BYD Dolphin Surf

The Dolphin Surf is BYD's compact electric city car, and it is built for tight streets, short commutes and the occasional longer drive. Its single-arch profile is meant to maximise cabin space, a wide contour rises along the flank, and a dot-matrix pattern inspired by ice crystals on the rear pillar gives the roof a floating look.

Charging and battery

Maximum DC charging is 85 kW, enough to take the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes. BYD says that suits daily urban commutes and also means the car can take on longer journeys when needed. The car uses the Blade Battery and an eight-in-one electric powertrain that packs key components into one module. A 4G connection supplies navigation as standard, and over-the-air updates keep the software current. Vehicle-to-load capability is also listed.

Space and cabin

The boot holds 308 litres and grows to 1,037 litres with the rear seats folded. BYD counts more than 20 storage areas, from cup-holders between the front seats to space beneath the boot floor. The dashboard carries a 10.1 inch rotating touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Hi BYD voice command reaches many functions hands-free. Front sports seats are available with electric adjustment and heating. Six angled light strips form the headlights, a full-width LED bar links the tail-lights, and an integrated roof spoiler helps aerodynamics and range.

Safety and assistance

Six airbags are fitted: driver, front passenger, side curtains and front-seat side airbags. Driver assistance is standard and includes intelligent cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure assist and intelligent high-beam control. BYD says the Dolphin Surf inherits the safe body structure of its e-Platform 3.0 design. A safety rating is not yet recorded for this model.

Key facts

• Body: compact electric city car
• DC charging: up to 85 kW, 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes
• Airbags: six
• Boot: 308 litres, 1,037 litres with the seats folded
• Screen: 10.1 inch rotating touchscreen
• Assistance: cruise control, emergency braking, lane-departure assist (standard)