BYD Auto South Africa is turning heads in the local EV market with the exciting launch of its bold, compact hatchback — the Dolphin Surf.
Packed with practical features, sleek styling, and cutting-edge tech, this newcomer arrives at a price point that’s hard to ignore, making it South Africa’s most budget-friendly electric car to date.
Hitting the streets at under R400,000, the Dolphin Surf is more than just a new model — it’s a big step forward in making electric mobility a real option for everyday South Africans.
This launch signals a major shift in the local EV scene, tackling two of the biggest hurdles — affordability and accessibility — head-on. With its smart design, impressive tech, and wallet-friendly price, the BYD Dolphin Surf is poised to shake up the market and welcome a fresh wave of drivers to the electric revolution.
City-Ready and Feature-Packed
Meet the BYD Dolphin Surf – a smart, stylish city car that’s built to thrive in the urban jungle. With its compact 3,925mm frame, it zips through tight streets and parking spots with ease, while still offering a surprisingly roomy interior. Be it you are a young professional, a busy parent, or a startup founder always on the move, the Dolphin Surf fits right into your fast-paced lifestyle.
Underneath its sleek exterior lies BYD’s game-changing Blade Battery – a global standout for its top-notch safety, long-lasting performance, and durability. Buyers can choose between two battery setups: a 30kWh pack for up to 220km (WLTP), or a larger 38.8kWh version that stretches the range to an impressive 295km.
But the tech perks don’t stop there. The Dolphin Surf comes equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, turning your EV into a mobile power hub for gadgets, gear, or even a mini outdoor setup. Inside, the cabin is all about driver-focused tech, featuring BYD’s signature 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen, seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a smart voice assistant that responds to a simple “Hi BYD.”
The Dolphin Surf’s winning formula
Safety meets innovation in the BYD Dolphin Surf, which proudly boasts a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating – the highest possible score and a standout achievement in its segment. As the only compact EV in its category to earn this top-tier recognition, the Dolphin Surf delivers outstanding protection for both adults and kids, backed by a suite of advanced driver-assist technologies that keep every journey secure and stress-free. It’s proof that you don’t need to sacrifice safety or smarts to drive electric on a budget – the Dolphin Surf brings it all together in one confident, capable package.
Sharing the brand’s vision for accessible green mobility, Ming Xing, Brand and Marketing Manager at BYD, explains:
“The BYD Dolphin Surf represents our belief that sustainable mobility shouldn’t be out of reach, it should be an exciting, everyday reality for real people, in real cities, living real lives. Whether you are navigating the busy streets of Joburg, heading down to Cape Town’s seaside, or making the morning school run in Durban, the Dolphin Surf is designed for your life – quiet, smooth, and kind to the planet,” said Ming Xing.
Would you like to be the first to test drive this bold new EV?
To celebrate the launch of the BYD Dolphin Surf, the brand is rolling out the red carpet with an exciting public event at Battery Park, V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
Join the fun on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September 2025, from 09:00 to 17:00, and get an exclusive first look at the Dolphin Surf up close.
Visitors can explore the car’s sleek design, sign up for test drives at dealerships across the country, and enjoy a day packed with interactive activities, entertainment, and awesome prizes. Whether you are curious about switching to electric or just looking for a great weekend outing, this is your chance to experience why the Dolphin Surf is sparking a buzz in the local EV scene.
Test drives are also available now at BYD dealerships nationwide. Visit https://byd.com/za for more info.
Event details:
Date: 13-14 September
Venue: Battery Park, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Entry: Free
HAVE YOU READ THIS: Penquin taps into AI magic to reimagine kids’ stories for World Literacy Day