Forget for just a moment that the BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort – at R339 900 – is South Africa’s most affordable electric vehicle (EV). Let’s talk instead about how BYD has doubled down on its aquatic naming theme, shall we. I mean, have you ever seen dolphins in the surf? I have, and it’s perhaps the most joyous thing you can imagine.
So, with that uplifting image as a jumping-off point, what do you need to know about the new BYD Dolphin Surf? Well, full disclosure, the vehicle we tested was not in fact the cheapest EV in Mzansi – that’s the Comfort. Because our unit is the R50 000-dearer Dynamic model at R389 900. Nevertheless, it’s a full battery-electric car for less than R400k, that’s a pretty encouraging rad, bru.
BYD DOLPHIN SURF DYNAMIC
Under that luminous-yellow bodywork, the BYD Dolphin Surf houses a front-mounted electric motor producing 55 kW and 135 Nm of torque. Beneath the floor is a 38.8 kWh battery pack, while the Comfort only makes do with a derated 30 kWh (the motor is the same for both). Think of the battery pack as the fuel tank – it’s slightly smaller in the Comfort. Hence the differing range capability of 295 km for the Dynamic and 232 km in the Comfort.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – those power and torque figures don’t exactly scream performance. And you’d be right if we were talking about internal combustion engines (ICE). But when you go electric, that torque is available instantly, from zero revolutions per minute. The result is a driving experience in the BYD Dolphin Surf that’s considerably punchier than the numbers suggest, particularly in point-and-squirt urban environments.
REAL-WORLD EXPECTATIONS
Furthermore, Chinese carmakers have excellent supply chains for the rare-earth minerals required to battery EVs. This is partly why the BYD Dolphin Surf can be retailed in South Africa so affordably after ad valorem and electric taxes are added. Minus the attention-seeking Lime Green (I reckon it would look great in ice white), it looks the part. The exterior design strikes a balance between contemporary EV and approachableness. And its compact dimensions make it ideal for navigating tight carparks.
Step inside, and you’re immediately struck by the quality of its execution. Honestly, the interior feels as identically well made as the Shark bakkie and Sealion SUV we’ve reviewed recently. And that’s pretty high praise. The materials are pleasing to both eye and touch. The seats are comfortable for a small hatch and, typical of BYDs, the dashboard is dominated by a rotating central touchscreen that can switch from portrait and landscape orientations. Likewise, the digital driver display is clear and concise.
HOW PRACTICAL IS A BYD DOLPHIN SURF?
Moreover, utility space is generous for a vehicle of this size. Four adults can travel in genuine comfort, and the boot offers sufficient volume. However, you are going to need to carry the bulky charging cables around with you, which eats up some boot capacity. Therefore, the rear seats do fold forward but not completely flat. So, any surfboards or other longer items you place inside will sit on a sort of slant, potentially obscuring your view out.
As far as recharging capability goes for the BYD Dolphin Surf, we had no issues keeping it topped up for the test period. The manufacturer says it is compatible with 40 kW DC fast charging to give 80% battery capacity in 30 minutes. However, refreshingly, BYD included a wall-socket charger (most brands don’t do this) so we could charge steadily at home. It’s not fast by any means, only 2 kW, so replenishing 20% battery life (roughly 50 km range) takes about two hours. For reference, 20% battery life costs more or less 10 prepaid electricity units, if you’re interested in doing the math.
THE VERDICT
Overall, it’s the BYD Dolphin Surf Dynamic’s overall package that truly impresses. Every control falls naturally to hand and every system operates with intuitive logic. And it’s both quiet and comfortable, and zippy and engaging to drive on a daily basis. The closest thing to it we’ve driven is the original Volkswagen e-Golf. Sadly, that was an EV VWSA never saw fit to sell in Mzansi, because it would have been prohibitively expensive.
And yet, somehow, the BYD Dolphin Surf is here, starting at just R339 900. It’s an EV riding a different wave entirely – one of practicality, ease of use and honest-to-goodness quality. Best of all, I don’t see a lot of compromise here. You don’t have to be an early adopter, nor do you have to remortgage your home to afford one. As BYD’s Ocean series of EVs hopes to portray, this is perhaps the electric wave that’s finally worth catching.
BYD DOLPHIN SURF DYNAMIC FIGURES
- Powertrain: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor + 38.8 kWh battery pack
- Power: 55 kW & 135 Nm
- Performance: 0-100 km/h in 15 seconds (claimed)
- Energy consumption: 12.5 kWh/100 km (claimed) / 15 kWh/100 km (tested)
- Range: 295 km (WLTP estimated)
- Price: R389 900
