BYD Dolphin G DM i electric range, battery and charging explained

Home › Models › BYD Dolphin G DM-i › Range & Charging

BYD Dolphin G DM-i

Understanding the BYD Dolphin G DM i electric range is crucial for anyone considering this new plug-in hybrid supermini. As the first car developed by BYD specifically for Europe, and the brand’s most compact DM-i model, it offers a sophisticated front-wheel-drive Super Hybrid DM-i powertrain. This advanced setup combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder Xiaoyun petrol engine with a capable electric motor. The petrol engine alone produces 95 PS (70 kW) and 120 Nm of torque.

The vehicle integrates two electric machines—a drive motor and a generator—alongside the petrol engine. This allows for both EV mode and HEV mode with five intelligent configurations, including a clutch-based direct drive. This provides the flexibility of an internal combustion engine, supplemented by a 42-litre fuel tank, alongside significant pure-electric capabilities for daily commuting.

BYD Dolphin G DM i battery size and trim differences

The BYD Dolphin G DM i battery size varies depending on which trim level you choose from the lineup, which includes Active, Boost, Comfort, and Sport. The entry-level Active trim is equipped with a 7.42 kWh Blade battery, which uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology. This provides a total system output of 176 PS (129 kW) when combined with the petrol engine. The kerb weight for this specific trim is 1,440 kg, and it rides on 16-inch alloy wheels.

If you opt for the higher-specification Boost, Comfort, or Sport trims, the BYD Dolphin G DM i battery size increases significantly to 18.3 kWh. This larger battery pack also increases the total system output to 212 PS (156 kW). Despite the difference in battery sizes and power output, all versions share a maximum system torque of 210 Nm. Every model across the range is capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph in 8.3 seconds, with a top speed capped at 112 mph. The kerb weight for the 18.3 kWh trims increases to 1,555 kg. The Boost trim features 16-inch wheels, the Comfort trim upgrades to 18-inch dual-tone alloys, and the Sport trim is fitted with 18-inch gloss black wheels.

BYD Dolphin G DM i electric range and total range

The BYD Dolphin G DM i electric range depends directly on the battery capacity of your chosen trim. For the Active trim with the 7.42 kWh battery, the pure-electric WLTP range is officially rated at 24.8 miles. When the 42-litre petrol tank is fully utilised alongside a fully charged battery, the total combined range for the Active trim extends up to 633 miles.

For the Boost, Comfort, and Sport trims featuring the larger 18.3 kWh battery, the pure-electric range increases to an impressive 65 miles. This larger capacity allows for more extended zero-emissions driving, suitable for longer commutes. The total combined range for these higher trims reaches up to 646 miles, making it highly suitable for long journeys.

BYD Dolphin G DM i fuel economy and emissions

When evaluating the BYD Dolphin G DM i fuel economy, the BYD’s UK press information figures highlight strong efficiency metrics. The Active trim delivers a combined fuel consumption of 65.6 mpg, with a weighted combined figure of 108.6 mpg. The CO2 emissions for this entry-level model are rated at 60 g/km.

For the Boost, Comfort, and Sport models equipped with the 18.3 kWh battery, the BYD’s UK press information spec table lists a combined fuel consumption of 62.7 mpg and a highly efficient weighted combined figure of 201.7 mpg, alongside CO2 emissions of just 32 g/km.

Trim LevelBattery SizePure-electric RangeWeighted Fuel EconomyCO2 Emissions
Active7.42 kWh24.8 miles108.6 mpg60 g/km
Boost18.3 kWh65 miles201.7 mpg32 g/km
Comfort18.3 kWh65 miles201.7 mpg32 g/km
Sport18.3 kWh65 miles201.7 mpg32 g/km

Charging capabilities and times

Charging times and capabilities differ between the entry-level and higher trims, impacting how quickly you can replenish the BYD Dolphin G DM i battery size. The Active trim features a 3.3 kW AC onboard charger, allowing the 7.42 kWh battery to charge from 15% to 100% in approximately 2.8 hours. However, the Active trim does not support DC rapid charging, nor does it offer Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality.

The Boost, Comfort, and Sport trims benefit from a faster 6.6 kW AC onboard charger, taking about 2.9 hours to charge the larger 18.3 kWh battery from 15% to 100%. More importantly, these trims include 39 kW DC rapid charging capability, enabling a fast charge from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes.

Furthermore, starting from the Boost trim, the car features a 3.3 kW V2L system. This innovative technology allows you to power external electrical devices directly from the car’s battery, which can be particularly useful for camping trips or powering equipment on the go.

FAQ

What is the BYD Dolphin G DM i electric range? The pure-electric range is 24.8 miles for the Active trim (7.42 kWh battery) and up to 65 miles for the Boost, Comfort, and Sport trims (18.3 kWh battery).

What is the BYD Dolphin G DM i battery size? The Active trim is fitted with a 7.42 kWh Blade battery, while the Boost, Comfort, and Sport trims feature a larger 18.3 kWh battery pack.

What is the BYD Dolphin G DM i fuel economy? According to BYD’s press information, the weighted combined fuel consumption is 108.6 mpg for the Active trim and 201.7 mpg for the 18.3 kWh trims.

How long does it take to charge? Using the 39 kW DC rapid charger (available on Boost, Comfort, and Sport trims), it takes 26 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. AC charging from 15% to 100% takes 2.8 hours at 3.3 kW (Active) or 2.9 hours at 6.6 kW (other trims).

Confirm current price, offers and delivery times with your local BYD dealer.