BYD introduces budget electric car Dolphin Surf in Europe
Chinese automaker BYD has launched its budget model Seagull in Europe under the new name Dolphin Surf. This is a compact electric car offered at a price ranging from €22,990 to €30,990. However, a special promotion until the end of June allows purchasing the base version for €19,990.
The Dolphin Surf has a length of 3,990 mm and is already available for sale in Germany. Even with the discount, it is more expensive than the Dacia Spring but offers better specifications and features. For example, the base Active and Boost versions come with a 10.1-inch touchscreen and heated electric mirrors.
Trims and technical specifications
All three Dolphin Surf trims—Active, Boost, and Comfort—are equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The most affordable Active version has an 87 hp motor and a 30 kWh battery, while the Boost gets a larger battery (43.2 kWh) and faster charging. The top-tier Comfort trim features a 154 hp motor and additional functions such as a 360° camera, wireless charging, and heated seats.
BYD has so far only provided data on the urban driving range under the WLTP standard, but according to Auto Express estimates, the models can travel between 137 and 200 miles on a single charge.
Initially, the cars will be imported from China, but in the future, BYD plans to establish production of the Dolphin Surf at its new factory in Hungary. European manufacturers such as Stellantis and Volkswagen are also working on more affordable electric cars, but competition from BYD could pose a serious challenge for them.
Given the rapid development of the electric vehicle market, the Dolphin Surf could become a popular choice for urban residents looking for an affordable yet well-equipped option. The performance gap compared to other budget models, such as the Dacia Spring, is particularly striking, as the latter significantly lags behind BYD in speed and comfort.