Key Takeaways

• The BYD Dolphin is the third electric vehicle from BYD to achieve one million global sales.
• The Dolphin’s affordability and impressive range options contribute to its strong sales performance.
• BYD plans to expand rapidly in the European market amid increasing competition in China.

BYD Dolphin Reaches Landmark Sales Milestone

The BYD Dolphin, a compact electric vehicle launched in China in 2021, has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing one million global sales. It joins an elite group of electric vehicles, including models from Tesla and Wuling, that have reached this impressive figure.

The Dolphin, which is part of BYD’s Ocean series, is notable for its affordability. The base model is priced at 99,800 yuan (approximately $14,100) and features 94 horsepower and a 45-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, boasting a range of 261 miles (420 km) based on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC).

For those seeking more power, the upgraded variant costs 129,800 yuan ($18,400) and delivers 201 horsepower with a larger 60.5 kWh battery, extending the range to 323 miles (520 km). This version accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just seven seconds and supports charging at a maximum rate of 150 kilowatts.

The Dolphin’s appeal extends beyond China; it is available in various Asian markets and select major European countries, although only the more powerful variant is offered in Europe. For instance, in Germany, the Dolphin starts at €34,640 ($40,400) before any government incentives, featuring a WLTP range of 265 miles (427 km).

Amidst increasing competition in the Chinese EV market, driven by ongoing price wars, BYD is focusing on expanding overseas, particularly in Europe. The company aims to double its presence on the continent by the end of 2026. They are also establishing a second production facility in Turkey to support this growth, complementing a current facility under construction in Hungary, which has a projected capacity of 300,000 vehicles annually for the European market.

Besides the Dolphin, BYD has two other models that have also crossed the one million sales mark: the Atto 3 (or Yuan Plus in China), launched in 2022, and the Seagull (known as the Dolphin Surf in Europe), which debuted in 2023.

In comparison, the only other Chinese company with a model exceeding one million in sales is SAIC-owned Wuling Motors, whose Mini EV has sold over 1.8 million units. Meanwhile, Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y have also achieved this milestone, with the Model 3 being the first electric vehicle in the world to reach one million sales back in June 2021.

BYD’s strategic focus on affordability and expansion positions it well in the competitive EV landscape, both domestically and internationally. The continued popularity of models like the Dolphin underscores the shifting tides in the automotive market towards sustainable electric vehicles.

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