Chinese electric carmaker BYD is making serious waves in the UK’s EV market with the launch of its most affordable model yet – the Dolphin Surf. Priced at just £18,650, it’s currently the cheapest BYD car available in the UK, and it’s shaking up the entry-level EV segment. In this BYD Dolphin review, we’ll take a closer look at its key features, how it compares to Tesla, and how BYD is growing its presence in the UK and across Europe.
What Makes the Dolphin Surf Stand Out
Upon initial observation, the BYD Dolphin Surf primarily emphasizes affordability. However, upon stepping inside, it becomes evident that this compact electric vehicle surpasses its expected performance. Despite the low price, it comes packed with some surprisingly premium features:
- A rotating touchscreen display that you can use in either portrait or landscape mode
- Advanced safety tech, including intelligent cruise control and automatic emergency braking
- BYD’s Blade Battery, which uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) – a safer and more cost-effective alternative to traditional battery types
- An official range of up to 137 miles, ideal for daily city commuting
What makes this more impressive is BYD’s approach: offering the same tech found in their premium vehicles in these budget models. Their vision is to increase the accessibility of electric mobility for everyday drivers, without compromising on quality or safety.
Tesla vs BYD – The Growing Rivalry
No BYD Dolphin review would be complete without putting it next to the big name in EVs – Tesla. For years, Tesla has been at the forefront of global EV sales. But BYD isn’t far behind. In fact, when you count hybrid vehicles, BYD already sells more cars overall.
In Europe, BYD made headlines by overtaking Tesla in pure electric vehicle registrations in April 2025. While Tesla is still the global leader in EVs, recent controversies around Elon Musk and his political ties have led to a drop in Tesla sales in key European markets.
BYD, on the other hand, continues to grow steadily. Its focus on affordable models like the Dolphin Surf and its ability to scale battery production have helped it win the trust of more cost-conscious buyers.
Now, the Dolphin Surf isn’t aiming to take on the Tesla Model 3 directly – they serve different audiences. But for anyone looking for innovation, safety, and solid build quality without the Tesla price tag, the Dolphin Surf is a smart alternative.
BYD’s Rising Popularity in the UK and Europe
When we zoom out to look at BYD’s performance in Europe, the company’s momentum becomes even more impressive. Despite the 17.4% tariffs imposed by the EU on Chinese EVs, BYD has managed to expand its footprint across the continent.
The UK, not being subject to those EU tariffs, has become a strategic market for BYD. The company has built a growing network of dealerships, and the results are clear: in March, the UK accounted for 30% of all Chinese EVs sold in Europe.
Despite the entry of other Chinese brands such as Xpeng, Leapmotor, and Jaecoo, BYD’s first-mover advantage and brand trust have enabled it to maintain a competitive edge.
And there’s more room to move. Analysts believe the Dolphin Surf could get even cheaper. BYD sells a nearly identical model – the Seagull – in China for about £6,000. While UK safety standards are stricter, this shows just how much pricing flexibility BYD has if it wants to go even more aggressive in the UK.
Our Take on the BYD Dolphin Surf
In conclusion of our BYD Dolphin review, we confidently assert that the Dolphin Surf represents a significant advancement in the affordable EV market. It’s practical, well-equipped, and competitively priced – exactly what many buyers have been waiting for.
Sure, it doesn’t match Tesla on range or performance, but for the price, it delivers tremendous value. If you’re in the UK and looking for your first electric car – one that doesn’t feel like a compromise – the BYD Dolphin Surf is definitely worth a test drive.
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