BYD launches the Dolphin G plug-in hatch with 65 miles of EV range for $32,000
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- BYD launched the Dolphin G DM-i as its first car designed specifically for Europe, offering up to 65 miles of pure-electric range and 646 miles combined range from its Super Hybrid system.
- The plug-in hatch starts at approximately $32,000 (£23,990 in the UK), with German buyers able to stack a €4,500 government incentive and a €5,500 "BYD E-Bonus" to bring the Active trim to €18,990 (~$21,900).
- The Dolphin G pairs a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with two electric motors producing 161 hp and 210 Nm, hitting 0-62 mph in 8.3 seconds with drivers able to choose between pure EV and hybrid modes.
- Boost, Comfort, and Sport trims use an 18.3 kWh Blade Battery with 6.6 kW AC and 39 kW DC charging (10-80% in 26 minutes), achieving 201.7 mpg weighted fuel consumption and cutting CO2 emissions from 60g/km to 32g/km.
- The Comfort trim adds Google Maps integration, a widescreen head-up display, panoramic roof, and 360-degree camera, while every version ships with adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, lane keeping, and front/rear cross traffic alert.
- At 4,160 mm long, the Dolphin G becomes the smallest PHEV on sale in the UK and the only full plug-in hybrid in the B-segment, going head-to-head with traditional hybrids like the Toyota Yaris; first deliveries begin in September.
Why it matters: European supermini buyers gain a true plug-in option with 65 miles of EV-only commuting under $25K after incentives — pricing and range that incumbents like the Toyota Yaris can't match with their conventional hybrids — while US buyers are left on the outside looking in, since the Dolphin G isn't being sold stateside.
