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Do Chinese Electric Cars Hold Up? A BYD Dolphin with 200,000 km Driven as an Uber Shows They Do
Driving 200,000 kilometers with a Chinese electric car in just two years sounds crazy? For Gilson, an Uber driver in Brazil, this is just proof that the BYD Dolphin is one of the most reliable models released here.
In times when Chinese cars still raise suspicion among many Brazilians, especially regarding durability, a real story has changed this perception. The protagonist is Gilson, a ride-hailing driver who decided to bet everything on a BYD model, a Chinese brand that has been growing in Brazil with its 100% electric vehicles.
The car? A BYD Dolphin that has already driven over 200,000 kilometers, of which 160,000 were accumulated in just the last two years. And the most impressive part: with minimal maintenance and no loss of battery autonomy.
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An Electric Car Tested Every Day
Being an Uber car is no easy task. Driving daily in urban centers, stopping and starting all the time, demands much more from the components than the usual routine of any driver. According to Gilson, “the routine is tough, but the Dolphin has never let me down.”
The model he uses features a 95 hp (71 kW) electric motor and a 45 kWh battery, capable of delivering up to 405 kilometers of range, according to official manufacturer data. And even after two years of intense use, the vehicle’s dashboard still shows exactly that same range. In other words: no signs of battery degradation.
This resilience has impressed even the most skeptical. In a video posted on YouTube and shared by specialized automotive pages, such as InsideEVs Brazil, Gilson shows in detail how the car looks inside and out — and surprises everyone by showcasing an immaculate interior, with no evident signs of wear.
The Secret: Constant Maintenance and Conscious Use
Despite the high mileage, the car is in perfect condition. According to Gilson, the secret lies in preventive maintenance. “I change the fluids on time, do regular check-ups, and treat the car with care, even though it’s a work tool.”
The most recent check-up was at 200,000 km, which included the replacement of:
- electric motor gear oil,
- traction system coolant,
- brake fluid,
- cabin air filter.
And that’s it. No replacement of important parts or complaints related to the propulsion system. The brakes are still original, which emphasizes how the regenerative system helps preserve the setup.
Free Advertising for BYD’s Electric Cars
Of course, Gilson’s case has been a perfect match for BYD, which has been heavily investing in the Brazilian market. With more competitive prices than European or American models and reasonable autonomy for urban reality, the Dolphin has become one of the best-selling electric cars in Brazil.
According to registration data from Fenabrave, BYD is currently the fastest-growing automaker in the electric and hybrid vehicle segment in the country — even surpassing traditional brands like Renault and Caoa Chery.
And Gilson’s case only reinforces this reputation. It’s not every day that a 100% electric car travels the equivalent of five laps around the Earth in two years and continues going strong, without replacing anything besides fluids and filters.
Is There Still Resistance to Electric Cars in Brazil?
Even with evidence like this, many Brazilians still view the electric car with caution. The main reasons are the acquisition cost, the charging infrastructure, and the doubt about battery durability. But stories like Gilson’s help change this scenario.
It’s worth remembering that BYD has recently opened a factory in Camaçari (BA), in partnership with the government of Bahia, which should reduce costs and expand the brand’s presence in the country. The expectation is that models like the Dolphin will become even more affordable in the coming years.
For Gilson, there is no doubt: “The car holds up well and gives me less headache than any other I’ve ever had.”
Os caras acreditam em político e não acredita em uma pessoa comum que faz um vídeo e coloca sua cara pra bater. Lembrando que desde que lançaram os carros elétricos e não só chineses, vejo um monte de informações que já se provaram falsas (informações coletadas com pessoas conhecidas que tem carro elétricos faz um tempo), isso é intencional, pois quem sempre ganhou dinheiro aqui empurrando carros gestões e caros, pouco conforto, nada de tecnologia, hoje estão perdendo mercado. Qual a dificuldade de entender isso?
Eu mesmo vou comprar um e vou instalar um sistema fotovoltaico pra abastecer, pois vou precisar abastecer todos os dias e sei que não existe economia sem investimento.
Carros gastões***
How about byd seagull
Only drive 200Km, that is new car , what are you worried about.