BYD Dolphin to be priced under RM100k in Malaysia?

UPDATE: The @BraderLanx account seems to have disappeared.

Is the Neta V about to get another ‘EV marhaen’ competitor in the form of the BYD Dolphin? Twitter user @BraderLanx posted on the social media network this month claiming the BYD Dolphin would be launched soon with a starting price tag of under RM100k.

Is that pricetag realistic? If compared to Thailand pricing, we’d say it is possible. Back in May 2023, the BYD Dolphin was unveiled in Thailand with an estimated pricing of 799,999 baht (RM103,926) after government incentives for EVs.

The Thai market RM104k Dolphin is powered by a 94 hp/180 Nm motor, which is powered by a 44.9 kWh BYD Blade battery. The BYD Dolphin also has a smaller battery option available – 30.7 kWh paired with the same 94 hp motor. If priced under RM100k in Malaysia, we could be getting the 30.7 kWh battery for that price point, perhaps with an upgrade to the 44.9 kWh battery pack costing more.

The 0-100 km/h sprint is done in 12.3 seconds, but as always with EVs, it will feel much faster in real-life compared to an ICE-car with the same century sprint time. Claimed range is 410 km per charge in the NEDC cycle, so you can deduct 20% from this for the more realistic WLTP ballpark.

AC charging at 7 kW takes 6 hours and 25 minutes, while DC fast charging at up to 60 kW will refill the battery from 30-80% state of charge (SOC) in 30 minutes. There’s V2L (Vehicle To Load), so you can power electrical appliances with the supplied adapter.

The BYD Dolphin is sort of a B-segment hatchback. It is 4,125 mm long and 1,770 mm wide, which is 220 mm shorter and 22 mm wider than a Honda City Hatchback, but the EV is 82 mm taller than the Honda and its 2,700 mm wheelbase length is in C-segment territory. Without the need to accommodate an engine, EVs can benefit from better packaging.

Currently, one other BYD model is already on sale in Malaysia. The BYD Atto 3 is priced from RM149,800 with a 49.92 kWh battery (345 km WLTP) and RM167,800 with a 60.48 kWh battery (480 km WLTP).

Sime Darby already previewed the Dolphin as one of the cars bound to hit Malaysian showrooms at the Atto 3 launch in December 2022. At that time, a Q4 2023 launch date was indicated.

GALLERY: BYD Seal and Dolphin EA1 previewed in Malaysia

GALLERY: BYD Dolphin EV in Thailand

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Harvinder Sidhu

Harvinder Singh Sidhu thinks there's nothing better than Formula 1, not even sliced bread. Having written about cars since 2006, he plunged head first into the industry out of a passion for all things four-wheeled and everything in between. The F1 enthusiast has been following the sport since 1999 and has been keeping up with it since. In between races he keeps himself busy as the host of the Driven motoring show and as our version of the Joker.

 

Comments

  • Ramesh on Jun 16, 2023 at 10:41 am

    it’s an Atto3 Hatchback, est RM94k for 94hp?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
  • 4GR-FSE on Jun 16, 2023 at 10:42 am

    nvm the horse power.. The 180Nm torque is more than good enough for normal city driving. That is the purpose of this car is built for.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
  • Selling how much cheaper also no use as long expensive road tax, charging infrastructure problem for high rise, amount of charger, net cost of charging not cheaper than oil pumping cost problem not solved. Most ppl will still hesitate to switch from ICE to BEV in Msia. BEV are just rich ppl toys for now.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 14
    • Paul Tan on Jun 16, 2023 at 10:54 am

      For road tax, you may use our EV road tax calculator

      https://www.carbase.my/tool/ev-road-tax-calculator

      94hp = 69 kW

      the result = RM56 a year is affordable

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 0
    • Haters gonna hate on Jun 16, 2023 at 11:04 am

      Some people just comment for the sake of commenting, nvr even spend time to research.

      Complaining BEV is rich people toys just putting yourself in a poor and naïve mindset

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 7
      • Then I would like to ask you as rich and realistic mind
        1. How many service centers it has? How about of availability of parts. Will I given a courtesy car in case of waiting for parts? Do I need to buy a spare car. Should I rent a car instead?
        2. What is the term n condition in their warranty?
        3. Once service outside, How many dealers kerp the part for this model? Will it be very high price due to less competition?
        4. What is the cost for major EV parts?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 7
        • Geoff on Jun 16, 2023 at 3:33 pm

          Now you’re REALLY showing your ignorance on BYD. Do some research before spouting nonsense!

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 3
      • Alex Teh Piau Lip on Jun 16, 2023 at 2:01 pm

        You are a smart Alex but my name also Alex but not so smart as you la but I can change car every 6 months so no need to worry like you about battery I only worry about people like you try to çall other people stupid In a nice way

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 6
  • EV enthusiasts on Jun 16, 2023 at 10:58 am

    Incoming 99800 like Neta. Highly doubt it’s gonna be much cheaper than that.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
    • Meelofa on Jun 16, 2023 at 11:21 am

      https://paultan.org/2023/03/24/bangkok-2023-neta-v-neta-s/

      Neta is cheaper.
      “Priced at 549,000 baht (RM71,297),
      the Neta V costs the same as the entry-level variant of the 1200cc Yaris Ativ.”

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
      • The dolphin cost 800,000 baht in Thailand

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
        • Meelofa on Jun 16, 2023 at 1:39 pm

          Do BYD need to follow Neta markup RM price strategy with RM10,000 cash voucher?

          “Neta V – cheapest EV in Malaysia at RM99,800, plus RM10k cash voucher; 380 km range, 120 km/h max”

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • RM 99,999.99 bawah 100K juga

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • Rakyat on Jun 16, 2023 at 12:50 pm

    Wow this is promising news. If we are selling it same price like most countries then this car will sell like hot cake and will benefit many Malaysian. This will allow most of us to experience the EV world. Although this is just their entry level model but its good enough for us to take us out of the jungle into the modern world that is so far ahead from us. Malu to be considered jungle people in the eyes of so many countries. Kesian us

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Rakyat on Jun 16, 2023 at 1:01 pm

    Can I pay booking now? Will they accept booking. This one I need to buy for sure. Worth it.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • Geoff on Jun 16, 2023 at 3:30 pm

    And for the same money, you could buy a much higher spec’d MG4, with greater range, rear wheel drive, bigger battery… I could go on LOL.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
 

Add a comment

required

required