BYD’s affordable all-electric city car, the Dolphin Surf, has launched in Mzansi, with the local two-strong model line-up priced from below R400 000. Here’s everything you need to know — pricing, specifications, and more!
In a bid to make all-electric motoring more accessible to South African consumers, BYD (Build Your Dreams) has launched the Dolphin Surf in South Africa.
Measuring 3 925 mm long, front to rear, and 1 720 mm in width, the Dolphin Surf’s compact bodywork is, for comparison, similar in size than Volkswagen’s best-selling, locally-built Polo Vivo. A single powertrain is employed across the Dolphin Surf line-up: a single electric motor producing 55 kW and 135 N.m of torque, exclusively delivered to the road via the front wheels. The front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous unit is available with the choice of two battery packs: 30.1 kWh in the Comfort variant and 38.9 kWh in the flagship, Dynamic derivative. The Chinese marque claims combined WLTP operating ranges of 232 km and 295 km for the smaller and larger item, respectively.
How much does the BYD Dolphin Surf cost in South Africa?
Billed by the firm as the most affordable EV in South Africa, the local BYD Dolphin Surf model range comprises two derivatives: Comfort and Dynamic – the former and latter priced from R339 900 and R389 900, respectively. As standard, the pricing includes three-year/100 000 km vehicle and eight-year/200 000 km battery warranties, and a service plan spanning three years or 60 000 km.
- BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort – R339 900
- BYD Dolphin Surf Dynamic – R389 900
So, what does each package include? Well, for starters, the cabin plays host to such convenience items as a 10.1-inch, touch-enabled infotainment system, which incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto screen mirroring; a 7.0-inch digital driver’s display; a 15 W wireless smartphone charging bay; and a built-in karaoke function.
“The BYD Dolphin Surf represents a pivotal moment for electric mobility in South Africa,” says Ming Xing, Brand and Marketing Manager at BYD South Africa. “We are bringing a truly affordable and well-equipped urban electric vehicle to the mass market. This isn’t just about making EVs available; it’s about making them a viable, attractive option for everyday South Africans.”