BYD’s Dolphin Surf makes waves as South Africa’s most affordable EV

Someone once said, “Happiness is finding it cheaper than you expected”. And whatever “it” was to this person, the sentiment rings true, especially for cash-strapped South Africans.

These days, bargain hunting has turned into a fine art, with pensioners acting as scouts and trailblazers, as they carefully pick their way through aisles of premium-priced merchandise. Their slogan: “Why pay full price when half price feels twice as nice?”

But the good news for the youth is that they, too, can experience the thrill at the till! And I am not talking about grocery items or joint supports.

Surf’s up in the EV showrooms

You see, BYD Auto South Africa is set to make waves in the local electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of its bold and compact new hatchback, the Dolphin Surf. 

Designed to deliver practicality, style, and advanced technology at an unbeatable price point, the Dolphin Surf is now available and is positioned to become South Africa’s most affordable EV. 

With an impressive launch price under R400,000, the Dolphin Surf represents a game-changing step toward making eco-conscious driving accessible to more South Africans than ever before.

The launch of the Dolphin Surf marks a pivotal moment for the local EV landscape, as it addresses the key barriers of price and accessibility that have previously limited market growth. With its combination of a competitive price point, practical design, and advanced features, the BYD Dolphin Surf is a game-changer that promises to bring a new wave of drivers into the electric vehicle segment.

The EV for every vibe

The BYD Dolphin Surf is designed as the ultimate urban car – compact, stylish, and perfectly suited for navigating busy city streets with ease. Measuring 3,925mm in length – which makes parallel parking a breeze – the vehicle offers practical and spacious interiors, making it a compelling option for a wide range of buyers, from young professionals to families and entrepreneurs.

Under the hood, the EV features BYD's revolutionary Blade Battery, renowned globally for its safety, durability and performance. The vehicle is available with two battery options: a 30kWh unit providing up to an incredible  220km WLTP range and a 38.8kWh unit offering up to a staggering 295km WLTP range.

In case you’re wondering, WLTP range is the estimated maximum distance an electric vehicle (EV) can travel on a single charge, calculated under standardised laboratory conditions according to the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure.

Adding to its modern appeal is the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, which allows the car to act as a mobile power source for external devices. Inside, drivers will find a user-centric cabin featuring BYD’s signature 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, as well as an intuitive voice command system activated by “Hi BYD.”

A BYD for everyone

Ming Xing, Brand and Marketing Manager, said that they aim to make EVs accessible. “The BYD Dolphin Surf represents our belief that sustainable mobility shouldn’t be out of reach; it should be an exciting, everyday reality for real people, in real cities, living real lives.”  

So, whether you’re navigating the busy streets of the city, heading down a country road, or making the morning school run through the suburbs, the Dolphin Surf is designed for your life – quiet, smooth, and kind to the planet.

And the BYD Dolphin Surf is safe too. It has achieved the maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, setting a new benchmark in its class. 

As the only compact EV in its range to secure this recognition, the Dolphin Surf offers exceptional protection for both adults and children, alongside advanced safety-assist systems that ensure peace of mind on every journey. 

Combining safety, innovation, and accessibility, the Dolphin Surf proves that an affordable electric vehicle can deliver world-class performance without compromise.

A sneak peek

For those who are lucky enough to be down in Cape Town this weekend, you can join the BYD Movement and experience the Dolphin Surf before the official launch. 

To celebrate the launch, BYD is hosting an exciting public activation at Battery Park, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, on the weekend of September 13 and 14 between 9am and 5pm. Entry is free … which is the best bargain price of all!

Visitors will have the chance to get up close with the Dolphin Surf, experience its bold design first-hand, sign up for test drives at dealers across the country and enjoy a fun day out filled with activities and great prizes. 

It’s the perfect opportunity to see this game-changing EV in person and discover why it’s set to transform the local market.

In fact, you can test drive the Dolphin Surf at your nearest BYD dealer today; just visit https://byd.com/za for more information.