BYD Dolphin Surf Active

Overview

The 2025 BYD Dolphin Surf Active is set to make waves as an ultra-accessible electric hatchback for Europe. Priced at a keen €22,990 new, this compact city slicker is all about budget-friendly, zero-emission motoring. The Active trim aims to be the entry point into the Dolphin Surf family, packing essential features and BYD's renowned battery tech. It’s poised to be a strong contender for first-time EV buyers or those needing a nimble urban runabout. Its compact size and cheerful design are definite highlights, promising practical, everyday electric driving without breaking the bank.

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the big news is the arrival of the Dolphin Surf Active itself! This brand-new trim broadens the BYD Dolphin Surf lineup, specifically targeting European city dwellers seeking an affordable entry into electric mobility. It positions itself as a fresh, compact option, bringing BYD's EV expertise to a highly competitive price point. Expect the core Dolphin DNA – like the innovative Blade Battery – but packaged for maximum value in this Active guise. This launch marks a significant step in making electric motoring more attainable for everyone.

Design & Exterior

The BYD Dolphin Surf Active sports a cheeky, compact hatchback design, perfect for navigating tight city streets. Measuring just 3990 mm in length, 1720 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and 1590 mm in height, it’s undeniably urban-friendly. While retaining BYD's "Ocean Aesthetics" cues, the Active trim offers a practical and modern look. Expect efficient LED lighting and stylish wheel designs appropriate for its accessible positioning. Its diminutive footprint doesn't skimp on personality, making it a distinctive choice in the small EV segment.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Dolphin Surf Active offers a surprisingly modern and functional cabin for its class, with seating for four. You'll find BYD's signature rotating central touchscreen, likely supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity. Material quality will be focused on durability, fitting the "Active" brief. For a compact car, cargo space is decent: 308 litres in the boot, expanding to a useful 1037 litres with the rear seats folded down. While there's no frunk, the interior is cleverly designed to maximise passenger and storage utility.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Dolphin Surf Active is engineered for zippy urban performance. Its front-wheel-drive system is powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) delivering 65 kW and 175 Nm of torque. This translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint in a respectable 11.1 seconds, more than adequate for city commuting, and a top speed of 150 km/h. Expect a comfortable ride, light steering ideal for nipping through traffic, and smooth power delivery. Regenerative braking will help eke out extra range, making it an efficient little mover.

Range, Battery & Charging

At its heart, the Dolphin Surf Active features a 30 kWh (usable) LFP Blade Battery, renowned for safety and longevity. Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range of 187 km, ideal for daily urban trips, with an efficiency of 6.23 km/kWh. Charging is handled via a CCS Type 2 port. Standard AC charging is a handy 11 kW, meaning a full top-up takes around 3-4 hours. For quicker boosts, DC fast charging is supported up to 65 kW, which can significantly reduce pit-stop times from its 400V architecture.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While the Dolphin Surf Active specific Euro NCAP rating is pending, the standard BYD Dolphin achieved a full five stars in 2023, indicating a strong safety foundation. You can expect a good suite of standard driver-assistance systems, likely including essentials like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keeping Assist, and possibly Traffic Sign Recognition. BYD often equips its cars generously, so even this entry-level Active trim should offer reassuring safety tech for peace of mind on busy European roads.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

BYD typically offers strong peace of mind in Europe. Expect the Dolphin Surf Active to come with a comprehensive vehicle warranty, often around 6 years or 150,000 km. The crucial LFP battery pack usually gets an even longer warranty, typically 8 years or 200,000 km, guaranteeing at least 70% state of health. Maintenance on EVs is generally lower than petrol cars, and BYD's reputation for battery durability is a plus. Specific details on complimentary maintenance for the EU market will be confirmed closer to local launches.