BYD Dolphin Electric Car Lease

Leasing a BYD Dolphin in the UK

For a previously unknown brand, the BYD have quickly thrown the cat amongst the pigeons with their Atto 3 compact SUV now being supplanted with a small hatchback, the aptly named “Dolphin”. With some eye-watering prices (and we don’t mean expensive for once!), this cost-effective small car is aiming to bring BYD into Europe’s electric vehicle market. And with more and more brand agnostic customers in the UK, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

And while the Dolphin will be aiming to offer value, the group are not aiming to short-change customers with continuous LED headlights running across the grille, a floating centre console, a minimalist curved dashboard, 60/40 split folding seats for enhanced storage space, a large screen for media connection, sustainable vegan leather seats and all via their e-Platform 3.0, a dedicated chassis and infrastructure for efficient driving. And a high efficiency heat pump system is included on every model for thermal efficiency.

What options / specification will the new Dolphin EV have? As at June 2023, the BYD website is suggesting four key variations including:

•  Active – starting from £26,000, this 44.9 kWh usable battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 10 seconds, 93mph top speeds and 70 kW (or 94 hp). This model is a FWD option. Expect a combined winter range of 135 miles with warmer weather allowing for 180 miles. On charging, the 7.4 kW AC max will allow 7 hour and 15 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 60 kW DC maximum allowing 40 minute 10 – 80% times. A small family hatchback, this has a cargo volume of 345L and vehicle fuel equivalent of 144 mpg. This EV cannot tow;

• Boost – starting from £28,500, this 44.9 kWh usable battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 8.0 seconds, 99mph top speeds and 130 kW (or 174 hp). This model is a FWD option. Expect a combined winter range of 130 miles with warmer weather allowing for 180 miles. On charging, the 7.4 kW AC max will allow 7 hour and 15 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 60 kW DC maximum allowing 40 minute 10 – 80% times. A small family hatchback, this has a cargo volume of 345L and vehicle fuel equivalent of 144 mpg. This EV cannot tow;

•  Comfort – starting from £31,00, this 60.5 kWh usable battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 7.0 seconds, 99mph top speeds and 150 kW (or 201 hp). This model is a FWD option. Expect a combined winter range of 130 miles with warmer weather allowing for 180 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 6 hour and 30 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 88 kW DC maximum allowing 41 minute 10 – 80% times. This model can offer V2L (vehicle-to-load) at 3.3 kW. A small family hatchback, this has a cargo volume of 345L and vehicle fuel equivalent of 140 mpg. This EV cannot tow; and

•  Design – this will match the above BUT you enjoy panoramic glass sunroof, privacy glass and wireless phone charging.

The £26,000 price tag will see the Dolphin come into competition with the MG4, Ora Funky Cat, VW ID.3 and Nissan Leaf. Cheap EVs to lease are not in abundance and without a doubt, the year 2023 has proved that manufacturers need to get their initial prices right in order to enjoy success within the UK leasing market.

You can’t simply charge an inflated price stating that Whole of Life costs, environmental factors and zero-emissions is your reward. EVs must give personal and business customers good value, in particular for SMEs with small fleets and rising costs / pressures. While electric company cars are unequivocally the route forward for the driver (employee), it’s necessary for the business (employer) to have access to excellent value product to offer the team.

The same for any salary sacrifice schemes too. This is where the BYD hatchback can enjoy considered success (RV dependent).

Ready to lease the new BYD Dolphin?

While the EV is not yet ready to order, head over to the BYD homepage and register your interest. With early models due to market late 2023 / early 2024, it will be a first come first served basis. Alternatively, head to one of the appointed retailers, with groups like Arnold Clark, Lookers and LSH Holdings.

Not unlike GMW Ora, there will be no franchise agreements as it looks to add value to the growing retail network in the UK.

But is this a good EV?

Don’t ’t forget to use our e-car website, and “living your …” tools, to understand just how this car will perform. Our latest initiative, the EVC™ (Electric Vehicle Certificate), is a one page document which will undoubtedly summarise the quality of this BEV in a clear and simple way for you. Whether you are a personal, business or salary sacrifice customer, product suitability is key. Just get in touch with our team on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected] to know more.

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