The Malaysian electric vehicle (EV) scene is shaping up to be more competitive and accessible for those who are curious about the silent revolution taking over the motoring world. One of those newcomers is the BYD Dolphin which is teased to make a splash here this week.

The Dolphin is the smallest EV being sold by BYD globally but China has the even smaller BYD Seagull. Being an EV the size of a Perodua Myvi which puts it as a B-segment car (with a lot fewer mechanical parts, allowing for a bigger C-segment range wheelbase), that doesn’t mean it would be priced similarly since the Dolphin will still essentially be a new, expensive (tax-free) plaything for the rich.

The Dolphin is available in two variants in most markets – Standard Range and Extended Range. The Standard Range is powered by a 95 PS/180 Nm motor that is juiced up to a 44.9 kWh Blade battery with a range of 410 km (NEDC). The Extended Range variant comes with a more powerful 204 PS/310 Nm electric motor that draws power from a 60.48 kWh Blade battery and has a range of up to 490 km (NEDC).

Also read: BYD Dolphin EV launched in Singapore, 9 percent cheaper than Atto 3

Both variants are front-wheel drive (FWD) and support up to 7 kW via AC charging and up to 60 kW DC fast charging.

So how much could the Dolphin be priced in Malaysia when it bubbles…I mean launches here? Well, we did a bit of calculation comparing the prices of the Dolphin with the Atto 3 in Thailand and China.

In Thailand, the base Atto 3 is priced from THB 1,099,900 while the base Dolphin starts from THB 699,999. The Dolphin’s starting price is 36.4% lower than that of the Atto 3. Meanwhile, comparing the Extended Range variants of the Atto 3 (THB 1,199,900) and the Dolphin (THB 859,999) sees a difference of 28.3%.

Also read: People in Thailand queued overnight for BYD Atto 3, just like for iPhones

As for the Atto 3 in China, the Standard Range starts from RMB 139,800 while the Extended Range is priced at RMB 144,000. The Dolphin is priced at RMB 116,800 for the Standard Range and RMB 136,800 for the Extended Range. In essence, the Dolphin is between 5-16.5% less expensive than the Atto 3 in China.

However, for this comparison, the Chinese prices can't be used as a primary reference since the pricing dynamics over there for EVs are different.

Also read: BYD is China's best-selling domestic brand, over 1.8 million cars sold in 2022

By applying the same percentage in price gap between the two BYD models in Thailand, fair prices of the Dolphin in Malaysia should be around RM 95,000 for the Standard Range and around RM 120,000 for the Extended Range. As a refresher, the Atto 3 in Malaysia is priced between RM 150,430 (Standard Range) to RM 168,430 (Extended Range).

It's also worth mentioning that prices in Thailand include an 8-year free maintenance package, something not available with Sime Darby Motors.

Also read: Review: BYD Atto 3 - Not without its pains, but it's probably the most complete EV SUV for RM 170k

However, don’t get too excited with the prices as these are only our estimations, not official. Under the conditions for Franchise Approve Permits (Franchise APs) which falls in the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI), imports of EVs priced below RM 100,000 are not allowed into Malaysia.

Also read: Malaysia doesn't allow import of battery EVs priced below RM 100k, how true is this?

The cheapest EV in Malaysia, the Neta V starts from RM 99,800 and that price is approved by MITI excluding insurance. With insurance, prices will go above RM 100,000 and thus satisfying the minimum price requirement.

Also read: Cheapest brand-new EV in Malaysia: Neta V debuts at RM 99k, first 100 buyers get RM 10k cash voucher

The Dolphin was previewed to the media back in December 2022 during the launch of the Atto 3 and was also spied at a port in Malaysia last month. According to BYD Malaysia’s social media channels, the Dolphin has been teased to be making its local debut via livestream on Thursday, 27th July 2023 at 10.30 am.

Also read: Spied: BYD Dolphin EV spotted in Malaysia; aimed for Q4 2023 launch - cheaper than Atto 3, up to 410 km range?