If you’re searching for an affordable electric car in the UK, the BYD Dolphin Surf is ready to make waves. Starting from just £18,650 OTR, this all-electric hatchback combines futuristic tech, real-world range, and everyday practicality in a compact, city-friendly package.
At a Glance
- Starting price: £18,650 OTR
- Battery sizes: 30kWh / 43.2kWh Blade Battery
- Electric range: Up to 200 miles (WLTP combined), 305 miles (WLTP city)
- Charging: 65kW or 85kW DC | 11kW AC standard
- Performance: 0–62mph from 9.1 seconds (Comfort model)
- Boot space: 308–1,037 litres
- Available in the UK: Now, with first deliveries from June 2025
Design and Dimensions
The BYD Dolphin Surf stands out with its smart, compact dimensions (3,990mm long, 1,720mm wide), perfect for urban environments. Yet its sharp styling gives it presence beyond its size — with a floating roof effect, crisp LED lights, and a sporty rear spoiler.
It rides on 15- or 16-inch wheels depending on the trim, and includes eye-catching touches like the ice-crystal-inspired C-pillar design. The result? A small electric hatch that looks fun, yet functional.
Interior and Comfort
Despite its compact footprint, the Dolphin Surf uses its 2,500mm wheelbase to deliver interior space that rivals larger hatchbacks. It seats four comfortably, and boot capacity starts at 308 litres, expanding to 1,037 litres with the rear seats folded. Families will also appreciate three ISOFIX anchor points (two rear, one front passenger seat).
The cabin features BYD’s 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, plus voice control via the “Hi BYD” command. Higher trims offer extras like:
- Heated front seats
- 360-degree camera
- Electric seat adjustment
- Wireless smartphone charging
- NFC keyless entry via phone or wearable
- V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) for powering appliances
Battery, Charging, and Range
The Dolphin Surf uses BYD’s in-house Blade Battery with ultra-safe LFP chemistry and sits on the EV-specific e-Platform 3.0. Three variants are available in the UK:
| Model | Battery | Power | Range (WLTP Combined) | Charging (DC/AC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 30kWh | 65kW | 137 miles | 65kW / 11kW |
| Boost | 43.2kWh | 65kW | 200 miles | 85kW / 11kW |
| Comfort | 43.2kWh | 115kW | 193 miles | 85kW / 11kW |
DC rapid charging (10–80%) takes around 30 minutes across the range. All models support 11kW AC charging, refilling overnight on a home wallbox.
Performance
The entry-level Active gets from 0–62mph in 11.1 seconds, while the Comfort trim — with a more powerful 115kW motor — does it in just 9.1 seconds. All versions are front-wheel drive and reach a top speed of 93mph, more than enough for UK motorways.
Thanks to its low centre of gravity, light weight (from 1,294kg), and electric torque, the Dolphin Surf delivers agile, quiet, and confident performance — perfect for cities and surprisingly capable on the open road.
Technology and Safety
Even base models come equipped with a comprehensive safety suite, including:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane-keep assist
- Intelligent high-beam control
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Curtain and side airbags
- eCall emergency response
BYD’s high-strength body structure and ultra-safe battery tech ensure confidence on every journey. Plus, all models feature V2L capability, enabling the use of electric devices up to 3.3kW — ideal for camping, outdoor work, or emergencies.
Trim Levels and Features
| Trim | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Active (£18,650) | 10.1” touchscreen, vegan leather, adaptive cruise, NFC entry, rear camera, V2L |
| Boost (£21,950) | Larger battery, 16” alloys, electric front seats, rain-sensing wipers |
| Comfort (£23,950) | 115kW motor, 360° camera, LED headlights, heated seats, wireless charging |
Warranty and Ownership
Every BYD Dolphin Surf comes with:
- 6-year vehicle warranty
- 8-year battery & motor warranty
- UK support network through authorised dealers
Final Verdict: Is the BYD Dolphin Surf Worth It?
The BYD Dolphin Surf delivers exceptional value as one of the most affordable electric cars in the UK. With a starting price under £19,000, real-world range of up to 200 miles, generous equipment levels, and futuristic tech, it’s a standout option for city drivers, commuters, and EV first-timers.
It’s not just one of the best small electric cars on sale — it’s one of the smartest choices for anyone switching to electric in 2025.