BYD · Hatch · Small
BYD Dolphin
The Dolphin is one of Australia's cheapest new EVs and one of the best small-car bargains, full stop. With a Blade LFP battery, full ADAS suite, and 5-star ANCAP rating, it punches well above its sticker price.
2 variants available — see the comparison table below.
- From
- $29,990 – $36,990
- Range up to
- 427 km
- Battery up to
- 60.5 kWh
- 0–100
- 7.0 s
- Power
- 130 kW
- DC charge
- 88 kW
- ANCAP
- 5★
Variants and pricing
All variants of the BYD Dolphin on sale in Australia. Headline specs in the panel above reflect the volume-seller ( Essential ).
| Variant | From | Battery | Range | Power | 0–100 | DC peak | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | $29,990 | 45 kWh | 340 km | 70 kW | 12.3 s | — | FWD |
| Premium | $36,990 | 60.5 kWh | 427 km | 150 kW | 7.0 s | 80 kW | FWD |
Verdict
The Dolphin is one of Australia's cheapest new EVs and one of the best small-car bargains, full stop. With a Blade LFP battery, full ADAS suite, and 5-star ANCAP rating, it punches well above its sticker price.
Pros and cons
What we like
- ✓ Among the cheapest EVs on sale in Australia
- ✓ Surprisingly long range from the Premium variant
- ✓ Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability standard
What we don't
- ✕ Funky styling won't suit everyone
- ✕ Rear seat space tighter than the Atto 3
- ✕ Limited dealer network outside capital cities
Best for
- City commuters
- Budget-conscious EV switchers
- Second cars
Compare the BYD Dolphin
Side-by-side spec comparisons against the rivals Australian buyers cross-shop most often.
BYD siblings
Specifications
Manufacturer-quoted figures. Real-world range and DC fast-charging speeds vary with temperature, terrain and driving style.
Performance
- Drive layout
- FWD
- Motor power
- 130 kW
- Motor torque
- 290 Nm
- 0–100 km/h
- 7.0 s
- Top speed
- 160 km/h
Battery & range
- Battery capacity
- 60.5 kWh
- Range (WLTP)
- 427 km
- Efficiency
- 15.9 kWh/100 km
Charging
- AC charging
- 11 kW
- DC fast charging (peak)
- 88 kW
- 10–80% DC charge time
- 29 min
Dimensions
- Length
- 4,290 mm
- Width
- 1,770 mm
- Height
- 1,570 mm
- Wheelbase
- 2,700 mm
- Boot (seats up)
- 345 L
Safety & warranty
- ANCAP rating
- 5 stars (tested 2023)
- Vehicle warranty
- 6 years
- Battery warranty
- 8 years / 160,000 km
Pricing & origin
- Price from
- $29,990
- Built in
- China
- Sale status
- on sale
Latest BYD Dolphin news
Market data · 16 June 2026
Tesla Model Y tops Australia's May 2026 sales — first EV ever to lead the monthly chart
The Tesla Model Y outsold the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux in May 2026, the first time an electric vehicle has topped Australia's monthly new-vehicle sales chart.
Market data · 10 April 2026
Australian EV sales hit 14.6% in March 2026 — up 88.9% year-on-year
FCAI VFACTS data shows battery-electric vehicles cracked 14.6% of new vehicle sales in March 2026, with 15,839 units sold and an 88.9% year-on-year jump. Here's what the numbers actually show — and what they don't.
Helpful guides
Practical reading for BYD Dolphin buyers.
-
Best of
The best EVs under $40,000 in Australia
An honest look at the sub-$40k electric vehicle market in Australia — which models are genuinely cheap, where the manufacturer doesn't publish a real from-price, and what you actually get for the money.
-
Charging
Charging an EV at home in Australia: the only guide you need
How to charge an EV at home in Australia — what hardware to buy, what it costs, what to ask your sparky, and the tariff that makes EV ownership genuinely cheap.
Browse related lists
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