BYD Dolphin characteristics: an honest look at the popular electric car
With the charging infrastructure in Ukraine developing every month and fuel prices rising steadily, electric cars are becoming more and more attractive. One of the options that deserves attention is the BYD Dolphin. This is an electric hatchback that combines an affordable price, urban format, modern technology, and a relatively long range. In this article, we will analyse its characteristics in detail and evaluate whether it is worth [...]
Content:
With the charging infrastructure in Ukraine developing every month and fuel prices rising steadily, electric cars are becoming more and more attractive. One of the options that deserves attention is the BYD Dolphin. This is an electric hatchback that combines an affordable price, urban format, modern technology, and a relatively long range. In this article, we will analyse its characteristics in detail and assess how suitable it is for Ukrainian roads and realities.
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.
General dimensions and format
The BYD Dolphin is a five-door hatchback with rather compact dimensions:
- Length: 4 290 mm
- Width: 1,770 mm
- Height: 1 570 mm
- Wheelbase: 2 700 mm
These dimensions allow you to manoeuvre comfortably in the city and park the car even in tight courtyards. At the same time, thanks to the large wheelbase, it feels more spacious inside than it looks from the outside. The trunk volume is 345 litres, and with the rear row seats folded down, it can be up to 1310 litres.
Platform and technology
The BYD Dolphin is based on the proprietary e-Platform 3.0 electric platform, which BYD developed specifically for its electric vehicles. This architecture integrates all key EV components into a single system: battery, electric motor, electronics, powertrain and control system. This reduces weight, improves weight distribution, and as a result, the car has better road stability and handling.
The platform also ensures a lower centre of gravity because the battery is integrated into the underside of the vehicle. This has a positive effect on comfort and safety, especially when cornering or emergency braking. In addition, e-Platform 3.0 supports faster data processing and better interaction between safety and driver assistance systems.
Another useful technology in Dolphin is V2L (Vehicle-to-Load). It allows you to use the car's battery charge to power external electrical devices through a special adapter. For example, you can connect a laptop, charge your smartphone, power a coffee maker or even an electric stove in the field. The output power is up to 3.3 kW, which is enough for most household appliances. This is especially convenient for travelling out of town, camping, or in emergency situations without access to the power grid.
Battery and range
Dolphin is available in several versions, but the most interesting for Ukraine is the one with a 60.4 kWh battery. This is a lithium-iron-phosphate BYD Blade Battery, known for its reliability and safety.
The actual range depends on driving style, weather and route. Approximate figures are as follows:
| Terms. | Power reserve |
| City, warm weather | up to 400 km |
| The city, the cold | ~345 km |
| Track, warm weather | ~315 km |
| The track, the cold | ~245 km |
| Mixed conditions (real) | about 295-400 km |
Taking into account the climatic characteristics of Ukraine, the real range in the off-season will be approximately 300-350 km, which fully covers city and suburban travel.
Charging
BYD Dolphin supports both slow charging at home and fast charging at public stations:
- AC charging (Type 2): up to 11 kW, full charge in ~6.5 hours
- DC charging (CCS): up to 88 kW, 10-80% in 40-45 minutes
This is enough to charge your car overnight at home or quickly recharge it on the road with a coffee.
How we at ECOFACTOR help with charging your BYD Dolphin
At ECOFACTOR, we are working to ensure that electric cars in Ukraine do not just appear on the roads, but become a full-fledged part of everyday life. And if you choose an electric car like the BYD Dolphin, with its urban format, flexible charging, and realistic range, it is also important to have a convenient infrastructure that works - stably, without unnecessary hassle and with the ability to control it.
Our company is engaged in a full cycle: we design, manufacture and install charging stations AC and DC - from mobile devices to 420 kW solutions. This is not imported, everything is made here in Ukraine. We are also developing our own network management platform, which is already used by hundreds of operators in 11 countries across Europe and Central Asia. It allows you to quickly add new stations, change settings, view statistics and reports on energy consumption, and manage tariffs.
For owners of electric vehicles, including BYD Dolphin, this means a simple thing: you can charge your car at home, in the city or on the road - and see exactly where to do it. In our app, available on iOS and Android, an interactive map of charging stations across the country. We also support roaming with networks in Europe, so if you brought your Dolphin from abroad, it's no problem, there will be somewhere to charge it.
In our online store you can find everything you need for charging: mobile stations, cables and adaptersaccessories, adapters, RFID cards, Mennekes connectors and much more. If you're not sure which one is right for you, leave a request and we'll help you. All devices are compatible with most popular models, including BYD, and meet the technical standards used in the EU.
Supporting electric mobility is not just about charging. It's about everyday convenience. Whether you've already chosen BYD Dolphin or you're considering it, we'll take care of the infrastructure to make it a logical and seamless experience. No frills, just what works.
Dynamics and power
In the European version, the Dolphin is equipped with an engine with a power of 150 kW (204 hp) and a torque of 310 Nm. This allows it to accelerate to 100 km/h in 7 seconds. This is more than enough for a city car.
The version available in the Philippine market has a less powerful engine (95 hp, 180 Nm), but it is also quite lively in daily traffic. Acceleration to 50 km/h in 3.9 seconds makes it easy to start at traffic lights.
Security.
BYD Dolphin received 5 stars according to the European Euro NCAP system. This means that the car meets modern and stringent safety requirements for both the driver and passengers. The vehicle comes with a full range of passive and active safety features as standard:
- 6 airbags (front, side and curtain)
- 360-degree all-round camera
- Frontal collision warning system with automatic braking
- Maintaining and keeping in the lane
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-start function
- Front and rear parking sensors
In addition, BYD Dolphin's electronics constantly analyse the situation around the car: it warns of traffic in blind spots, monitors driver fatigue, and can automatically activate emergency braking in case of danger. This level of equipment is truly impressive, especially when you consider that this is an electric car in an affordable price segment.
Thanks to the e-Platform 3.0 electric platform, the vehicle has a low centre of gravity, which improves cornering stability and reduces the risk of rollover. Another important detail is the rigid body with reinforced elements in deformation zones that absorb impact energy.
Interior and features
Inside, the Dolphin does not look budget. The cabin has a large 12.5-inch rotating screen, voice command support, wireless charging for a smartphone, heated seats, and a digital instrument cluster.
There is enough space for five people and, thanks to the low battery position, the floor is almost flat. The proven ergonomics, comfortable seats and good visibility make it ideal for everyday use.
Technical specifications (European version)
| Parameter. | Meaning. |
| Engine power | 150 kW (204 hp) |
| Torque | 310 Nm |
| Drive type | Front |
| Battery | 60.4 kWh (60.5 kWh useful) |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 7.0 sec |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h |
| Weight | 1 733 kg |
| Places. | 5 |
What versions are available?
There are two basic configurations available in Europe:
- Comfort: AC charging up to 11 kW, front parking sensors, heated mirrors
- Design: panoramic roof, two-tone bodywork, 17-inch track wheels, wireless charging, tinted windows
In some countries, there is also a less powerful version with a smaller battery (44.9 kWh), like the model sold in the Philippine market.
Is BYD Dolphin worth considering in Ukraine?
If you're looking for a city electric car with a realistic range of more than 300 km, a comfortable interior and modern features without overpaying for a "brand", Dolphin looks like a very rational choice. Especially if you consider that most Ukrainian drivers use their cars in the city cycle.
Pros:
- Spacious interior with compact dimensions
- Access to fast charging
- Good dynamics and efficiency
- A complete set of security systems
Cons:
- It is not known how the battery behaves in severe winter conditions
- Limited support for V2G/V2H
- Small ground clearance (120 mm), as for Ukrainian roads
BYD Dolphin is not perfect, but it is a very balanced electric car for real life. If you need an electric car not for status, but for convenience, this model is definitely worth considering.
Conclusions.
BYD Dolphin gives the impression of a thoughtful electric vehicle designed to meet the real needs of drivers. It does not try to be something more than it is, and this is its strength. This is a car for daily driving that does not require compromises: it has a sufficient range, a comfortable interior, all the necessary safety systems and even useful technologies such as V2L.
This is not an electric car for pomp and circumstance - it's a work car for every day. It feels right at home in the city, but it won't get lost on the highway either. If you look at it without preconceptions and do not expect something ultra-premium, Dolphin will easily convince you that switching to an electric car can be simple, straightforward and even enjoyable.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Dolphin have enough realistic range for trips out of town?
Yes, if you don't drive in the cold and not all the time on the highway at 110 km/h. It covers most trips within 100-150 km without any problems, and there is still a reserve. But for long routes, you will have to plan charging.
Is this electric car suitable for winter?
It depends on the version. European versions have a heat pump, but not always in the basic version. In the Ukrainian winter, the range will be reduced, but not critically. The seats and mirrors are also heated, which helps in the cold.
Can I charge my BYD Dolphin at home?
Yes, normal charging from a household network is possible, but it will take many hours to fully charge. It is best to have a wallbox with a capacity of at least 7-11 kW, so that the battery is fully charged overnight.
Is it convenient to use in the city?
Highs. The dimensions are compact, the camera is 360 degrees, the manoeuvrability is good, and the low centre of gravity platform gives you confidence in corners and tight spaces. In addition, there is no need to think about the clutch, braking is smooth, and the silence in the cabin adds to the comfort.
How good are the materials in the cabin?
Not premium, but not basic plastics either. The interior looks modern, the screen is large, the touchpad is comfortable. Nothing cuts into the eye, and the build quality is solid. It is especially nice that there is voice control and a decent multimedia system.
Is BYD Dolphin officially available in Ukraine?
As of now, the model has not been officially introduced, but it is being actively imported through dealers and importers. You can also see offers on the secondary market, especially versions from Europe and Asia.
