BYD Dolphin – Electric motor, performance & drive
There are three powertrain combinations in the BYD Dolphin[1]. You can choose the entry-level model with a 94bhp motor and a 44.9kWh battery, or a 174bhp car in ‘Boost’ trim with the same battery size. The two higher-spec models in the range use a 201bhp motor alongside a 60kWh battery, giving greater range and faster acceleration.
Advertisement – Article continues below Base versions are quite slow as electric cars go, taking 12.3 seconds to go from 0-62mph, which is longer than the cheaper Citroen e-C3[2] and entry-level Vauxhall Corsa Electric[3]. The more powerful Boost trim does the same sprint in a swifter 7.5 seconds, while the 201bhp Comfort and Design trims cut this down to 7.0 seconds.
You can easily provoke wheelspin in the latter 201bhp version if you press the pedal too hard at a standing start. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s all that much fun; it’s just a useful amount of additional power to help get up to speed faster when needed. As with most electric cars, the motor is very quiet – there’s a typical whine, but it’s all in the background and isn’t so intrusive that it stops the Dolphin from being relaxing to drive.
Since it’s an electric car, there aren’t any gearbox options; it’s all done using a single-speed gearbox, so driving in traffic is very easy.
|
Model |
Power |
0-62mph |
Top speed |
|
Dolphin Active |
94bhp |
12.3s |
93mph |
|
Dolphin Boost |
174bhp |
7.5s |
99mph |
|
Dolphin Design |
201bhp |
7.0s |
99mph |
What is the BYD Dolphin like to drive?
In town
The soft suspension means the BYD Dolphin is comfortable when driving over speed bumps and potholes in the road. It stays nice and smooth in traffic, and the cabin is well-insulated, so it’s hushed inside at low speeds.
On A- and B-roads
The car’s squidgy suspension and high weight mean its composure falls apart on twisty country roads. There’s very little fun to be had because the controls don’t feel enjoyable to use, and you need to be careful around corners due to a lot of body lean.
Advertisement – Article continues below
References
- ^ BYD Dolphin (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
- ^ Citroen e-C3 (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
- ^ Vauxhall Corsa Electric (www.autoexpress.co.uk)