USA EV Comparison: Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh vs BYD Dolphin Active
Struggling to Decide? Let AI Help!
Your AI Summary Is Ready!
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 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) has been discontinued. You can find it for as low as $10900 on the used car market.
The two vehicles share the same body style: Hatchback.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | BYD Dolphin Active |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2017-2020 | 2024-… |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Produced |
| Country of Manufacture | Germany | China |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU |
| Price USA (Used) | $10900 | - Price USA (Used) |
| GCC Score | 4.6 | 4.8 |
Range and Efficiency
The BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) boasts a greater real-world range, a larger battery, and superior energy efficiency compared to the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020).
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | BYD Dolphin Active |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 125 mi | - Range (EPA) |
| Range (WLTP) | 144 mi | 211 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 119 mi | 180 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 35.8 kWh | 46 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 32 kWh | 44.9 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 26.9 kWh/100 mi | 24.9 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 3.72 mi/kWh | 4.01 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 5.2 | 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 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) maxes out at 40 kW.
The Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) 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 35.8 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 | 3.9 | 3.9 |
Performance
Both vehicles are front-wheel drive.
The Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | BYD Dolphin Active |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | FWD | FWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | PMSM |
| Motor Power (kW) | 100 kW | 70 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 134 hp | 94 hp |
| Motor Torque | 214 lb-ft | 133 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 9.6 s | 11.8 s |
| Top Speed | 85 mph | 93 mph |
| Performance Score | 2.8 | 2 |
Dimensions
The BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) is taller, but has a similar length and width to the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020).
The BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | BYD Dolphin Active |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 168.1 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 | 103.5 in | 106.3 in |
Cargo and Towing
The Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) 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 35.8 kWh | BYD Dolphin Active |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 3459 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 | 4 | 4.4 |
