BYD Dolphin: A budget-friendly EV with a robust safety system

Launched in Malaysia back in July, the BYD Dolphin is offered in two variants with prices starting from RM 100k, making it a viable option for budget-conscious Malaysians who wish to make the electric leap. However, some of us might assume that its affordability compromises safety standards. Well, that’s not the case. The BYD EV delivers high safety levels while remaining budget-friendly and the proof is its recently achieved 5-star safety rating.

The BYD Dolphin has been awarded a five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP, Europe’s leading independent safety assessment program. The EV scored an impressive 89% score in the Adult Occupant Protection category with the rating agency praising how the passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal offset test. 

In the Child Occupant protection test, the car achieved 87%, minimising impact to all critical body areas for both six and ten-year-old dummies. The safety assist systems achieved a score of 79%, with remarkable performance from the camera-based Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Lane Keeping Assist systems. In the vulnerable road user category, the EV obtained 85% points thanks to the autonomous emergency braking system, which recognises pedestrians and cyclists effectively.

The EV underpins the new generation e-Platform 3.0 with the ultra-safe Blade Battery and a ‘multi-load path’ structure controlling how energy is absorbed by the vehicle in the event of a collision, minimising intrusion into the passenger cabin. 

The robust safety system of the BYD Dolphin comprises a range of safety and advanced driver assistance features as standard equipment. Let’s know them in detail.

Six airbags: The EV comes packed with six airbags, including dual front, dual side, and dual side curtain units.

Adaptive Cruise Control: This system automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed and maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle running in front, which helps in driving safely on highways.

Automatic Emergency Braking: It helps reduce the severity of accidents by detecting potential collisions and applying the brakes if the driver doesn't react in time.

Intelligent Power Brake System: This system enhances safety and control in various driving conditions by optimising braking force.

Emergency Lane Keeping Assist: This helps prevent unintentional lane departures by providing steering assistance and keeping the vehicle within its lane during emergencies.

Lane Departure Warning: This system alerts the driver when the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane, and thus helps in preventing accidents.

Lane Keeping Support: It helps the vehicle stay in the lane by gently steering it back into the lane if it starts to drift.

Lane Change Collision Warning: It warns the driver about potential collisions at the time of changing lanes, which is quite helpful during highway driving.

Lane Departure Prevention: This system actively intervenes by steering or braking to prevent the vehicle from leaving its lane without signalling.

Predictive Collision Warning: This system enhances situational awareness by using advanced sensors and data to alert the driver to potential collision risks.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert: At the time of reversing out of parking spaces, this alert system warns the driver of approaching vehicles and reduces the risk of collisions.

Rear Cross Traffic Brake: This safety feature applies the brakes if necessary to avoid a collision while reversing.

Blind Spot Detection: Helping the driver look after the vehicles in blind spots, this detection system reduces the risk of lane-change accidents.

Door Opening Warning: When it's unsafe to open the car door, this system alerts passengers and prevents accidents with passing cyclists or vehicles.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System: It keeps the driver informed about tyre pressure levels, which not only promotes safe handling but also helps in fuel efficiency.

360-degree Camera System: It provides a comprehensive view of the vehicle's surroundings, aiding in parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces.

Parking sensors: The EV comes equipped with two parking sensors in the front and three in the rear, helping the driver navigate parking spaces efficiently.

That’s all about the strong safety net of the BYD Dolphin. Speaking about its powertrain specifications, the base-spec version runs on a single electric motor delivering 94 PS of maximum power and 180 Nm of peak torque while the top-spec is powered by a more potent motor making 204 PS and 310 Nm. The former comes mated to a 44.9 kWh BYD Blade Battery pack, offering a WLTP-claimed range of 340 km while the latter houses a bigger 60.48 kWh unit, which lets the EV cruise up to 427 km on a single charge.

On the purchase of the all-electric Dolphin, BYD SD Motors Malaysia offers a 6-year/150,000 km warranty against the vehicle and an 8-year/160,000 km warranty against the high-voltage battery.

Also read: BYD Dolphin EV reaches 500,000 production milestone globally