Charging is possible by using a regular wall plug or a charging station. Public charging is always done through a charging station. How fast the EV can charge depends on the charging station (EVSE) used and the maximum charging capacity of the EV. The table below shows all possible options for charging the BYD DOLPHIN 44.9 kWh Active. Each option shows how fast the battery can be charged from empty to full.
Europe
Charging an EV in Europe differs by country. Some European countries primarily use 1-phase connections to the grid, while other countries are almost exclusively using a 3-phase connection. The table below shows all possible ways the BYD DOLPHIN 44.9 kWh Active can be charged, but some modes of charging might not be widely available in certain countries.
Type 2 (Mennekes - IEC 62196)
Charging Point
Max. Power
Power
Time
Rate
Wall Plug (2.3 kW)
230V / 1x10A
2.3 kW
23 hours
12 km/h
1-phase 16A (3.7 kW)
230V / 1x16A
3.7 kW
14h30m
18 km/h
1-phase 32A (7.4 kW)
230V / 1x32A
7.4 kW
7h15m
37 km/h
3-phase 16A (11 kW)
230V / 1x16A
3.7 kW †
14h30m
18 km/h
3-phase 32A (22 kW)
230V / 1x32A
7.4 kW †
7h15m
37 km/h
† = Limited by on-board charger, vehicle cannot charge faster.
Fast Charging (10 -> 80%)
Rapid charging enables longer journeys by adding as much range as possible in the shortest amount of time. Charging power will decrease significantly after 80% state-of-charge has been reached. A typical rapid charge therefore rarely exceeds 80% SoC. The rapid charge rate of an EV depends on the charger used and the maximum charging power the EV can handle. The table below shows all details for rapid charging the BYD DOLPHIN 44.9 kWh Active.
Max. Power: maximum power provided by charge point
Avg. Power: average power provided by charge point over a session from 10% to 80%
Time: time needed to charge from 10% to 80%
Rate: average charging speed over a session from 10% to 80%
Combined Charging System (CCS Combo 2)
Charging Point
Max. Power
Avg. Power
Time
Rate
CCS (50 kW DC)
50 kW
40 kW †
50 min
220 km/h
CCS (100 kW DC)
60 kW †
50 kW †
40 min
270 km/h
CCS (150 kW DC)
60 kW †
50 kW †
40 min
270 km/h
This vehicle supports Autocharge
This vehicle does not support Plug & Charge
† = Limited by charging capabilities of vehicle
Autocharge: allows for automatic initiation of a charging session at supported CCS charging stations.
Plug & Charge: allows for automatic initiation of a charging session at supported CCS charging stations in accordance with ISO 15118.
Actual charging rates may differ from data shown due to factors like outside temperature, state of the battery and driving style.
BYD Claimed Specifications
The table below shows the claimed specifications from the manufacturer for charging the BYD DOLPHIN 44.9 kWh Active. The specifications can differ from the table above for a variety of reasons. If real-world charge tests are available, these differences can be signifcant. If no real-world tests are available, the table above will be based on the manufacturer specifications as per the table below.
Max. Power: maximum charge power during charging session
Charge From: battery percentage (% SoC) where charging session is started
Charge To: battery percentage (% SoC) where charging session is ended
Time: time needed for charging session
BYD Claimed Specifications
Max. Power
Charge From
Charge To
Time
60 kW
10 %
80 %
38 min
Dimensions and Weight
Length
4290 mm
Width
1770 mm
Width with mirrors
2012 mm
Height
1570 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
Weight Unladen (EU) *
1650 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR)
No Data
Max. Payload
No Data
Cargo Volume
345 L
Cargo Volume Max
1310 L
Cargo Volume Frunk
0 L
Roof Load
No Data
Tow Hitch Possible
No Data
Towing Weight Unbraked
0 kg
Towing Weight Braked
0 kg
Vertical Load Max
No Data
About this Vehicle
BYD DOLPHIN 44.9 kWh Active Overview
The BYD Dolphin 44.9 kWh Active positions itself as an affordable, mainstream electric hatchback ideal for urban commuters and small families seeking a practical BYD electric car. With its compact 4.29-meter length and 5-seat configuration, this BYD Dolphin review highlights its appeal in the budget EV segment, undercutting pricier rivals while delivering solid EV specs. Built on BYD’s innovative e-Platform 3.0, it features a Blade Battery LFP chemistry for enhanced safety and longevity, paired with a cute, oceanic-inspired design philosophy emphasizing agility and versatility.
Targeted at city drivers prioritizing low running costs and ULEZ compliance, the BYD Dolphin 44.9 kWh Active stands out with a 12.8-inch rotatable touchscreen, vegan leather seats, and advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and 360-degree cameras. In the competitive electric vehicle landscape, it matters as BYD’s entry-level offering that challenges European brands with superior battery tech and value, boasting up to 340 km WLTP range for daily drives. Its front-wheel-drive setup and efficient PMSM motor make it a nimble choice for the growing affordable electric hatchback market.
BYD DOLPHIN 44.9 kWh Active Performance and Driving Experience
The BYD Dolphin 44.9 kWh Active delivers modest yet peppy performance with instant torque from its single front-mounted PMSM electric motor, providing smooth power delivery suited to urban environments. Acceleration is relaxed at 12.3 seconds for 0-100 km/h, prioritizing efficiency over outright speed, while handling feels stable thanks to a low center of gravity from the integrated Blade Battery pack. Real-world driving impressions praise its agile turning circle of 10.5 meters and comfortable ride, enhanced by 16-inch bi-color alloy wheels and features like rain-sensing wipers for everyday usability. As a front-wheel-drive (FWD) model, it offers predictable dynamics without the complexity of AWD.
Specification
Value
0-60 mph (0-100 km/h)
12.3 sec
Top Speed
150 km/h (93 mph)
Power Output
94 hp / 70 kW
Torque
180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
BYD DOLPHIN 44.9 kWh Active Range and Battery Specifications
Official BYD Dolphin 44.9 kWh Active WLTP range reaches 340 km (211 miles), though real-world range typically hits around 289 km (180 miles) depending on conditions, with efficiency at 15.5 kWh/100 km (about 250 Wh/mi). The 44.9 kWh usable capacity (46 kWh nominal) uses durable LFP Blade Battery technology, known for thermal stability and 3,000+ charge cycles. Factors like cold weather, aggressive driving, or highway speeds can reduce BYD Dolphin’s real-world range by 15-20%, but its 6.44 km/kWh rating ensures economical use for commuters.
Range Metric
Value
WLTP Range
340 km (211 miles)
EPA Range
Not available
Real-World Range
289 km (180 miles)
Battery Capacity
44.9 kWh (usable)
BYD DOLPHIN 44.9 kWh Active Charging Times and Options
Home charging for the BYD Dolphin 44.9 kWh Active is straightforward with a 7 kW onboard AC charger, taking about 6-7 hours for a full charge on a 7.4 kW wallbox, or longer on Level 1. DC fast charging peaks at 65 kW (some sources note 60 kW), achieving 10-80% in 38-46 minutes via CCS Type 2 port, compatible with major European networks. Practical scenarios include overnight off-peak scheduling via the BYD app for cost savings, or quick top-ups for longer trips, with V2L capability up to 3.3 kW for powering devices.
Charging Method
Time
Speed
Level 1 (120V)
20 hours
~2.3 kW
Level 2 (240V/7kW)
6-7 hours
~7 kW
Level 2 (240V/11kW)
4-5 hours
~11 kW
DC Fast Charge (10-80%)
38-46 min
up to 65 kW
BYD DOLPHIN 44.9 kWh Active vs Competitors
The BYD Dolphin 44.9 kWh Active excels in value against rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which offers a superior 400+ km range but at a higher price, or the Kia EV6 with faster acceleration yet less affordable entry pricing. Compared to the Tesla Model 3 standard range, the Dolphin provides similar urban practicality and better battery safety via LFP tech, though it lags in top speed and supercharger access. In BYD Dolphin vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6 matchups, it wins on upfront cost and warranty, making it ideal for budget-conscious buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The BYD Dolphin 44.9 kWh Active achieves around 289 km (180 miles) in real-world conditions, based on an efficiency of 15.5 kWh/100 km. This drops in cold weather or highway driving, but suits most daily commutes under 200 km.
Full AC charging on a 7 kW home wallbox takes 6-7 hours, while DC fast charging (10-80%) completes in 38-46 minutes at up to 65 kW. Level 1 socket charging requires about 20 hours.
It’s front-wheel drive (FWD) with a single PMSM motor, offering efficient, predictable handling without AWD complexity, ideal for city use.
The Blade Battery is BYD’s LFP chemistry pack with 44.9 kWh usable capacity, renowned for puncture resistance, thermal stability, and over 3,000 charge cycles, enhancing safety over traditional lithium-ion.
The Dolphin offers better value and LFP battery longevity at a lower price than the Ioniq 5’s longer 400+ km range and faster charging, but trails in power and premium interior feel.
Yes, for budget buyers—pros include 340 km WLTP range, low costs, and rich features like a rotatable screen; cons are modest 94 hp acceleration and no EPA rating yet.> The BYD Dolphin 44.9 kWh Active is an affordable electric hatchback with 211-mile WLTP range, 94 hp FWD power, and LFP Blade Battery for safety. It shines in urban commuting with 65 kW fast charging and features like a 12.8-inch rotating screen, outpacing rivals in value. Perfect for first-time EV owners seeking efficiency and style.
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