BYD Dolphin - Specs Reviews & Pricing
BYD Dolphin: The Chevy Bolt Killer Has Arrived
The Chevrolet Bolt was Canada's affordable EV champion. At its peak, it offered 400+ kilometres of range, a practical hatchback body, and pricing that came within striking distance of mainstream gasoline cars. Then GM discontinued it.
Now, a Chinese contender is stepping into that void with a value proposition that makes the Bolt look expensive by comparison. The BYD Dolphin is coming to Canada, and it brings something unprecedented: 400+ km range, a heat pump standard on every trim, and a price that could start under $37,000 CAD.
What Makes the Dolphin Special?
The BYD Dolphin stands out in the Canadian market for three reasons:
- Standard features that cost extra elsewhere: Heat pump, 360-degree camera, and adaptive cruise control come standard on every Dolphin trim
- Two battery options with real flexibility: The 45 kWh Standard Range model offers 340 km WLTP for urban commuters, while the 60.4 kWh Extended Range delivers 426 km
- BYD Blade Battery technology: LFP chemistry offers superior thermal stability and better cold-weather resilience
BYD Dolphin Specifications
Battery and Powertrain Options
| Specification | Standard Range | Extended Range |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 44.9 kWh (LFP Blade) | 60.4 kWh (LFP Blade) |
| Range (WLTP) | 340 km | 426 km |
| Real-World Range (Est.) | 280-310 km | 350-390 km |
| Motor Output | 70 kW (95 hp) | 150 kW (201 hp) |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 310 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | ~12.3 seconds | ~7.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 150 km/h | 160 km/h |
Charging Capabilities
| Charging Type | Standard Range | Extended Range |
|---|---|---|
| DC Fast Charging (Peak) | 60 kW | 88 kW |
| DC Fast Charging (30-80%) | ~30 minutes | ~30 minutes |
| AC Charging (Level 2) | 7 kW onboard | 11 kW onboard |
| Full Charge (Level 2) | ~6.5 hours | ~6 hours |
Dimensions
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 4,290 mm |
| Width | 1,770 mm |
| Height | 1,570 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm |
| Cargo Space | 345 litres (seats up) |
| Cargo Space (Max) | 1,310 litres (seats folded) |
| Seating | 5 passengers |
Standard Features That Set the Dolphin Apart
Heat Pump: Standard on Every Trim
A heat pump uses outside air to heat the cabin rather than drawing directly from the battery, improving winter range by 15-25%. The Chevrolet Bolt EUV offered a heat pump only on higher trims. The Nissan Leaf Plus has no heat pump at any price. BYD makes it standard.
360-Degree Camera System: Standard
Four cameras provide a bird's-eye view for parking. This feature typically costs $1,500-$2,000 when optioned on competing vehicles.
Additional Standard Equipment
Every BYD Dolphin includes:
- 12.8-inch rotating central touchscreen
- Digital instrument cluster
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Lane departure warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- LED headlights and taillights
- Wireless phone charging
- V2L capability (vehicle-to-load, 3.3 kW output)
Head-to-Head: BYD Dolphin vs. The Competition
| Feature | BYD Dolphin ER | Chevy Bolt EUV | Nissan Leaf SV Plus | Hyundai Kona Electric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | 60.4 kWh LFP | 65 kWh NMC | 62 kWh NMC | 64.8 kWh NMC |
| Range | 426 km (WLTP) | 397 km (EPA) | 342 km (EPA) | 418 km (EPA) |
| Heat Pump | Standard | Higher trims | Not available | Standard |
| 360° Camera | Standard | Higher trims | Not available | Higher trims |
| DC Fast Charging | 88 kW | 55 kW | 100 kW | 100 kW |
| V2L | Standard | No | No | Yes |
| Est. Price (CAD) | ~$36,500-$42,900 | ~$39,999 | ~$45,000+ | ~$47,974 |
BYD Blade Battery: Why It Matters for Canadian Winters
| Characteristic | LFP (Blade Battery) | NMC (Most Competitors) |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Stability | Excellent | Good |
| Fire Risk | Very low | Low |
| Cycle Life | 3,000+ cycles | 1,000-2,000 cycles |
| Cold Weather | Better retention | More affected |
LFP batteries handle Canadian winters better than NMC alternatives with better cold soak recovery and safe deep discharge capability.
Real-World Range Expectations for Canadian Winters
| Condition | Estimated Range (Extended Range) |
|---|---|
| WLTP Rating | 426 km |
| Summer Real-World | 380-400 km |
| Mild Winter (0°C to -5°C) | 320-350 km |
| Cold Winter (-10°C to -20°C) | 280-320 km |
| Extreme Cold (-25°C and below) | 240-280 km |
Timeline: When Can You Buy One?
| Milestone | Expected Timing |
|---|---|
| Transport Canada approval | Q1-Q2 2026 |
| First deliveries (Quebec, BC) | Q3-Q4 2026 |
| Ontario availability | Q4 2026 / Q1 2027 |
| National availability | 2027 |
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bottom Line
The BYD Dolphin isn't just another Chinese EV arriving on Canadian shores. It's a direct answer to the question: why does an affordable, capable electric car have to cost $45,000 or more?
With its standard heat pump, 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise, and winter-optimized LFP battery, the Dolphin offers more for less than anything currently available in Canada. When it arrives, the affordable EV segment will have a new benchmark.