BYD Dolphin Surf makes a splash in South Africa's electric car market. Priced from R339,900

Tasleem Gierdien

Tasleem Gierdien

18 September 2025 | 5:21

BYD (Build Your Dreams) has launched South Africa’s most affordable new battery-electric vehicle, the Dolphin Surf, with pricing starting under R400,000. We interview motoring journalist Ernest Page.

BYD Dolphin Surf makes a splash in South Africa's electric car market. Priced from R339,900

The range kicks off with the Dolphin Comfort model at R339,900.

The more advanced Dolphin Surf Dynamic is priced at R389,900, followingits recent release.

Compact and stylish, this hatchback measures 3,925 mm in length and 1,720 mm in width, making it similar in size to a Mini Cooper, yet it offers a surprisingly roomy interior for its class.

The Dolphin is front-wheel drive, powered by a single electric motor and BYD’s highly regarded Blade Battery. Two battery options are available:

  • A 30 kWh battery paired with a 55 kW motor, delivering up to 232 km of range (WLTP).

  • A larger 38.8 kWh battery, also with a 55 kW motor, offering up to 295 km (WLTP).

Notably, both variants support fast charging, a rare feature at this price point.

The Comfort model supports up to 30 kW DC charging, while the Dynamic supports up to 40 kW. This allows the Dynamic’s battery to charge from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes, making it practical for everyday use.

"It looks like a very good line-up of cars... when it comes to this sub R350,000 bracket, which is where a lot of South African's play... It's insane that they've been able to bring a car that costs this price to South Africa. It's a car that's supposed to take you to work and back; you can charge it at home. It's got a lot of people talking... I can't say it's good or it's bad. I didn't get to drive it as it was just launched this week, but let's see where we end up. There are lots of reviews out there, so read those articles and find out more because it's going to make quite a splash in the market."
- Ernest Page, motoring journalist 

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