First Drive: BYD Dolphin Surf
Give me a Lamborghini Huracán. But make it smaller. SMALLER. And while you’re at it, make it cute. No, like a Pokémon. Specifically Pikachu, you know. The electric one. Perfect.
Like Pikachu, the BYD Dolphin Surf is indeed fully electric, and at just R339,900 for the entry-level Comfort model, it is half the price of its closest rival, the Ora Cat. Put differently, BYD just dropped a bomb – and perhaps the mic – by releasing an electric car at this price, but if your range anxiety just got tickled, know that there’s a more substantial battery in the Dynamic model which, priced at R389,900, is still a hell of a prospect. Where the Comfort has a range of circa 220km, the Dynamic will do just under 300km (with a claimed city cycle closer to 400km).
Is this the affordable EV Mzansi has been waiting for?
Let’s look at the base car and consider its standard features for a moment. There’s the 30kWh Blade Battery (232km range) with a maximum DC charge capability of 30kWh. Total power to the front (16-inch steel) wheels is 55kW, and that felt more than adequate for our test trip around the Cape. The cabin space was sufficient and pleasantly ergonomic, with a glass-to-metal ratio that allowed plenty of light in. Then there’s the sheer 2025-ness of it, so Android Auto and Apple CarPlay via a 10.1-inch touchscreen are the default options here. Lastly, you can add electrically adjustable seats and exterior mirrors, and that’s what BYD is delivering for the base EV experience.
Splurge on the Dynamic, and you’ll gain the 38.8kWh Blade Battery (295km), a maximum DC charge of 40kWh plus a 15W wireless charger for your smartphone. So, you’ll go a bit further and charge somewhat faster, but if you’re only doing 30-70km of commuting a day, you might not be able to justify that R50k premium. On that note, BYD is offering an early adoption deal whereby buyers could qualify for a 10% cash incentive, as well as a complimentary 7kW home charger good for replenishing 50km of range per hour. Beyond this, BYD has partnered with ABSA to create a R999 insurance rebate, and suddenly you have the most tempting on-ramp onto electric avenue yet.
But is it, you know, a safe buy?
Well, the final decision is yours. It’s one of an assortment of Chinese manufacturers that have arrived in SA this year, but the fact that BYD is listed at number 91 in Fortune’s Global 500 with a 29% year-on-year growth means it’s doing something right. These Blade Batteries are meant to last for 1.5 million kilometres (a lifetime for a city car). In fact, BYD provides an 8-year/200,000km warranty on the battery alongside the 3-year vehicle warranty and service plan. And then there’s the usage of high-tensile steel for much of the monocoque and the fact that the Dolphin Surf achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP. At 3,925mm (length) x 1,720mm (width) x 1,590mm (height), it’s compact but roomy since it doesn’t have a petrol engine or traditional gearbox encroaching on the cabin. Even the boot space is acceptable at 230 litres, with a 930-litre luggage area should you knock the rear seats flat.
So yes, I would say that BYD has done it – delivered a compelling EV for the masses. This has the potential to be a nightmare for the existing EV charger network, with the barrier to entry barely there. Thankfully, BYD has partnered with Eskom (yes, we have our concerns too) to roll out more chargers in high-density environs such as schools, government institutions, housing complexes, etc. I believe this is called a power move.
BYD Dolphin Surf Pricing
BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort: R339,900
BYD Dolphin Surf Dynamic: R389,900
Words: Calvin Fisher
