EV Direct introduces $29,990 BYD Dolphin Essential to Australian market

BYD Australia has confirmed it will launch an entry-level Dolphin Essential model priced from A$29,990, plus on-road costs, making it the most affordable electric vehicle in the market, and providing price parity with ICE hatchbacks.

EV Direct managing director Luke Todd confirmed the move on social media.

He says that being the first EV brand in Australia to break the $30,000 price tag is a major milestone.

Todd says EV Direct, in partnership with BYD, continues to lead the way in affordable luxury for more Australians.

The BYD Dolphin Essential undercuts the regular version’s $38,890 price tag. The Essential versions lose features like a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, a wireless phone charger, data plans and premium tyres. Orders have opened for the Essential models ahead of deliveries beginning in March.

The Dolphin Essential features a single 70kW/180Nm front-mounted electric motor powered by a 44.9kWh Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. Claimed WLTP range is 340km.