[TEST DRIVE] BYD Dolphin shows small EVs can offer big value

BYD Korea’s Dolphin compact electric hatchback is positioned as a strong-value EV in South Korea, with subsidies bringing its price into the low-20 million won range. It sold 1,202 vehicles in August and ranked fourth in the imported vehicle market here. The model offers about 307 kilometers of driving range, fast charging to 80 percent in roughly 30 minutes, and a surprisingly roomy cabin for its size.

With government subsidies applied, the Dolphin can be purchased in the low-20 million won range, or about $13,600.

BYD sold 1,202 Dolphin vehicles in August, ranking fourth in the imported vehicle market here.

The base model produces 70 kilowatts, or roughly 95 horsepower, and the vehicle is rated at approximately 307 kilometers of range on a single charge.

Fast charging can replenish the battery from 20 percent to 80 percent in roughly 30 minutes.

The hatchback measures 4,290 millimeters in length and has a 2,700-mm wheelbase.

Published Sep 10, 2026 10:09 am KST

Updated Sep 10, 2026 10:23 am KST

BYD Korea's Dolphin electric hatchback / Korea Times photo by Lee Min-hyung

BYD Korea’s Dolphin compact electric hatchback is far more than just a low-cost electric vehicle (EV), positioning itself as a serious contender in the segment with strong practicality and solid driving performance.

Dolphin’s greatest strength lies is its pricing. With government subsidies applied, the vehicle can effectively be purchased in the low-20 million won ($13,600) range, placing it in direct competition with key rivals — Hyundai Motor’s Casper Electric and Kia Ray EV.

Consumer response has been swift. The company sold 1,202 vehicles in August, ranking fourth in the imported vehicle market here.

The combination of affordability and practicality clearly resonates with buyers. The vehicle's popularity becomes easy to understand after spending time behind the wheel, particularly for first-time EV buyers or consumers seeking a practical commuter-focused second car.

The base model produces 70 kilowatts, or roughly 95 horsepower. The figures appear modest, but the instant torque delivery characteristic of EVs provides lively acceleration in urban driving conditions.

The vehicle feels responsive from a standstill and well-suited for daily commuting, even if its acceleration does not feel highly sensitive enough when comparing with high-performance EVs.

Driving range is rated at approximately 307 kilometers on a single charge, while fast charging can replenish the battery to 80 percent from 20 percent in roughly 30 minutes.

The limitations become more noticeable at higher speeds and on corners, where body roll and road impacts are more apparent. Ride comfort and overall stability remain in line with typical compact vehicles.

However, the vehicle has more upsides as a balanced EV.

Inside, the Dolphin offers features rarely found in this price range. A 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen display, panoramic glass roof and 360-degree surround-view monitor create an interior experience more commonly associated with higher-priced models.

The interior of BYD Korea's Dolphin electric hatchback / Korea Times photo by Lee Min-hyung

Despite its compact dimensions, the cabin space proved surprisingly generous. While the hatchback measures 4,290 millimeters in length, its long 2,700-mm wheelbase creates interior room comparable to that of a compact sedan.

比亚迪韩国的Dolphin紧凑型电动掀背车在韩国市场定位为高性价比电动汽车，补贴政策使其售价降至2000万韩元出头。该车型8月份销量达1202辆，位列韩国进口车市场第四。Dolphin续航里程约为307公里，可在30分钟左右快速充电至80%，并且就其车身尺寸而言，车内空间相当宽敞。

加上政府补贴，购买 Dolphin 的价格在 2000 万韩元出头，约合 13600 美元。

比亚迪8月份售出1202辆海豚汽车，在本地进口车市场排名第四。

基本款可产生 70 千瓦的功率，约合 95 马力，单次充电续航里程约为 307 公里。

快速充电可在约 30 分钟内将电池电量从 20% 补充到 80%。

这款掀背车的长度为 4,290 毫米，轴距为 2,700 毫米。

发布于2026年9月10日上午10:09（韩国标准时间）

更新于2026年9月10日上午10:23（韩国标准时间）

比亚迪韩国Dolphin电动掀背车 / 《韩国时报》李敏亨摄

比亚迪韩国的Dolphin紧凑型电动掀背车远不止是一款低成本电动汽车（EV），它凭借强大的实用性和可靠的驾驶性能，成为该细分市场中强有力的竞争者。

Dolphin最大的优势在于其定价。在政府补贴的助力下，这款车的售价可控制在2000万韩元出头（约合13600美元），使其直接与主要竞争对手——现代汽车的Casper Electric和起亚Ray EV展开竞争。

消费者反响迅速。该公司8月份售出1202辆汽车，在本地进口车市场排名第四。

经济实惠和实用性兼具，显然深受消费者喜爱。驾驶一段时间后，就能轻易理解这款车为何如此受欢迎，尤其对于首次购买电动汽车的消费者或寻求实用通勤第二辆车的消费者而言更是如此。

基础款车型输出功率为70千瓦，约合95马力。虽然数据看起来并不亮眼，但电动汽车瞬时扭矩输出的特性使其在城市驾驶条件下拥有充沛的加速性能。

该车从静止状态起步反应灵敏，非常适合日常通勤，即使与高性能电动汽车相比，其加速灵敏度不够高。

单次充电后续航里程约为 307 公里，而快速充电可在约 30 分钟内将电池电量从 20% 充至 80%。

在高速行驶和转弯时，车身侧倾和路面冲击会更加明显，这些局限性也会更加突出。乘坐舒适性和整体稳定性与典型的紧凑型车辆基本持平。

然而，作为一款均衡的电动汽车，该车还有更多优点。

Dolphin 的内饰配置在这个价位段实属罕见。10.1 英寸旋转触摸屏、全景玻璃天窗和 360 度环视显示器，营造出通常只在高价车型上才会出现的内饰体验。

比亚迪韩国Dolphin电动掀背车的内饰 / 韩国时报 李敏亨摄

尽管车身尺寸紧凑，但车内空间却出乎意料地宽敞。这款掀背车的长度仅为 4,290 毫米，但其 2,700 毫米的长轴距造就了堪比紧凑型轿车的内部空间。