BYD Dolphin

Change is in the air. The electric vehicle market is gathering pace, regardless of the noise from the anti-EV brigade. The UK market share of battery-electric cars is now 21%. Behind where the government wants it to be, but on the rise.

The biggest boost would be increasing sales in the lower end of the market. Most manufacturers offer large and expensive electric SUVs, but very few have serious contenders in the small hatchback market. Indeed, EVs and PHEVs took just 10% of the 570,000 cars sold into the A-B segment last year.

But that’s starting to change. We’ve seen a number of smaller cars coming to market, such as the new Renault 5. And now here comes the most aggressive manufacturer in the EV sector, BYD, with a car that smashes through into the sub-£20,000 sector, bringing electric motoring to a wider audience.

The BYD Dolphin Surf starts at £18,650 for base-level Active trim, rising to £21,950 for Boost and £23,950 for the range-topping Comfort model. Boost trim is the one to go for – it has a larger battery, offering 200 miles of WLTP combined range against the Active trim’s 137 miles. Comfort has a slightly lower range of 193 miles, because of a more powerful electric drivetrain (115kW against 65kW). Indeed, BYD claims in urban conditions, the Dolphin Surf Boost can return more than 300 miles of motoring between charges.

With 85kW charging capability, the battery can be recharged from 30-80% in 22 minutes, BYD says. The Active version is a little slower to charge, being limited to 65kW.

Dolphin Surf is a distinctive and well-packaged car, with ample rear legroom and headroom in the back for two large adults, as well as a generous 308-litre boot – impressive for a small car that is less than 3m long.

It’s well finished too, incorporating features found on more expensive BYD models such as a 10.1in rotating touchscreen, including a permanent customisable shortcuts bar and three-finger gesture control for heating and ventilation, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Our first drive took us around the windy and somewhat hilly streets of north London, and the Dolphin Surf handled potholes and speedbumps with a minimum of fuss, while its narrow body and nimble steering makes it very manoeuvrable along streets that are just wide enough for two cars. Would it work as a taxi? It’s roomy enough, though your local council might not see it as being big enough. But EVs don’t need to be oversized, so why not?

DATA

Price OTR £18,650 (Active trim)

£21,950 (Boost trim)

£23,950 (Comfort trim)

SPECIFICATION (Boost trim)

Powertrain Single electric motor

Transmission SIngle-speed auto, front-wheel drive

Battery pack 43.2kW Li-Ion 'Blade' battery

Power 88hp

Torque 175Nm

Top speed 93mph

0-62mph 12.1sec

CO2 emissions 0g/km

Electric range 200 miles (WLTP combined)

DC Charging time 30 min (85kW, 10-80%)

AC Charging time 3hr 0min (11kW, 0-100%)

Length 2,990mm

Width 1,720mm

Height 1,590mm

Wheelbase 2,500mm

Loadspace 308 litres

Turning circle 9.9m

Warranty 6 years / 93,750 miles

Battery warranty 8 years /125,000 miles

Insurance group 14A

VED Band A