Electric vehicle manufacturer BYD unveils the hotly anticipated Dolphin Surf model in South Africa, marking a significant step in making eco-friendly automobiles more accessible to the general public.
South Africa's electric vehicle (EV) market is in dire need of a boost, with sales remaining sluggish over the past few years. According to recent statistics, only 570 BEVs were sold in the first half of 2025, a significant drop from the total number sold in 2024. However, the landscape is set to change with the introduction of the BYD Dolphin Surf, an affordable EV offering practicality, safety, and performance.
The Dolphin Surf, priced under R400,000, is set to address the price and accessibility issues plaguing the local EV market. This affordability, coupled with the fact that over 70% of South Africans would be interested in switching to EVs if the cost is less than R500,000, suggests a promising future for the Dolphin Surf.
BYD Auto South Africa's latest offering boasts several impressive features. It is equipped with BYD's Blade Battery, renowned for its safety, durability, and performance. The vehicle is available with two battery options: a 30kWh unit providing up to a 220km WLTP range and a 38.8kWh unit offering up to a 295km WLTP range.
The Dolphin Surf also offers a permanent magnet synchronous motor with peak motor power of 55kW and 135Nm of torque. It has a maximum speed of 130km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 14.2 seconds (Comfort model) and 15.5 seconds (Dynamic model).
In terms of practicality, the Dolphin Surf measures 3,925mm in length, offering spacious interiors. Moreover, it comes with a V2L function, which could be particularly useful for South Africans who enjoy outdoor activities such as having a braai on the go.
Safety is another area where the Dolphin Surf excels. It has received the maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, and offers exceptional protection for both adults and children, alongside advanced safety-assist systems.
The launch of the Dolphin Surf is considered a pivotal moment for the local EV landscape. It comes at a time when some African governments have reduced or removed import duties for BEVs to encourage adoption, such as Ethiopia, Rwanda, Mauritius, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. However, it's important to note that no specific companies have been identified as having reduced or completely removed import tariffs for electric cars in South Africa to stimulate the EV market.
In the first 6 months of 2025, the Volvo EX30 topped South Africa's BEV charts, selling the most units, followed by the Mercedes-Benz EQE. The affordable price and impressive features of the BYD Dolphin Surf could potentially revitalize the South African BEV market, making electric vehicles more accessible to the masses.
As we move towards a more sustainable future, the arrival of the BYD Dolphin Surf is a significant step in the right direction for South Africa's EV market. With its affordable price, impressive features, and commitment to safety, the Dolphin Surf is poised to make a lasting impact on the local EV landscape.
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