BYD Dolphin: an affordable electric car that is really easy to use

Despite the fact that the Ukrainian electric car market is still a bit chaotic, more and more drivers are becoming interested in models that offer not only environmental friendliness but also comfort on a daily basis. The BYD Dolphin is one of those electric cars that is rapidly gaining popularity due to its affordable price, pleasant interior, and fairly balanced set of features. In this article, we will share a practical review of the model, adapted to Ukrainian realities, without pathos and templates.

We remind you that you can purchase home and commercial charging stations in our online storeand also use the public charging stations ECOFACTORcharging points located throughout Ukraine. For convenient access to charging infrastructure, we recommend using our mobile applicationwhich is available on iOS and Android.

Dimensions, appearance and first impression

BYD Dolphin is not trying to look futuristic or provocative. It's more about balanced minimalism, which is suitable for both young drivers and those who are just looking for a reliable car for daily commuting. A certain restraint in design is even a plus: it doesn't look cheap, but it doesn't shout about itself either. The LED optics look neat, the front end is slightly sloped, and the body lines are simple and logical. There is nothing superfluous - and that's what makes it appealing.

From the side, the Dolphin resembles a cross between a VW ID.3 and a Peugeot 208, although it is slightly narrower and more "dense" in shape. However, don't judge by the photo: it looks harmonious in person, especially in light body colours with a contrasting roof. And if you want more individuality, custom colours are available, including a pink and white version that will definitely not go unnoticed.

If you're used to driving an old hatchback like the Hyundai i30 or Ford Fiesta, the adaptation will be almost imperceptible. Dolphin easily fits into tight courtyards, squeezes into car parks near shopping malls without any problems, and feels good even in traffic jams.

Space in the cabin: more than meets the eye

Dolphin really surprises inside. Thanks to a platform designed exclusively for electric vehicles, engineers have managed to free up a lot of space for passengers. Sitting in the front is comfortable even for tall people - the headroom is good, and the seat is soft and does not provoke fatigue during trips. Plus, there is an electric adjustment in any configuration.

The rear row is even nicer. Two adults can sit without a hint of crampedness, there's plenty of knee room, and the floor is completely flat - there's no central tunnel like in conventional petrol models. This makes travelling more comfortable for the average passenger if there are three people in the car.

A few other notable details:

• Lots of storage space: niches, shelves, cup holders
• under the central tunnel is an open space where you can easily fit a bag or backpack
• USB ports are not hidden at the back and are easily accessible
• the Comfort package has wireless charging and multi-colour backlighting

The interior looks modern, but without being too spacey. The dashboard is simple but easy to read, and the main 12.8-inch screen is a large, prominent part of the interior. We'll come back to it later.

Boot space and practicality

For a hatchback, the Dolphin offers a rather generous boot. According to official figures, it is 345 litres in the standard state. That's enough for everyday use: a supermarket, suitcases, a baby carriage or two large backpacks - everything fits in without any problems.

Additional amenities will also help you when travelling or shopping:

• deep pockets on the sides of the boot - ideal for small items that are usually lying around the cabin
• under the raised floor is another compartment where you can put charging cables, a first aid kit or a tool kit
• seat backs fold down in a 60:40 ratio, creating an almost flat floor
• the boot door is lightweight, even lifted with one hand

It should be borne in mind that there is no electric boot lid drive even in the older trims; the locks for packing are quite simple, without additional nets or fasteners; there is no "frank" (additional compartment under the hood) - this is an area for equipment.

If you have a medium-sized dog or need to carry sports equipment, Dolphin will do the job. If you're travelling as a family with a baby carriage and large suitcases, it's better to fold down the rear seat backrests and use all the available space.

What Dolphin is like on the move: urban comfort, a little firm on the pits

In the city, this car feels like a fish out of water. Easy handling, a small turning radius, good front visibility and a 360-degree camera make life in parking lots much easier.

On the highway, the model behaves quite steadily. Of course, this is not a "charged" hatchback, but the 204 hp (for the Comfort version) is enough for confident overtaking and comfortable driving at 110-120 km/h. Noise insulation is average - at the level of competitors in this price segment.

The disadvantages are on the move:

• the suspension is a little stiff on sharp pits;
• The recovery is weak - there is no feeling of full "one pedal";
• thick struts can be a hindrance when leaving secondary streets.

Cruising range and charging: the numbers are straightforward

BYD claims that the 60.4 kWh model can travel up to 248 km on a single charge (WLTP). In the real world, it all depends on driving style and weather. In winter, as always, the range drops significantly.

Charging speed:

• DC (fast charging): up to 110 kW - 10-80% in 41 minutes;
• AC (conventional charging): up to 11 kW - full cycle in ~6.5 hours;
• on a home socket It takes a long time to charge - up to 30 hours, but that's Plan B.

A useful feature is the presence of a heat pump even in the basic version, which helps to save more energy in winter.

How we at ECOFACTOR help BYD Dolphin drivers

At ECOFACTOR, we know very well that switching to an electric vehicle is not just a change of transport. It's a new experience that starts with choosing a model, such as the BYD Dolphin, but it definitely doesn't end there. After the purchase, it is important to have everything you need at hand: charging stations nearby, a convenient map on your smartphone, reliable cables and adapters, and an app that allows you to keep everything under control.

Our company develops and manufactures charging stations entirely in Ukraine. We have AC models up to 44 kW and DC models up to 420 kW - both mobileand stationary. All equipment is certified and complies with industry standards, and most importantly, it is compatible with BYD Dolphin. 

For convenience, we have created a mobile application for iOS and Androidwhich allows you to manage the charging process, view session history, monitor energy consumption and find charging on the map. More than 215,000 drivers are already registered in the app, and the platform itself supports more than 3,500 charging ports. We are also connected to roaming in 11 countries in Europe and Central Asia, which is important if you are planning a trip outside of Ukraine.

In addition to the stations, we have online shop with a wide range of related products - accessories, cables and adapters for charging, RFID cards, holders and adapters. You can find everything you need to make your daily use of an electric vehicle easier. The range is constantly updated, and the products themselves have detailed specifications and photos. You can order online - no calls, no hassle.

And one more thing. If you're a BYD Dolphin owner or are considering becoming one, you don't have to worry about finding a charging point along the way. We have an interactive map of charging stations that shows available charging points across the country in real time. This is convenient both for daily trips within the city and for long-distance journeys.

We are working to ensure that drivers of electric vehicles are comfortable and understandable. The idea of electric mobility is not just about technology, but about simplicity in real life.

Interface, screen and multimedia

The main feature of the cabin is the 12.8-inch rotating screen. Whether this is really useful is a question, because most of the time the screen will be horizontal. But it looks impressive.

The radio supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, has voice control, and several design themes. You can control the climate with a three-finger swipe, which is an interesting solution, but physical buttons are sometimes lacking.

The sound system isn't premium, but it sounds good, with a clear midrange and high end. The bass is quite soft, but without dips.

Security and electronic assistants

In terms of safety, the BYD Dolphin not only meets the basic requirements, but also competes with more expensive electric vehicles. According to the results of Euro NCAP crash tests, the model received the highest rating - 5 stars. This means that the car protects both the driver and passengers well in the event of a collision, and also has a high-quality set of active safety systems that help avoid accidents.

The following functions are available as standard:

• Adaptive cruise control: independently adjusts the speed, keeping the distance to the car in front. In the city, this is especially useful in traffic jams, as the system can almost completely relieve the driver of the workload.
• Automatic emergency braking (AEB): triggered if the car detects a potential collision with an obstacle or pedestrian. In critical situations, this can actually save lives.
• Lane keeping system: helps you stay within the lane markings. If you accidentally drift off the track, the car will gently guide you back into the lane.
• Driver fatigue warning: analyses your driving style and, if it detects signs of fatigue (frequent small adjustments, unstable trajectory), advises you to take a break.
• High beam assistant: Automatically switches the headlights from low beam to high beam and vice versa when it detects oncoming traffic or lighting ahead.
• Seven airbagsfront, side, curtain and a separate driver's knee cushion. This is serious protection for a car in this price category.

A feature that is still rarely seen even in more expensive cars is the door opening warning system that detects when a cyclist or other road user is approaching from behind. It may seem like a small thing, but it can prevent an accident in urban environments where cycling is becoming more and more active.

Another plus is that the electronic assistants are not "annoying", as is the case with some cars. If you don't like the way the lane-keeping system works, for example, you can turn it off in a few clicks via the menu.

Overall, the BYD Dolphin gives the impression of a car that really cares about the safety of the driver and passengers, not only in theory but also in practice. It's not just a set of ticks in a brochure - it's a system that works and makes driving less stressful, especially in an urban environment.

Prices and configurations in Ukraine

As of 2025, prices for the BYD Dolphin range from $25,000 to $31,000, depending on the configuration. The most popular options:

• Comfort: 60.4 kWh, more powerful motor, more functions
• Design: slightly more expensive, with improved interior trim

All models have a built-in Blade Battery and a warranty of 8 years or 125,000 km for the battery.

Who is this car for

The BYD Dolphin is ideal for those looking for a reliable and comfortable electric car for daily city commuting. It's easy to park, doesn't waste fuel, has good visibility, and doesn't require getting used to. It is a good solution for both newcomers to the world of electric vehicles and experienced drivers who want to just drive without any hassle.

The model is also suitable for small families: the cabin has enough space for passengers, child seats, and the trunk can handle basic needs. In addition, Dolphin may be of interest to companies that need electric cars for business trips: it is easy to maintain, quiet and economical.

Bottom line.

The BYD Dolphin is a city car that does its job without making too much noise. It's comfortable, well-equipped, has modern features without being overwhelming, and most importantly, it offers a decent range for the money. Yes, it has compromises, but they are not critical. In the context of our roads, urban realities and fuel prices, this is a really smart choice.

If you need an electric car that won't make you Google every feature or stress over every pothole, Dolphin is a good partner for every day. 

Frequently asked questions