We attended the European launch of Denmark’s most affordable electric car, the BYD Dolphin Surf, which was unveiled simultaneously in 15 European countries.
Our event took place in Copenhagen, and this is how it went.
BYD Dolphin Surf: a Seagull with a better quality for Europe
Although the Dolphin SURF has been on the market in its home country of China for almost two years under the name Seagull, BYD emphasizes that the European version is significantly different. Higher quality materials have been used in the interior, and the doors are made of steel instead of plastic, all tailored to better meet European standards and expectations.
Most importantly, however, is the price: the BYD Dolphin Surf starts at DKK 149,995 and goes up to DKK 189,995. This not only makes it the cheapest electric car in Denmark, but also the smallest EV currently available on the market. The base model is equipped with a 30 kWh battery offering a range of up to 220 km and a power output of 88 hp.
There is also a version with a larger 43 kWh battery, delivering up to 310 km of range and 156 hp. The Dolphin Surf is available in three trim levels: Active, Boost, and Comfort. The latter is the top model priced at DKK 189,995 and includes equipment rarely seen in this segment, such as a 360-degree camera, Vehicle to Load (V2L) capability, and wireless charging.
What impressed us the most, however, was the extensive standard equipment offered in the base model, priced under DKK 150,000. Highlights include the striking yellow color (as seen in the images), a 10” touchscreen with navigation, a rear-view camera, cruise control, and BYD’s own voice control system called “Hi BYD”.
Even more surprising was the interior quality. Everything felt well put together, and there was almost no hard plastic – something usually unavoidable in cars at this price point.
With a length of under 4 meters, the SURF qualifies as a micro-EV, yet compared to similarly sized petrol-powered microcars, it offers a surprising amount of interior space. The boot also accommodates a respectable 316 liters of cargo.
Made for the city
We also had the chance to take a very short drive in Copenhagen’s busy traffic. It’s too early to give a final verdict, but our initial impression was positive. The Dolphin Surf handles everyday driving well and offers decent comfort. The suspension was slightly on the stiff side, but that’s perfectly acceptable at this price point.
We believe it has great potential to succeed in Europe, where it may help kick off a new trend of ultra compact EVs. Volkswagen is expected to respond soon with its ID 1, and Renault is preparing to launch an electric Twingo.
The Leapmotor T03 is already available, and let’s not forget the updated Dacia Spring Electric. You can order a BYD Dolphin Surf from today and expect delivery around July.
