BYD Dolphin EV previewed in Malaysia; launch expected soon

KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Motors and BYD teamed up back in September to drive a new era for Malaysia’s EV future. In line with that, the Chinese automaker has launched its first EV in the country i.e. Atto 3 during a grand launch event, happening at Bandar Malaysia in KL this whole weekend. And what comes as a surprise for the spectators is the preview of the two upcoming BYD models at the same event. 

The previewed EVs are the BYD Seal and BYD Dolphin, the former is a fastback electric sedan while the latter is an EV hatchback. Here, we will take a closer look at the BYD Dolphin.

Smaller than the Atto 3, the Dolphin is a compact hatchback measuring 4,125 mm in length, 1,770 mm in width, and 1,570 mm in height and carries a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. That means it is almost similar to the Honda City Hatchback in terms of dimensions.

The Dolphin is the brand’s first model which underpins its e-platform 3.0. It comes in three versions in China, powered by the same 94 hp/180 Nm electric motor and different battery packs. The base-spec comes equipped with a 30.7-kWh battery pack while the other two use a 44.9-kWh unit offering different outputs. The top-spec version delivers a 401 km range (on the NEDC cycle) on a single charge.

Like the other BYD electric car, the Dolphin is also kitted with the Blade battery, which is made up of lithium iron phosphate. It can be juiced up with a maximum rate of 7 kW AC or 60 kW DC charging port.

Design-wise, this mini electric SUV looks modern with elements like a chrome-surround grille, LED headlights, a flat bonnet, blacked-out rear pillars, sharp body lines, and a full-width rear LED signature. Part of the interior kit is a dual-tone dashboard, a flat-bottom multifunctional steering wheel, and a free-standing infotainment unit.

The Dolphin has been on sale in the Chinese market since 2021, where its price starts at CNY 93,800 (approx RM 59k). It hints that the upcoming EV might be priced at less than RM 100k in Malaysia.

Also read: BYD e6 EV: What to expect?