BYD Auto South Africa has officially launched a compact new hatchback – the Dolphin Surf. Insiders say that the vehicle is designed to deliver practicality, style, and advanced technology at an attractive price point, positioning it to become South Africa’s most affordable EV (Electric Vehicle).
With a launch price under R400,000, the Dolphin Surf may be a step toward making eco-conscious driving accessible to more South Africans than ever before.
Indeed, the launch of the Dolphin Surf addresses the key barriers of price and accessibility that have previously limited market growth. With its combination of a competitive price point, practical design, and advanced features, the BYD Dolphin Surf may well see more South Africans going the EV route.
The BYD Dolphin Surf is an urban car – compact, stylish, and suited for navigating busy city streets. Measuring 3,925mm in length, the vehicle offers practical and spacious interiors, making it a compelling option for a wide range of buyers, from young professionals to families and entrepreneurs.
Under the hood, the EV features BYD's Blade Battery, promising safety, durability and performance. The vehicle is available with two battery options: a 30kWh unit providing up to a 220km WLTP range and a 38.8kWh unit offering up to a 295km WLTP range.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality also allows the car to act as a mobile power source for external devices. Inside, drivers will find a user-centric cabin featuring BYD’s signature 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, as well as an intuitive voice command system activated by "Hi BYD."
"The BYD Dolphin Surf represents our belief that sustainable mobility shouldn’t be out of reach, it should be an exciting, everyday reality for real people, in real cities, living real lives,” says Ming Xing, Brand and Marketing Manager.
"Whether you’re navigating the busy streets of Joburg, heading down to Cape Town’s seaside, or making the morning school run in Durban, the Dolphin Surf is designed for your life - quiet, smooth, and kind to the planet."
The BYD Dolphin Surf has achieved the maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating – the only compact EV in its range to secure this recognition – with advanced safety-assist systems added into the mix.
BYD is hosting a public activation at Battery Park, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September 2025 between 09:00–17:00. Visitors can get up close with the Dolphin Surf, experience its design first-hand, sign up for test drives at dealers across the country, and enjoy a fun day out filled with activities and great prizes.
Test drive the Dolphin Surf at a BYD dealer today, or visit https://www.byd.com/za for more information.
