior, and Ski White/Urban Grey roof with grey/black interior.
For those interested in experiencing the BYD Dolphin first-hand, the car is currently available for viewing and test drives at One Utama, Ground Floor Forecourt Outdoor Carpark 28-30th July 2023 10am-10pm.
After the launch event, BYD Dolpin will be available in all BYD showrooms that are under operations in Malaysia. For more information, visit http://byd.simedarbymotors.my/ or follow www.facebook.com/BYDCarsMalaysia or www.instagram.com/bydcarsmalaysia/. For enquiries, contact the customer care number at 1300-38-1888.