BYD · 2021–present

BYD Dolphin

The BYD Dolphin (Chinese: 比亚迪海豚; pinyin: Bǐyǎdí Hǎitún) is a battery electric hatchback produced by the Chinese manufacturer BYD Auto since 2021. A subcompact (B-segment) hatchback, the Dolphin is positioned above the 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 or C-segment space.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

All BYD Dolphin data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

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 Dolphin adopts BYD's Marine Aesthetics design language that is also used in other Ocean Series models, a one-box side silhouette devised by head of BYD design team Wolfgang Egger. The Dolphin was the first production model to feature the new BYD logo. 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 20 cm (7.9 in) 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 4,290 mm (168.9 in) 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 130 mm (5.1 in), revised dashboard design, and a steering-mounted gear selector. It is also equipped with BYD's latest advanced drive

Dolphin G DM-i (2026)

The BYD Dolphin G DM-i is an upcoming plug-in hybrid compact hatchback that was first unveiled in Europe in late-May 2026, and is the first BYD Dolphin hatchback to adopt the plug-in hybrid system. It uses a different bodywork from the electric version, this model is not available for sale in China.

Powertrain

=== China / Latin America === The specifications below corresponds to the 4.1-metre (161.4 in)-long Dolphin marketed in China and some export markets such as Latin America. Global. The global, 4,290 mm (168.9 in)-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.

Markets

=== Asia === Brunei. The Dolphin has been launched in Brunei on 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 70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) motor, while the Knight Edition has a more powerful 130 kW (177 PS; 174 hp) motor. Previously, the Dolphin was available in a basic trim with a 30.72 kWh blade battery, with a range of 301 km (187 mi). 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 30 mm (1.2 in) 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 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) 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 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 (70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) and the Premium Extended Range (150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp). Japan. The Dolphin was launched in Japan in September 2023, with two variants: the Dolphin (44.9 kWh 70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) and

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.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: BYD Dolphin
Manufacturer: BYD Auto
aka: BYD New E2 (Uruguay), BYD New E2 X (facelift, Uruguay)
Production: August 2021 – present
Assembly: China: Shenzhen, Guangdong; Changsha, Hunan, Thailand: Rayong (BYD Auto (Thailand), 2024–present)
Designer: Under the lead of Wolfgang Egger
Class: Subcompact car (B, China; 2021–2025), Compact car (C, Global; 2023–present)
Body style: 5-door hatchback
Layout: Front-motor, front-wheel-drive, Front-engine, front-motor, front-wheel-drive
Platform: e-Platform 3.0
Related: BYD Seagull, BYD Yuan Up / Atto 2, BYD Yuan Plus / Atto 3
Transmission: 1-speed A/T
Battery: 30.72–60.48 kWh BYD Blade LFP
Electric range: 301 km (NEDC, 30.72 kWh), 401 – (NEDC, 44.928 kWh), 427 km (WLTP, European 60.48 kWh)
Charging: AC:, 7.4 kW, 11 kW (Europe, except base model), DC:, 40 kW (30.7 kWh, China), 60–65 kW (44.9 kWh), 70 kW (50.25 kWh), 88 kW (global), V2L
Wheelbase: 2700 mm
Length: 4070 – (China; 2021–2025), 4280 mm (China, 2025–present), 4290 mm (global / Dolphin Plus)
Width: 1770 mm
Height: 1570 mm
Kerb weight: 1285 –

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107400144CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BYD_DolphinCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1376725984 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BYD_Dolphin_IAA_2023_1X7A0637.jpgCC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Alexander-93 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Manufacturer website (link only) — https://www.bydauto.com.cn/pc/carDetail?id=82Link only; no content copied · retrieved 2026-10-01
Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.