BYD Dolphin: range and battery capacity exposed

We finally know the exact figures of range and battery capacity for the BYD Dolphin, thanks to recent documents published by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

Let’s see those figures.

BYD Dolphin standard range version

• Length: 4.070/4.125 mm
• Wheelbase: 2.700 mm
• Width: 1.770 mm
• Height: 1.570 mm
• Gross vehicle weight: 1.660 kg (with passengers and cargo)
• Curb weight: 1.285 kg (empty vehicle)
• Motor: 70 kW and 180 N.m of torque
• Max speed: 150 km/h
• Battery capacity: 30,72 kWh
• Battery energy density: 140 Wh/kg
• Battery chemistry: LFP (LiFePO4) Blade battery by BYD
• Range: 301 km (NEDC), roughly 225 km in WLTP
• Consumption: 10,3 kWh/100 km (NEDC), roughly 13,7 kWh/100 km in WLTP

The standard range version will probably be available only in the domestic market.

BYD Dolphin longer range version

• Length: 4.070/4.125 mm
• Wheelbase: 2.700 mm
• Width: 1.770 mm
• Height: 1.570 mm
• Gross vehicle weight: 1.780 kg (with passengers and cargo)
• Curb weight: 1.405 kg (empty vehicle)
• Motor: 70 kW and 180 N.m of torque
• Max speed: 150 km/h
• Battery capacity: 44,928 kWh
• Battery energy density: 140 Wh/kg
• Battery chemistry: LFP (LiFePO4) Blade battery by BYD
• Range: 405 km (NEDC), roughly 300 km in WLTP
• Consumption: 11 kWh/100 km (NEDC), roughly 14,7 kWh/100 km in WLTP

Unfortunately the ranges are lower than what was previously expected. I was expecting that the first two versions to become available would already come with NEDC ranges around 400 and 500 km. Nonetheless, I believe that a third version will arrive later with more range and faster acceleration – aimed for foreign markets.

First deliveries to Australian customers are scheduled for early next year. Will they get the 405 km NEDC range version, or an upcoming version with more range will be already available by then?

Anyway, I think that without a NEDC range around 500 km – and 400 km in WLTP – the BYD Dolphin needs to be priced similarly to the Dacia Spring – below 20.000 euros – to convince European customers.

What do you think? Could a version with a NEDC range of 405 km become popular globally if priced correctly? Or a version with more range is essential for a global success?

Thanks Tyler Sanders for the heads up.