The BYD Dolphin EV, known internationally as the BYD Atto 2 in some regions, has officially arrived, bringing a powerful combination of affordability, innovative Blade Battery technology, and impressive range to the compact electric hatchback segment. As BYD, the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, expands its global footprint, the Dolphin is strategically positioned as a compelling, feature-packed alternative to established city cars and entry-level EVs. Built on the brand’s sophisticated e-Platform 3.0, this all-electric hatchback boasts a fresh “Marine Aesthetics” design language and a surprisingly spacious, tech-laden interior, making it one of the most exciting new electric vehicles to hit international markets.
Blade Battery and Performance Specs
A key selling point for the BYD Dolphin is its reliance on the proprietary BYD Blade Battery. This innovative Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) technology enhances safety, durability, and space efficiency by integrating the battery cells directly into the vehicle structure. Internationally, the Dolphin is offered with multiple battery options, often including a larger 60.4 kWh pack that provides a competitive WLTP-rated range of around 427 km (265 miles). Power output from the permanent magnet synchronous motor can range up to 150 kW (201 hp), resulting in a lively 0-100 km/h acceleration time of approximately 7.0 seconds for the Extended Range version, ensuring it is agile and responsive both in city traffic and on the highway.
Interior Technology and Features
Stepping inside the Dolphin, buyers are greeted by a modern, distinctive cabin that feels far from budget-focused. The standout feature is the signature 12.8-inch electrically rotating touchscreen infotainment system, which can switch between portrait and landscape orientations—a trick borrowed from its larger siblings, the Atto 3 and Seal. Other high-end features commonly included across global trims are a panoramic glass roof, wireless phone charging, and a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including a 360-degree camera and several driver-assist systems. The use of unique, tactile materials and an unconventional dashboard design helps create an “aquatic-themed” environment that reviewers often describe as funky and more upscale than its direct competitors.
Market Positioning and Competitors
The BYD Dolphin is aggressively priced to take on established rivals in the electric hatchback and compact SUV segments globally, such as the MG 4 EV and the Volkswagen ID.3. Its spaciousness and feature list often place it competitively against slightly larger vehicles. While some markets are still awaiting its formal launch (with India expecting the Dolphin to enter the market soon at a highly competitive price point), its arrival has already been noted for disrupting the EV landscape by offering a genuine, high-quality, long-range product at a far more accessible price point than many European or traditional competitors. The Dolphin’s balance of standard equipment, attractive pricing, and the inherent safety of the Blade Battery makes it a formidable contender for buyers looking to transition to electric mobility without compromise.