The electric vehicle ‘revolution’ has officially arrived for the everyday South African. BYD Auto South Africa has launched the bold and compact Dolphin Surf hatchback, strategically positioned as the country’s most affordable EV with a groundbreaking launch price under R400,000.
This move is an important moment for the local EV landscape, shattering the primary barriers of price and accessibility that have previously limited widespread adoption.
The Dolphin Surf isn’t just another car; it’s a gateway to sustainable mobility for a new wave of drivers.
The EV For Every Vibe
Designed as the ultimate urban companion, the Dolphin Surf combines practicality with advanced technology. Its compact 3,925mm length is perfect for city streets, while the surprisingly spacious interior makes it a compelling option for young professionals, families, and entrepreneurs alike.
At its heart lies BYD’s revolutionary Blade Battery, renowned globally for its safety and durability. Buyers can choose between two battery options: a 30kWh unit for up to 220km (WLTP) of range, or a 38.8kWh unit that extends that range to an impressive 295km (WLTP).
Adding to its modern utility is the innovative Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, turning the car into a mobile power source for everything from laptops to appliances. The user-centric cabin is dominated by a 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, all controllable via the intuitive voice command system activated by simply saying, “Hi BYD.”
Safety Without Compromise
Proving that affordability doesn’t mean cutting corners, the BYD Dolphin Surf has achieved the maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating—a first for a compact EV in its class. This accolade guarantees exceptional protection for all passengers and ensures peace of mind with advanced safety-assist systems on every journey.
“The BYD Dolphin Surf represents our belief that sustainable mobility shouldn’t be out of reach, it should be an exciting, everyday reality for real people, in real cities, living real lives,” says Ming Xing, Brand and Marketing Manager.
“Whether you’re navigating the busy streets of Joburg, heading down to Cape Town’s seaside, or making the morning school run in Durban, the Dolphin Surf is designed for your life – quiet, smooth, and kind to the planet.”
BYD Atto 1. Image by Cars.co.za
Experience the Dolphin Surf First-Hand
To celebrate its launch, BYD is hosting a public event at Battery Park, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September 2025 between 09:00–17:00.
The event offers the chance to see the vehicle up close, sign up for test drives at dealers nationwide, and enjoy a day of activities and prizes.
Test drive the Dolphin Surf at your nearest BYD dealer today and visit https://byd.com/za for more information. The future of driving is electric, accessible, and here.
