Cheapest EV in SA? BYD Dolphin Surf Lands with Shockingly Low Price!
BYD Dolphin Surf: SA's New Affordable Electric Hatchback!
South Africa's electric vehicle market just got a whole lot more accessible! The BYD Dolphin Surf has arrived, claiming the title of SA's most affordable EV with a starting price of just R339,900. This urban hatchback, known as the BYD Seagull or BYD Atto 1 in other markets, is set to shake up the local automotive scene.
Comparable in size to a MINI Cooper, the Dolphin Surf boasts dimensions of 3,925mm (length), 1,720mm (width), and 1,590mm (height), with a wheelbase of 2,500mm. The boot offers a practical 230 litres of space, expandable to a generous 930 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Stylish and Feature-Packed
Built on BYD's e-Platform 3.0, the Dolphin Surf doesn't skimp on style or features. Expect automatic LED headlamps with daytime running lights, eye-catching 16-inch alloy wheels, an integrated roof spoiler, a distinctive sharkfin antenna, and full-width LED taillights. Choose from four vibrant paint colours: Lime Green, Cream White, Cosmos Black, and Ice Blue.
Two Models to Choose From
- Comfort: This entry-level model features a 30.08kWh BYD Blade battery and a 55kW/135Nm electric motor, delivering power to the front wheels. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 14.2 seconds, hits a top speed of 130km/h, and offers a claimed range of 232km (WLTP cycle). DC fast charging is supported up to 30kW.
- Dynamic: The range-topping Dynamic boasts a larger 38.88kWh battery, increasing the range to 295km. While slightly slower to 100km/h (15.5 seconds), it supports faster DC charging at up to 40kW, allowing a 30% to 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes.
Power Cuts? No Problem!
Both models come standard with a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and support AC charging up to 6.6kW. A standout feature is the vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, transforming the Dolphin Surf into a mobile power bank. This allows you to run or charge small appliances during those frustrating load-shedding periods!
The BYD Dolphin Surf promises to be a game-changer, offering an affordable and practical entry point into the world of electric vehicles in South Africa.