USA EV Comparison: BYD Dolphin Active vs Dolphin Surf Active
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General Info
While both vehicles are currently in production, they are not sold in the United States.
The two vehicles share the same body style: Hatchback.
| Property | BYD Dolphin Active | BYD Dolphin Surf Active |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2024-… | 2025-… |
| Current Status | Produced | Produced |
| Country of Manufacture | China | China |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Market Availability | EU | EU |
| GCC Score | 4.8 | 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 BYD Dolphin Surf Active (2025-…).
| Property | BYD Dolphin Active | BYD Dolphin Surf Active |
|---|---|---|
| Range (WLTP) | 211 mi | 137 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 180 mi | 116 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 46 kWh | 32 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 44.9 kWh | 30 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 24.9 kWh/100 mi | 25.9 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 4.01 mi/kWh | 3.87 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 6.2 | 5.4 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
Both vehicles support DC fast charging with a maximum power of 65 kW.
The BYD Dolphin Surf Active (2025-…) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 11 kW, whereas the BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) is limited to 7 kW.
| Property | BYD Dolphin Active | BYD Dolphin Surf Active |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 7 kW | 11 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 65 kW | 65 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CCS Type 2 | CCS Type 2 |
| Charging Score | 3.9 | 5 |
Performance
Both vehicles are front-wheel drive.
Although the BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) has more power, the BYD Dolphin Surf Active (2025-…) achieves a faster 0-60 mph time.
| Property | BYD Dolphin Active | BYD Dolphin Surf Active |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | FWD | FWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | PMSM |
| Motor Power (kW) | 70 kW | 65 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 94 hp | 87 hp |
| Motor Torque | 133 lb-ft | 129 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 11.8 s | 10.7 s |
| Top Speed | 93 mph | 93 mph |
| Performance Score | 2 | 2.2 |
Dimensions
The BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) is longer and wider, but about the same height as the BYD Dolphin Surf Active (2025-…).
The BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | BYD Dolphin Active | BYD Dolphin Surf Active |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 168.9 in | 157.1 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 79.2 in | 77.6 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 69.7 in | 67.7 in |
| Height | 61.8 in | 62.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 98.4 in |
Cargo and Towing
The BYD Dolphin Active (2024-…) 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 | BYD Dolphin Active | BYD Dolphin Surf Active |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5 | 4 |
| Curb Weight | 3320 lb | 2853 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 12.2 ft3 | 10.9 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 46.3 ft3 | 36.6 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 4.4 | 4.2 |