BYD Dolphin VS Other ‘Affordable' EVs – How Will It Fare?

The newly-launched BYD Dolphin EV is one of the most affordable EVs in the market

In case you missed it, the much-anticipated BYD Dolphin EV hatch has officially made its local debut today. Arriving in two main variants with competitive price tags ranging from RM100,530 to RM125,530, it is safe to say that Sime Darby Beyond Auto (SDBA) was really aiming for the most affordable EV crown when they launched the Dolphin.

So much so that it has prompted us here at Caricarz.com to scour through several budget-friendly EVs on sale in our market just to see how the new BYD Dolphin stacks up against its new rivals, which is to no one’s surprises, all hailed from China. Without further ado, here are some affordable EVs that might be able to hold the candle against the BYD Dolphin…

BYD Atto 3 Standard – RM149,800

Of course, we can’t talk about affordable EVs without mentioning the BYD Atto 3 EV SUV. For the longest part of its stint in our local market, the Atto 3 is always considered the best new EV to buy, featuring specs and equipment that truly punch above its price tag.

Similar to the Dolphin, the Atto 3 underpins BYD’s proprietary e-Platform 3.0, with the Standard variant comes equipped with a 49.9-kWh ‘Blade’ battery pack. Powered by a single electric motor rated at 201 HP and 310 NM, the Atto 3 Standard can travel up to 320 KM on a single charge, according to WLTP standards.

BYD Atto 3 supports both AC and DC charging methods

No surprises, charging rates are also quite similar, with both the baseline Atto 3 and Dolphin supporting AC 7.4 kW charging rate, while the former gets a slightly higher DC fast charging rate of 70 kW, compared to Dolphin Standard’s 60 kW. At this rate, the Atto 3 Standard can be charged from 10% to 80% in about 40 minutes.

In spite of its closely similar battery specs, both cars are from a different segment altogether, with the Atto 3 belonging to the B-segment EV SUV, while the Dolphin is a subcompact EV hatch. This size and segment differences are also reflected in its price, with the Atto 3 Standard commands a price tag of RM149,800.

All in all, we still reckon the Atto 3 as the perfect entry-level EV for those who seek an extra space and practicality that SUVs offer against small hatchbacks. But then again, for almost RM50,000 less, you can get a pretty complete EV that’s more than capable for your daily commute and occasional interstate travels.

GWM Ora Good Cat – From RM139,800

From almost every aspect including its animal-based nomenclatures, you can clearly see that the Dolphin is neck-to-neck against the GWM Ora Good Cat. For starters, both are China-made EV hatchbacks, both featuring more or less maximum EV range, and both are powered by a single electric motor setup.

Focusing on the 400 Pro variant, the baseline Ora Good Cat boasts a 47.8-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that grants it a maximum EV range of 400 KM (NEDC), or more precisely, around 310 KM, according to the more accurate WLTP standards. As for charging, the Good Cat 400 Pro supports DC charging at up to 60 kW rate, allowing it to reach 80% state-of-charge in 46 minutes.

The baseline Good Cat barely beats the Dolphin Dynamic Standard variant in the powertrain department, as it is powered by a front-mounted single electric motor rated at 141 HP and 210 NM. However, the 201 HP and 310 NM-rated Dolphin Premium Extended can easily outpaced the range-topping Ora Good Cat 500 Ultra, as the latter comes with the same powertrain spec as its baseline model.

Would you prefer this funky-looking EV hatch over the Dolphin?

But then again, in spite of its similar battery specs and segment, it is hard to beat the Dolphin’s super-competitive price tag, with the baseline GWM Ora Good Cat 400 Pro starts at RM139,800 – almost RM40,000 more expensive than the base-spec Dolphin. Should you be able to afford it, we’d reckon the Ora fares better compared to the Dolphin when it comes to standing out in a crowd (or in a traffic jam).

Neta V – From RM99,800

In terms of price tags alone, this is perhaps the closest thing you can get to the BYD Dolphin. Made its local debut during the Malaysia Autoshow 2023, the Neta V is a compact EV ‘crossover’ that currently holds the title as the most affordable EV available in the market, for now.

The Neta V supports both AC and DC charging methods via its CCS2 Type-2 charging port

Unfortunately, this is where the comparison ends, as the Neta V simply does not have the specs to match the BYD Dolphin. Yes, it may be powered by a slightly peppier powertrain setup rated at 127 HP and 160 NM compared to the Dolphin Standard’s 97 HP and 180 NM power outputs. But in terms of battery tech and all, the Dolphin simply stood out as a better of the two.

For reference, the Neta V is juiced by a 38.5-kWh CATL-sourced battery pack, which grants this compact EV crossover a maximum EV range of 380 KM (NEDC), which can get as low as 300 KM when converted to the more realistic WLTP standard.

To summarise, the Neta V might be priced similar to the BYD Dolphin. But after putting the specs side-by-side, the Dolphin’s superior battery tech and EV range clearly makes it a much sensible choice.

So, what do you think?

From the surface, you can clearly see that the new BYD Dolphin easily stacks up against its closest competitors, making it the most sensible EV to buy now. However, for more intricate comparisons and details of the model, especially on the driving and livability side, stay tuned for our full-on review of the BYD Dolphin…