BYD launches sub-$40k Dolphin – but you probably can’t buy it

BYD Auto New Zealand has launched a third variant of the small Dolphin hatchback, but for now, it is off-limits to regular buyers.

The ‘Essential,’ which landed in New Zealand for the first time last month, is a standard-range Dolphin with a few niceties removed to bring the price down.

While it keeps its 44.9kWh battery and full safety credentials, it loses the moonroof, privacy glass, heated seats, and two-year data pack that operated features like Spotify streaming.

It is hardly a ‘stripper’ model, with the synthetic-leather seats, alloy wheels, app connectivity, and Over-The-Air updates remaining.

“This is a special-spec vehicle that has been ordered for specific government fleet pool vehicles,” BYD NZ’s Warren Willmot says.

Sub $40k?

Willmot would not confirm the price of the vehicle, though EVs and Beyond understands it is under $40,000.

The public can’t simply walk into a BYD showroom and buy an ‘Essential.’ Willmot says it is only available through the ‘All-of-Government’ fleet scheme, which covers major government fleets and some private operators, with pricing volume-dependent.

If you are not a government department and want a Dolphin without a sunroof, you will likely need to wait until one hits the secondary market.

With the electric vehicle market currently struggling, pricing for the existing Dolphin with the same battery has dropped from $49,990 at launch to a sharp $43,990.

EVs and Beyond asked Willmot if he felt there was room for a model like this in the market when other competitors were discounting their standard models below this level. The Nissan Leaf is now retailing at $29,990 in 40kWh form and $36,990 in 59kWh form. The GWM Ora is currently retailing at $37,990, while the pricing of larger discounted EVs is also compelling.

“Other brands appear to be in the market of getting out of the BEV space, whereas BYD is building more options and is here for the long haul,” Willmot says.

“Our superior and safe battery technology, great warranty, franchised panel network, and other programmes we have in place will show BYD to have excellent resale value in a few years’ time.

“It’s not always about the price of the vehicle – it’s about being fit for purpose and having exceptional backup and support across the country.”