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China’s BYD on Wednesday unveiled its latest electric vehicle for the European market, the Dolphin Surf, at a launch event in Berlin. The model, a slightly reworked version of its top-selling Seagull EV in China, marks BYD’s tenth vehicle offering in Europe and reinforces its strategy of targeting the continent’s entry-level electric vehicle segment.
The Dolphin Surf will be available at three price points, starting at €22,990 ($26,100) for a 322-kilometre range version, and rising to €24,990 for the 507-kilometre range model. It enters a market where European automakers are under increasing pressure to deliver competitively priced EVs as consumers cite affordability as a key barrier to adoption.
“The compact segment is the next frontier for electrification in Europe,” said Maria Grazia Davino, BYD’s regional managing director for key European markets. “We think this market has huge potential.”
Aimed at urban drivers, the Dolphin Surf is longer than its Chinese counterpart and comes with upgrades tailored to European preferences, including revised exterior styling, new powertrains, and enhanced charging capabilities. It features either an 87-horsepower or 156-horsepower motor, depending on trim level, with battery options of 30 kWh or 43.2 kWh.
Charging performance has also improved, with DC fast charging rates increased up to 85 kW on the higher-capacity models. BYD claims a charge from 10% to 80% will take about 30 minutes regardless of battery size.
The compact EV will compete in a growing segment that includes upcoming low-cost models such as Volkswagen’s ID.2, Renault’s R5, and the Fiat Grand Panda. Eleven EVs priced under €25,000 are expected to enter the European market this year.
The Dolphin Surf is expected to be available in select European markets starting in June, as BYD looks to strengthen its presence amid possible regulatory headwinds, including potential EU-imposed pricing measures on Chinese-made electric vehicles.
The Dolphin Surf will be available at three price points, starting at €22,990 ($26,100) for a 322-kilometre range version, and rising to €24,990 for the 507-kilometre range model. It enters a market where European automakers are under increasing pressure to deliver competitively priced EVs as consumers cite affordability as a key barrier to adoption.
“The compact segment is the next frontier for electrification in Europe,” said Maria Grazia Davino, BYD’s regional managing director for key European markets. “We think this market has huge potential.”
Aimed at urban drivers, the Dolphin Surf is longer than its Chinese counterpart and comes with upgrades tailored to European preferences, including revised exterior styling, new powertrains, and enhanced charging capabilities. It features either an 87-horsepower or 156-horsepower motor, depending on trim level, with battery options of 30 kWh or 43.2 kWh.
Charging performance has also improved, with DC fast charging rates increased up to 85 kW on the higher-capacity models. BYD claims a charge from 10% to 80% will take about 30 minutes regardless of battery size.
The compact EV will compete in a growing segment that includes upcoming low-cost models such as Volkswagen’s ID.2, Renault’s R5, and the Fiat Grand Panda. Eleven EVs priced under €25,000 are expected to enter the European market this year.
The Dolphin Surf is expected to be available in select European markets starting in June, as BYD looks to strengthen its presence amid possible regulatory headwinds, including potential EU-imposed pricing measures on Chinese-made electric vehicles.