Big city, small EV

Published in Brainstorm Magazine November 2024.

The title of the “cheapest EV in South Africa” changed a few times this year. The previous passenger electric car to hold the title was the second-generation Mini Cooper SE, before it was dethroned by three Chinese EVs.

The GWM Ora launched at R686 950, followed by the BYD Dolphin at R539 900, and then the ultra-compact Dayun Yuehu S5, available through importers Enviro Auto, at R399 900.

I got behind the wheel of a BYD (Build Your Dreams) for 48 hours, to try out its compact hatchback, the Dolphin. Ever since BYD launched its brand in South Africa in 2023, it has kept a very low profile and it’s been near impossible to get a test car.

Fortunately, the BYD Hatfield dealership offered me one of its demo units for a two-day test drive, after its showing at the Festival of Motoring in Johannesburg at the end of August.

The BYD Dolphin is listed on the dealership’s website with two offerings: a 70kW standard range version with a 44.9kWh battery and a range of around 310km; and a 150kW extended range model with a 60.4kWh battery and a range of around 427km.

I tested the base model in the sleek “urban grey”, and with no exhaust, there’s no mistaking it for an EV.

I drove the Dolphin from Pretoria to Johannesburg, and when I got in with 97% battery, there was still 330km of range. The car’s modest 70kW output and 180Nm of torque is what makes it the perfect city EV. I’ve always felt that most EVs in South Africa are way too powerful, which is why this little EV makes so much sense for urban life and commutes.

You can easily switch between eco, normal and sport modes, which is nonnegotiable for me in an EV. I don’t want to make an effort to be efficient; eco mode takes care of that for you. You can also control the level of regenerative braking under settings, another option I look out for.

Continue reading here: https://brainstorm.itweb.co.za/content/lLn14MmQPmeMJ6Aa