First sub-RM 100k EV in Malaysia? BYD Dolphin, up to 405 km range, 177 PS

BYD SD Motors Malaysia (the distributor of BYD cars in Malaysia) has previewed the BYD Dolphin alongside the BYD Seal at the launch of the BYD Atto 3. The company is aiming for a Q4 2023 launch here for both the Dolphin and Seal.

The Dolphin is a B-segment electric hatchback and is powered by a 70 kW (95 PS) motor or 130 kW (177 PS) motor in China and has a range of between 300 to 400 km (NEDC) depending on the battery size.

Also read: BYD Atto 3 launched in Malaysia; priced from RM 150k, X50-sized EV SUV, up to 480 km range

The BYD Dolphin is the first model in BYD’s Ocean series and is followed by the BYD Seal. Now it all makes sense as to why the models come with aquatic names.

The higher-powered 177 PS/290 Nm electric motor is fed by a 44.9 kWh Blade battery pack, giving the Dolphin a range of 401 km on the NEDC cycle.

The less powerful 95 PS/180 Nm motor uses the same battery, although is only improved by a smidge at 405 km.

There is an entry variant Dolphin that pairs the 95 PS/180 Nm motor with a smaller 30.7 kWh battery. That has a maximum NEDC range of 301 km.

Like other BYD EV models, the BYD Dolphin uses the company’s Blade battery made up of lithium iron phosphate (LFP).

BYD’s Blade battery uses LFP chemistry that is theoretically safer, costs less, and have a longer cycle life. Its downside is the lower energy density compared to ternary lithium batteries.

However, the Blade battery design mitigates the disadvantage with its clever form factor, allowing a higher energy density at the pack level.

In China, the BYD Dolphin starts from CNY 93,800 (around RM 59k), while the Yuan Plus (aka Atto 3) is priced from CNY 144,274 (around RM 93k). Considering that the Atto 3 starts at just under RM 150k in Malaysia, could the Dolphin make it under the RM 100k mark? Only time will tell.

Also read: BYD Atto 3's LFP Blade battery - This is what makes it superior to its rivals