BYD Dolphin Hits 1 Million Sales, Cementing Its Global EV Success

BYD Dolphin Reaches Milestone

BYD’s subcompact electric car, the Dolphin, has officially surpassed 1 million sales, joining an elite group of EVs worldwide. Launched in China in 2021, the Dolphin is the first model in BYD’s successful Ocean series, which also includes the Seal. Its combination of affordability, efficiency, and practicality has made it a favorite among urban EV buyers.

The entry-level Dolphin costs 99,800 yuan ($14,100), offering 94 horsepower and a 45 kWh LFP battery that delivers 261 miles (420 km) of range under the CLTC cycle. A higher-end 201 hp variant with a 60.5 kWh battery pushes the range to 323 miles (520 km), accelerates from 0–62 mph in 7 seconds, and supports 150 kW fast charging. This version has become the most popular choice for buyers seeking longer range and quicker performance.

Expanding Beyond China

While the Dolphin is ubiquitous in China, BYD has aggressively expanded its international presence. The EV is now sold across Asia and selected European markets, with Europe offering only the top-tier version. In Germany, the Dolphin starts at €34,640 ($40,400) before incentives, with a WLTP range of 265 miles (427 km).

BYD plans to double its European footprint by the end of 2026. To support this growth, it is constructing two production facilities: one in Hungary, already nearing completion, and another planned in Turkey. The Hungarian factory alone is projected to produce up to 300,000 cars annually, primarily for the European market.

Dolphin’s Key to Success

The Dolphin’s popularity is driven by affordability, practicality, and reliability. Even the base model provides adequate performance for daily urban driving, while the higher trims cater to longer commutes and highway travel. Its fast-charging capabilities make it convenient for both city and suburban users.

Domestic competition is intense, particularly in China, where aggressive price wars continue. Despite this, the Dolphin remains a top contender, thanks to BYD’s ability to balance cost, range, and features effectively.

BYD’s Other Million-Selling EVs

The Dolphin is not BYD’s only model to hit the million-sales milestone. The Atto 3 (Yuan Plus in China), launched in 2022, and the Seagull (Dolphin Surf in Europe), introduced in 2023, have also reached this benchmark. These models underscore BYD’s rising influence in both domestic and international EV markets.

Globally, only a few EVs have achieved similar success. Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y remain the most prominent examples, with the Model 3 becoming the first EV to surpass 1 million sales in June 2021. In China, SAIC-owned Wuling Motors Mini EV has sold over 1.8 million units, making it the country’s other major million-selling EV.

The Future of BYD

BYD’s long-term strategy focuses on international expansion and production scalability. The company is positioning itself to compete directly with global EV leaders, leveraging its Ocean series and growing manufacturing capacity. With the Dolphin as its flagship, BYD continues to demonstrate that affordable, practical EVs can succeed both at home and abroad.

Recommend Reading: Tesla’s Sales Collapse in Europe as BYD Surges to Record Growth