EV Select buyer's guide: researched from manufacturer data and independent range tests; not a road test. We haven't driven this car for this guide, and it contains no driving impressions or scores.

Why it's on our list
Hatch from $29,990 list; BYD is advertising the Essential at $28,888 drive-away.
It sits at number 5 by registrations in our Under $40k bracket, with 3,405 sold in Australia January to September 2026 (VFACTS/EVC).
Price
The Standard Range is $29,990 (list price before on-roads). A national indicative drive-away figure is about $28,888; get a dealer quote for your postcode. Prices are in AUD.
Battery and range
Claimed range is 340 km (WLTP). The battery is 44.9 kWh (nominal).
Highway range tests
Neither Bjørn Nyland (120 km/h) nor Out of Spec (70 mph) has published a test matched to this variant yet. Expect highway range well below the claimed figure; we'll add a test when one appears.
Charging
Peak DC fast charging is 60 kW.
Size and performance
| Body | Hatch |
|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 12.3 s |
Warranty and safety
Check the current warranty and capped-price servicing terms on BYD Australia's site, and the car's rating on ANCAP before you buy (see sources below). We only state ratings we have checked against ANCAP's own listing.
Rivals in the Under $40k bracket
- Jaecoo J5 EV Summit, $36,990
- BYD Atto 2 Dynamic, $31,990
- BYD Atto 1 Essential, $23,990
- BYD Atto 3 Essential Standard Range, $39,990
- All BYD Dolphin variants in our EV database
- All EV Select buyer's guides by price
FAQ
How much is the BYD Dolphin Standard Range in Australia?
$29,990 (list price before on-roads).
What range does the Dolphin Standard Range have?
340 km claimed (WLTP). No matched independent highway test yet.
How fast does the Dolphin charge?
Up to 60 kW DC.