Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

BYD Dolphin review - Range, charging & running costs

“More expensive rivals charge faster, but you can’t scoff at the BYD Dolphin’s range – not at this price”

Carbuyer Rating

4.3 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review
Range, charging & running costs Rating

4.5 out of 5

Prices may have risen ever so slightly since the BYD Dolphin’s specs were first announced in June 2023, but the car still undercuts all of its main rivals; few would argue against its shining value-for-money credentials.

Base Active cars with the 45kWh battery get a range of up to 211 miles, while Boost models fitted with the same battery but more powerful motor can get 195 miles on a charge. Step up to Comfort or Design spec and you get a larger 60kWh battery, which BYD says will manage up to 265 miles – more than enough for most buyers, we suspect.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The BYD Dolphin is efficient, too. In our experience – admittedly in warm weather down in central Spain – the electric supermini returned around 4mi/kWh. However, this included plenty of faster mountain roads, as well as longer motorway stints; we reckon more than 5mi/kWh would be possible in normal driving, particularly around town.

Topping up the batteries is pretty straightforward, too. Those who can charge at home will be able to replenish the cells overnight, while rapid charging from 30 to 80% in the 60kWh models is possible in 29 minutes, while it’s one minute quicker for the 45kWh battery versions according to BYD – that’s because Dolphins with the big battery can charge at up to 88kW, while the smaller battery cars max out at 60kW. For reference, the Peugeot E-208, Vauxhall Corsa Electric, Citroen e-C4 and Fiat 600e can all charge at up to 100kW. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The Dolphin’s charging port is on its front wing behind the driver’s side wheel, so it makes sense to park nose-first in most rapid charging bays. The Dolphin also gets a heat pump as standard, which is handy for conditioning the battery for optimal operating temperatures in wintry conditions, preserving range.

As with all electric cars, the BYD Dolphin is currently exempt from low-emission zones like London's ULEZ, although as of 25th December 2025 EVs will no longer be exempt from the London Congestion Charge, while its low list price will protect it from the luxury car tax that will soon apply to all cars over £40,000, including EVs.

EVs will also no longer be exempt from VED (road tax) from 2025 and will have to pay the standard rate like other cars.

Model 

Battery size

Range

Active

45kWh

211 miles

Boost

45kWh

193 miles

Comfort, Design

60kWh

265 miles

Insurance

The BYD Dolphin Comfort and Design models sit in insurance group 33, which seems quite high for a car of its supermini-size, but electric cars do tend to cost more to insure. Active and Boost models are yet to get confirmed insurance groupings, but they will likely be cheaper to insure given their smaller battery and lower power figures. For context, the Vauxhall Corsa Electric and Peugeot E-208 sit between groups 26 to 28 and even the slightly larger MG4 spans groups 27 to 29, aside from the hot XPower model in group 40 out of 50.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best small company cars in 2025
Best small company cars 2025
Best cars
21 Mar 2025

Best small company cars in 2025

The 10 best hatchbacks to buy in 2025
Best hatchbacks 2025
Best cars
28 Jan 2025

The 10 best hatchbacks to buy in 2025

The best cheap cars in 2025
Best cheap cars
Best cars
16 Jan 2025

The best cheap cars in 2025

Top 10 best small electric cars 2025
the best small electric cars
Best cars
16 Jan 2025

Top 10 best small electric cars 2025

Have You Considered

Renault Megane E-Tech review – a sporty, yet comfortable EV
Renault Megane UK
In-depth reviews
3 Apr 2025

Renault Megane E-Tech review – a sporty, yet comfortable EV

Citroen e-C4 review – even more affordable facelifted EV
Citroen e-C4 front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
1 Apr 2025

Citroen e-C4 review – even more affordable facelifted EV

Most Popular

Car tax: VED rates and increases explained 2025
Car tax
Tips and advice
1 Apr 2025

Car tax: VED rates and increases explained 2025

Vauxhall cuts EV prices to avoid revised luxury car tax
Vauxhall Grandland Electric
News
1 Apr 2025

Vauxhall cuts EV prices to avoid revised luxury car tax

New Nissan Micra is a Renault 5 in Nissan clothing
Nissan Micra reveal
News
26 Mar 2025

New Nissan Micra is a Renault 5 in Nissan clothing

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

The 10 best electric cars in 2025
Bets electric cars 2025
Best cars
31 Jan 2025

The 10 best electric cars in 2025

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2025
Best cheap to run cars
Best cars
8 Jan 2025

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2025

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2025
Fastest hot hatchbacks 2025
Best cars
22 Jan 2025

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2025