A lot of scrap metal at auction for the BYD Dolphin electric car was sold for R$19, which would be less than a fifth of its launch value.
Less than a year after its launch on the Brazilian market, the BYD Dolphin stood out as the best-selling electric car in Brazil in 2023. With 6.806 units registered, the model quickly became a success among consumers, attracting attention for its performance and sustainability .
Despite its sales success, the BYD Dolphin gained notoriety on social media for a less positive reason: the number of units involved in accidents. A “BYD Batido” Instagram page frequently highlights the model, showing dented vehicles, which increased the car's visibility in a different light.
BYD Dolphin scrap auction
Surprisingly, a batch of nine Dolphin units, already considered a total loss, was auctioned as scrap in Brazil. The units, offered on the Sodré Santoro auction website, reached prices significantly lower than new ones, with the most expensive unit sold for R$38.400 and the cheapest for R$19.000.
The BYD Dolphin scrap auction ended on April 15, leaving those interested in spare parts without the opportunity to purchase such units. This event highlights the growing market for used parts for electric cars, especially for models that are still in their first life cycle on the market.
Security assessed by Euro NCAP
Despite the incidents, it is important to highlight that the BYD Dolphin was rated five stars by Euro NCAP, a recognition of its high crash safety. This safety standard also extends to another model of the brand, the BYD Seal, consolidating BYD's reputation for offering safe electric vehicles in the global market.
BYD's launch strategy left consumers excited in February
With the limit of four seats in the first batch, the price reduction serves as an additional incentive. This movement is seen as a way of paving the way for the five-seater version, currently in the homologation phase, which should arrive in a second batch.
The portal InsideEVs Brazil had the opportunity to try the Dolphin Mini in Shenzhen, China, and the impressions were very positive. The vehicle, despite its compact size (3,78 m long and 2,50 m wheelbase), surprises with its internal space, comfortably accommodating four occupants. However, the small trunk may be a point of attention for some consumers.
The updated model – BYD Dolphin Mini launched in February it doesn't skimp on features, even though it's an entry-level model. It comes equipped with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, among others. One doubt that persists is the number of airbags in the Brazilian version, which can vary between four and six.
The model offers two battery options in China: a 30 kWh battery, which could be the choice for the most affordable version, and a more advanced 38,8 kWh battery with Blade technology, providing autonomy of 402 km by the Chinese test cycle. The rapid recharge capacity, reaching 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes, is another strong point of the vehicle.
