Chinese carmaker BYD is making another push into the European electric vehicle market, this time at the more affordable end of the spectrum. Its new compact model, the Dolphin Surf, launched this week in several continental markets, including Belgium, arrives with a promise that could rattle established players: fully electric motoring for just under €22,000.
In Belgium, where EV uptake remains slow outside of fleet buyers, that sort of pricing is hard to ignore. At €21,290, the Dolphin Surf is among the cheapest new EVs on sale—a clear attempt by BYD to wedge itself into a segment dominated by price-sensitive buyers. This is the Chinese firm’s first real play for the urban supermini crowd, and it’s aiming to make electric mobility a viable choice for families and commuters alike.
Broader market approach
It’s a strategy grounded in pragmatism. BYD hasn’t conjured the Dolphin Surf out of thin air, but reworked one of its biggest domestic hits, the Seagull, to meet European safety and regulatory standards. The result is a slightly shorter, more compact hatch, trimmed by over half a metre in length and built on a shortened wheelbase. Along with a new name—more palatable to Western consumers than ‘Seagull’—it signals a shift from BYD’s initial SUV-centric strategy to a broader market approach.
“This is the car we hope will democratise electric driving,” a BYD spokesperson said at the launch. “We know price is still the biggest hurdle for most buyers. The Dolphin Surf lowers that barrier significantly.”
No God’s Eye
The base model comes equipped with a 45kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery and a 70kW motor, offering a WLTP-rated range of 310km. For many Belgian drivers, that should more than cover daily usage, especially with the national average commute hovering around 40 km. Those needing more flexibility can opt for the upgraded 55 kWh version, which stretches the range to a respectable 405km.
Both versions use BYD’s proprietary Blade Battery technology—praised for its safety credentials—and support 85 kW fast charging, allowing a 30 to 80% recharge in roughly 30 minutes. Standard equipment is generous, with LED lighting, a rotating touchscreen and vehicle-to-load capabilities included at all trim levels. BYD’s more advanced driver-assistance system, known as “God’s Eye” in China, won’t be making the jump to Europe just yet, though.
The Dolphin Surf isn’t built to turn heads. Its design is practical rather than bold, with compact proportions and light steering that suit city driving. BYD has added a splash of flair with vibrant paint options and contrasting black panels, but this is function over form. The interior, however, feels surprisingly well put together for the price. Expect a clean layout, decent materials, and a strong kit list—reversing camera, adaptive cruise control and parking sensors all come as standard.
Three times more expensive
So is it cheap? Compared to rivals like the upcoming Renault 5 E-Tech (expected to start near €25,000) or Volkswagen’s ID.2all (likely to exceed €26,000), it certainly is. But the European price tag still marks a significant markup over the Dolphin Surf’s Chinese counterpart, the Seagull, which starts at around €7,000 before taxes or tariffs. That steep surcharge reflects both regulatory hurdles and import costs—but it’s still a bitter pill for consumers aware of the price gap.
Even so, the Dolphin Surf lands as one of the most affordable new EVs in Belgium, challenging not just other electric newcomers but also petrol-powered city cars and the used market. Where BYD once took aim at German premium badges, it now appears to be eyeing Dacia’s value-driven territory—one electric hatchback at a time.
