What is the actual range of the BYD Dolphin?
4 Answers
BYD Dolphin's actual range varies across three different models: 301 kilometers, 401 kilometers, and 405 kilometers. Definition of range: Range refers to the total distance a vehicle or ship can travel continuously with maximum fuel reserves. For electric vehicles, the driving range is the distance traveled from a fully charged state of the power battery to the end of the test under standard conditions, serving as a crucial economic indicator for EVs. Two versions of BYD Dolphin: Two versions with distinct exterior styles and varying body lengths: 4070×1770×1570mm with a 2700mm wheelbase, and 4125×1770×1570mm also with a 2700mm wheelbase.
I've been commuting daily with the BYD Dolphin for nearly half a year. While the official CLTC range is rated at 420 km, in real-world city driving I typically achieve 330-350 km. With AC on and traffic congestion, it often drops to around 280 km. On highways, the higher speed and increased wind resistance leave me with approximately 290-300 km. Multiple factors affect the range, with driving habits being crucial. I practice gentle acceleration, anticipate braking to maximize energy recovery mode, and maintain tire pressure at 2.5 bar for efficiency. Both winter and summer AC usage accelerates battery drain, with cold temperatures reducing range by about 30 km. Overall, this car delivers stable performance with agile and worry-free handling. I'd advise potential buyers not to take the official figures at face value - planning for 80% of the stated range and scheduling charging accordingly works perfectly for daily use.
I often pay attention to the actual range of the BYD Dolphin because I've driven my relative's car several times. For the official 405 km version, city driving typically maintains a range of 300-330 km. If the air conditioning is on or during hot weather, the range can drop by nearly 15%. Real-world range depends on multiple factors: aggressive driving habits like frequent hard acceleration or speeding will increase power consumption, and congested road conditions also raise energy usage. I prefer to drive in eco mode, keeping the speed between 60-80 km/h for optimal efficiency. Battery temperature management is also crucial—preheating the car in winter avoids excessive power drain from cold starts. For daily use, this car can manage with charging twice a week, but long trips require careful planning of charging stations to avoid getting stranded.
After driving the BYD Dolphin, I tested its actual range. The official data of 405-420 km is purely under ideal conditions. Normally, it runs just over 300 km on regular roads. For urban commuting, driving steadily can achieve around 320 km, while on highways or with air conditioning on, it often drops to 280 km. I often use these energy-saving techniques while driving: maintaining a steady speed to reduce air resistance, turning off the power when parked to save energy, and avoiding keeping the battery at low charge for long periods to extend its lifespan. Climate has a significant impact; using air conditioning in summer can reduce the range by about 50 km, so it's important to plan trips in advance to avoid running out of power midway.
