High cost has been a barrier to entry for many people that wanted to drive electric vehicles. However, BYD in China is making moves to make electric cars more affordable. The Chinese carmaker has showcased an electric car that will cost between $15,000 and $20,000 in China, after incentives. The good thing is that BYD didn’t have to sacrifice much to arrive at the price point.
The new electric vehicle is called Dolphin, and it was displayed at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show in April. BYD is now taking pre-orders for the subcompact car. It recently got approval for production and sales in China. BYD expects large volume sales for the Dolphin.
On the exterior, the Dolphin has a modern design with a simple body shape.
BYD used its new BYD e-platform 3.0 architecture which contains its own BYD Blade Battery. The battery is offered in three different configurations, paired with motors on the front wheel. The lowest version combines a 70 kW electric motor with a 30.7 kWh battery, to get a range of 187 miles NEDC. It can be booked for the equivalent of $14,950 after subsidies.
The second version of the BYD Dolphin has the same 70 kWh motor but a larger 44.9 kWh battery. It will get 252 miles per charge and be offered in two trims, one selling for $16,495 and the other $17,267.
The third version sports a 44.9 kWh battery and a 130 kWh electric motor, with the range taking a small hit at 249 miles. It will sell for $19,275 after subsidies. As the fastest, this version will accelerate from 0 to 31 mph in 3 seconds and reach a top speed of 99 mph.
BYD is equipping all the BYD Dolphin versions with heat pumps, to help with the range during winter, according to the information on its website. All versions charge from 30 to 80% in 30 minutes.
Tesla is also rumored to be working on a $25,000 electric vehicle, something the CEO has been promising for some time. The American company will make its affordable EV in China, meaning the Asian country could end up as a hub of affordable electric cars.