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O BYD Dolphin stands out in the Brazilian electric car market, with record sales and unbeatable value for money. Discover the reasons behind this success and how much it costs to keep it in the garage.
The BYD Dolphin, which arrived in Brazil exactly one year ago, is generating a true revolution in the automotive market.
Since its launch, this electric compact has exceeded expectations and broken records, becoming one of the most popular electric cars in the country.
But what makes the Dolphin such a huge success and how much does it really cost to maintain an electric car like this? Read on to find out everything about the sales phenomenon and maintenance costs of the BYD Dolphin.
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Launch and Sales Success
The BYD Dolphin was introduced to the Brazilian market at the end of June last year, and since then, its sales have been impressive.
To give you an idea, in just 12 months, the Dolphin not only led sales in the electric vehicle segment, but also stood out as one of the best-selling cars in the country.
In the first half of 2023, the sales leader was the electric Volvo XC40, which sold less than 1.000 units.
However, the Dolphin exceeded all expectations, selling more than 1.000 units per month and reaching a milestone of 6.806 units by the end of the year.
Dolphin's success continued into early 2024. Until May, 8.095 units had already been registered, consolidating its position as the absolute leader in the electric vehicle market.
The model also received the addition of Dolphin Mimo, a smaller version that, despite gaining popularity, has not yet surpassed the main model in sales. The main factor for this success is, without a doubt, Dolphin's affordable price.
BYD Dolphin Price and Versions
A notable feature of the BYD Dolphin is that the price has not changed since its launch. Even with the return of the tax on electric vehicles, the Dolphin maintained its market value, which contributes to its success.
The entry-level version of the Dolphin is equipped with a 44,9 kWh battery, 95 horsepower and 18,3 kgfm of torque. The autonomy declared by Inmetro is 291 km, a number that may seem modest compared to European and Chinese standards, but which is sufficient for most urban and short journeys.
The Plus version of Dolphin, released a few months later, offers even more robust performance. With 204 horsepower and a 60,5 kWh battery, the range exceeds 300 km.
Both versions, interestingly, have not had price adjustments since launch, which is a significant difference in the market.
Comparing with main competitors, such as Kwid E-Tech, Caoa Chery iCar and the Jac E-JS1, the Dolphin offers more equipment and superior performance, attracting many buyers who are purchasing their first electric car.
Design and Dimensions
BYD Dolphin's design may not have changed since its launch, but its style remains attractive. The front is marked by an LED strip that runs across the entire car, giving it a modern and bold look.
The name Dolphin, which in English means dolphin, is reflected in the design, with details that resemble the animal's shape. The entry-level version is adorned with orange details that run across the front and side of the vehicle.
One of the Dolphin's main advantages is its compact size with SUV measurements. Measuring 4,12 meters long and with a wheelbase of 2,70 meters, the Dolphin offers good interior space for a hatchback.
For comparison, the T-Cross is 4,20 meters long and has a wheelbase of 2,65 meters. This means the Dolphin offers more interior space than many compact SUVs, especially in the rear seating area.
At the rear, the Dolphin stands out with an interconnected LED flashlight and details that simulate waves, referring to the dolphin theme. The trunk has a capacity of 345 liters, which is adequate for a car of its size.
Space for rear passengers is quite generous, surpassing what many compact SUVs offer.
Maintenance and Cost of Ownership
Maintaining an electric car may seem challenging to some, but the BYD Dolphin stands out for its maintenance savings. According to the Autoesporte website, the Dolphin offers a 6-year warranty, which is quite attractive for an electric vehicle. The average insurance for the entry-level version is R$2.546 for women and R$7.410 for men.
Dolphin reviews are affordable, with the first three costing R$840. The cost of spare parts is also reasonable, with a basket of parts including items such as mirrors and filters costing around R$15.000. This represents excellent value for money for an electric car., which generally has a lower maintenance cost compared to internal combustion vehicles.
Cooldown and Infrastructure
One of the biggest challenges for electric car owners is recharging, and Dolphin addresses this efficiently.
The vehicle uses the European plug standard, which is widely adopted in charging stations in Brazil. Quick recharging is possible at charging stations with 60 kWh of power, allowing you to charge 80% of the battery in just 30 minutes.
On a slower charge, such as from a 3,3 kWh outlet, the Dolphin can be fully charged in about 7 hours. Most homeowners choose to install a 7 kWh wallbox at home, which allows them to charge the battery from 30% to 80% in 3 hours.
For those who don't have a wallbox, charging the Dolphin from 110V outlets can take forever, while at 220V, it takes 10 to 12 hours for a full charge.
The charging infrastructure is expanding in Brazil, with more electric stations being installed and investments being made by companies such as BMW and Volvo.
Although BYD is not the main infrastructure investor, the growth of the charging network is beneficial for all electric vehicle owners, including Dolphin owners.
Driving Experience
Also according to the website mentioned, The experience behind the wheel of the BYD Dolphin is a strong point of the vehicle. The suspension is comfortable on smooth asphalt, but can be a little softer on uneven surfaces. The Dolphin's dynamics are different from other electric cars, like the Ora 03, with a body that may appear more oval in curves.
Adaptive cruise control and various driving modes, such as eco and sport mode, are features that enhance the driving experience.
Dolphin's regenerative braking is efficient, with three levels of regeneration that help recover energy and increase autonomy. The digital dashboard and steering wheel controls make it easy to operate and control the vehicle while driving.
Comparison with Competitors
The BYD Dolphin stands out among its competitors, mainly due to its cost-benefit and the set of features it offers. Models such as the Ora R1, Jac E-JS1 and Caoa Chery iCar are direct competitors, but the Dolphin surpasses these models in terms of power, autonomy and features.
While the Ora R1 and Jac E-JS1 offer a good alternative in the electric market,, the Dolphin combines a competitive price with superior performance and an attractive design, making it a popular choice among Brazilian consumers.
The Future of Electric Vehicles in Brazil
The future of electric vehicles in Brazil looks promising, and BYD Dolphin is well positioned to benefit from this trend. Growing awareness of environmental issues and the search for more sustainable transportation alternatives are driving demand for electric cars.
According to Autoesporte, BYD is investing in new technologies and expanding its line of electric vehicles. The Dolphin is just the beginning of a series of launches that aim to transform the automotive market in Brazil. As technology evolves and new models are introduced, the electric vehicle market is expected to expand further.
Conclusion: Is BYD Dolphin Worth Investing in?
With all the information presented, it is clear that the BYD Dolphin offers an attractive package for anyone considering the purchase of an electric car. Its price, practical autonomy, low maintenance cost and modern design make it an attractive option for many consumers.
But the question is: do you, reader, think it's worth buying a BYD Dolphin? Leave your opinion in the comments.
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