USA EV Comparison: Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh vs BYD Dolphin Active
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General Info
While the BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) is currently produced, it is not offered for sale in the United States. The Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh (2014-2016) has been discontinued. You can find it for as low as $7435 on the used car market.
The two vehicles share the same body style: Hatchback.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh | BYD Dolphin Active |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2014-2016 | 2024-… |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Produced |
| Country of Manufacture | Germany | China |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU |
| Price USA (Used) | $7435 | - Price USA (Used) |
| GCC Score | 4.4 | 4.8 |
Range and Efficiency
While the BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) offers a longer real-world range and a bigger battery, it is less energy-efficient than the Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh (2014-2016).
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh | BYD Dolphin Active |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 83 mi | - Range (EPA) |
| Range (WLTP) | - Range (WLTP) | 211 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 84 mi | 180 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 24.2 kWh | 46 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 20.5 kWh | 44.9 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 24.4 kWh/100 mi | 24.9 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 4.1 mi/kWh | 4.01 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 5.4 | 6.2 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
The BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) offers faster charging speeds at DC stations, reaching up to 65 kW, while the Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh (2014-2016) maxes out at 40 kW.
The Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh (2014-2016) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 7.2 kW, whereas the BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) is limited to 7 kW.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh | BYD Dolphin Active |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 7.2 kW | 7 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 40 kW | 65 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CCS Type 1 | CCS Type 2 |
| Charging Score | 3.3 | 3.9 |
Performance
Both vehicles are front-wheel drive.
The Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh (2014-2016) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh | BYD Dolphin Active |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | FWD | FWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | PMSM |
| Motor Power (kW) | 85 kW | 70 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 114 hp | 94 hp |
| Motor Torque | 199 lb-ft | 133 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 10 s | 11.8 s |
| Top Speed | 87 mph | 93 mph |
| Performance Score | 2.4 | 2 |
Dimensions
The BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) is taller, but has a similar length and width to the Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh (2014-2016).
The BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh | BYD Dolphin Active |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 167.5 in | 168.9 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 79.8 in | 79.2 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 70.8 in | 69.7 in |
| Height | 57.2 in | 61.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.6 in | 106.3 in |
Cargo and Towing
The Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh (2014-2016) provides more cargo capacity, featuring both a larger trunk and more space with the rear seats folded.
Neither car is equipped with a frunk (front trunk).
Neither vehicle is officially rated for towing in the US.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 24.2 kWh | BYD Dolphin Active |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 3391 lb | 3320 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 22.8 ft3 | 12.2 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 52.7 ft3 | 46.3 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 3.8 | 4.4 |
