What are the BYD Dolphin Problems? Learn Before You Buy

The official launch date of the BYD Dolphin in Malaysia was July 20, 2023. This all - electric vehicle was introduced to the local market by BYD Malaysia. Positioned as a compact hatchback, it mainly targets urban commuting and offers high cost - effectiveness. The Dolphin is equipped with a 44.9 kWh blade battery pack, offering a NEDC driving range of up to 427 kilometers. It also supports 60 kW fast charging, allowing it to charge from 30% to 80% in 30 minutes, which is very suitable for the daily use of Malaysian users. As a product of BYD's e - Platform 3.0, the Dolphin is equipped with an intelligent connected system and DiPilot driving assistance features, which can effectively enhance driving convenience in congested cities like Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian consumers can choose from two configuration versions: Premium and Dynamic. The starting price is RM99,900, and it enjoys tax exemptions compared to fuel - powered vehicles in the same class. The launch of this vehicle has enriched the options in the Malaysian electric vehicle market. Its compact body and flexible handling are particularly suitable for the narrow local roads, and the safety of the blade battery also meets the needs of the tropical climate. Currently, test drives are available at BYD showrooms in places like Selangor. With the Malaysian government's policy to promote the popularization of electric vehicles, high - cost - effective models like the Dolphin will become strong alternatives to traditional fuel - powered vehicles.

The BYD Dolphin has a body length of 4,290 millimeters. This compact electric vehicle is well - suited for the urban driving environment in Malaysia due to its agile dimensions, especially excelling in congested roads and tight parking spaces. As a model built on BYD's e - Platform 3.0, despite its compact body, the Dolphin achieves excellent interior space utilization through its short front overhang design and a 2,700 - millimeter wheelbase. The knee room in the rear row can reach up to 130 millimeters, and the flat - floor design enhances seating comfort. It's worth noting that this size is similar to that of the popular Honda City (4,313 millimeters) and Perodua Myvi (3,895 millimeters) in Malaysia. However, thanks to the electric - vehicle architecture, the Dolphin has a smaller proportion of mechanical space, providing a more spacious cabin within the same external dimensions. Moreover, the 4,290 - millimeter body length, combined with the instant - torque characteristic of electric vehicles, allows the Dolphin to demonstrate flexible handling on winding mountain roads and in urban areas with frequent stops and starts in Malaysia. The standard - equipped reversing radar and rear - view camera system also relieve the pressure on novice drivers when parking in tight spaces. This vehicle also specifically takes into account the needs of the tropical climate. The battery pack uses refrigerant direct - cooling technology to ensure stable performance in high temperatures, which is a practical design for Malaysian users.

As a pure-electric vehicle, the battery capacity of the BYD Dolphin varies depending on the version. The international version is usually equipped with a 44.9 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate Blade Battery, offering a range of about 340 kilometers (NEDC standard). It is suitable for urban commuting and medium - and short - distance travel in Malaysia. It's worth mentioning that the Blade Battery is well - known for its high safety and long lifespan. With its unique structural design, it can effectively reduce the risk of thermal runaway, which is particularly important for users in Malaysia with its tropical climate. In terms of charging, the Dolphin supports 60 kW DC fast charging. It can be charged from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes, while it takes about 7 hours to fully charge with a 7 kW home AC slow charger. Users can choose flexibly according to the local charging facilities. The Malaysian government is actively promoting the construction of electric vehicle infrastructure, including the addition of public charging piles and tax incentives. When purchasing an electric vehicle like the BYD Dolphin, buyers can enjoy exemptions from import duties and consumption taxes, which can reduce the long - term cost of vehicle use. If you have higher requirements for the vehicle's range, you can keep an eye on the possible introduction of a large - battery version by BYD in the future, but you need to weigh the price against your actual needs. It is recommended to check the latest configuration on the official BYD Malaysia website or book a test drive to experience the real range performance before buying a car.

The maintenance service prices of the BYD Dolphin in Malaysia vary depending on different service items and authorized service centers. It is recommended that car owners directly contact the official authorized service centers of BYD Malaysia to get the latest quotes to ensure the accuracy of the information. Generally speaking, the regular maintenance items of electric vehicles are relatively simpler than those of fuel vehicles, mainly including battery system inspection, brake system maintenance, and software updates. Therefore, the maintenance cost may be lower. For Malaysian car owners, choosing an electric vehicle not only allows them to enjoy lower daily usage costs but also helps to reduce carbon emissions, which is in line with the environmental protection trend. In addition, as a globally leading new - energy vehicle brand, BYD's Dolphin model is equipped with advanced blade battery technology, and it has a good reputation in terms of safety and range performance. It is recommended that car owners conduct regular maintenance to keep the vehicle in the best condition. At the same time, they can also pay attention to the promotional activities launched by BYD Malaysia officially, as sometimes free inspections or discount offers are available.

As a pure electric vehicle, the BYD Dolphin has relatively lower maintenance costs in Malaysia compared to traditional fuel - powered cars. This is mainly because electric vehicles have a simpler structure, which reduces routine maintenance items such as engine oil and transmission fluid changes. According to official recommendations, regular maintenance mainly includes battery system inspection, brake fluid replacement, air - conditioning filter renewal, etc. The cost of each maintenance is approximately between RM200 and RM400, depending on the pricing of the service center and the required items. In addition, the battery life and health status of electric vehicles are the key points of maintenance. It is recommended to conduct professional inspections regularly to ensure performance. However, BYD provides a warranty for the battery for up to 8 years or 150,000 kilometers, which can significantly reduce potential costs during long - term use. For Malaysian users, electric vehicles can also save on fuel costs and road taxes, further reducing overall vehicle usage expenses. It should be noted that although electric vehicles require less frequent maintenance, it is still recommended to follow the maintenance cycle specified by the manufacturer to ensure vehicle safety and range performance. Compared with other electric vehicles in the same class, the maintenance cost of the BYD Dolphin is at a moderate level, making it suitable for consumers who focus on economy.

The rim sizes of different versions of the BYD Dolphin vary. For the Dynamic Standard version, the front and rear tire specifications are both 195/60R16. This means the tire width is 195 millimeters, the aspect ratio is 60%, and the rim diameter is 16 inches. As for the Premium Extended version, the front and rear tire specifications are 205/50R17, indicating a tire width of 205 millimeters, an aspect ratio of 50%, and a rim diameter of 17 inches. A larger rim size usually enhances the vehicle's handling and visual appearance. Different tire specifications also affect the vehicle's driving performance, comfort, and energy consumption to some extent.

The BYD Dolphin comes in two variants: Dynamic Standard and Premium Extended. In terms of price, the former is priced at RM 100,000, while the latter costs RM 124,900. There are obvious differences in power performance. The motor of the Dynamic Standard has a maximum horsepower of 95PS, a total power of 70kW, and a total torque of 180N·m. The official 0 - 100km/h acceleration time is 12.3 seconds, and the pure - electric range is 410km. The Premium Extended's motor has a maximum horsepower of up to 204PS, a total power of 150kW, and a total torque of 310N·m. Its 0 - 100km/h acceleration takes only 7 seconds, and the pure - electric range is 490km. Regarding vehicle configuration, the seats of the Dynamic Standard are manually adjustable, and the rear suspension is a torsion beam independent suspension. The Premium Extended has its seats upgraded to electric adjustment, and the rear suspension uses a multi - link independent suspension. The tire specifications are also different. The former uses 195/60R16 tires, while the latter uses 205/50R17 tires. These differences provide consumers with a diverse range of choices, allowing them to select according to their own needs and budgets.

The vehicle weights of different versions of the BYD Dolphin vary. The vehicle weight information of the 2023 BYD Dolphin Dynamic Standard isn't clearly provided, while the 2023 BYD Dolphin Premium Extended weighs 1658 kg. Vehicle weight has an impact on multiple aspects of a car. Heavier vehicles consume more energy when driving, which affects their energy economy. They also require greater braking force during emergency braking and are relatively less flexible to handle. Lighter vehicles usually have better handling and are more responsive. Different vehicle weights each have their own characteristics. Consumers can comprehensively consider their own needs in terms of driving experience, energy consumption, etc., and make a more suitable choice when purchasing a car.

As a popular electric vehicle, the insurance cost of the BYD Dolphin in Malaysia varies according to multiple factors, including the vehicle model, purchase price, the owner's age, driving record, and the type of insurance selected. Generally speaking, the insurance cost of electric vehicles might be slightly higher than that of traditional fuel - powered vehicles because of their higher maintenance costs and battery replacement expenses. However, the specific price depends on the quotes from insurance companies, usually ranging from RM2,000 to RM4,000 per year. It is recommended that car owners compare the quotes from several insurance companies before purchasing insurance and consider whether they need additional coverage, such as natural disaster insurance or theft insurance. In addition, to promote electric vehicles, the Malaysian government may offer some insurance discounts or subsidies. Car owners can consult insurance companies or relevant government departments. While understanding the insurance cost, car owners should also pay attention to the maintenance of electric vehicles and the charging facilities to ensure the long - term and efficient operation of the vehicles. With its environmental friendliness and cost - effectiveness, the BYD Dolphin is gradually gaining popularity in the Malaysian market. Choosing a suitable insurance plan can further reduce the maintenance cost.

As a pure-electric vehicle targeting urban users, the BYD Dolphin has a body measuring 4,290 mm in length, 1,770 mm in width, and 1,570 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. Its compact body is highly suitable for the narrow streets and congested urban areas in Malaysia. Meanwhile, the longer wheelbase ensures a comfortable interior space, especially with excellent rear - seat legroom. This model adopts BYD's latest e - platform 3.0 technology, featuring an efficient electric drive system and a reasonable weight distribution. This not only enhances the handling flexibility but also optimizes energy consumption. For Malaysian consumers, it means lower vehicle - using costs and a more convenient parking experience. In addition, the Dolphin is equipped with a number of intelligent technology features, such as a rotating central control screen and an intelligent driving assistance system, which further enhance the convenience of daily use. These features make it an ideal choice for urban commuting and family use in Malaysia.