Will BYD release an even cheaper version of its Dolphin and wade into the electric vehicle (EV) price war that currently sees the GWM Ora from $35,990 driveaway and MG’s 4 and ZS both not too far behind at $39,990 driveaway?
“Potentially,” according to BYD importer EV Direct CEO David Smitherman, speaking to CarsGuide in the aftermath of the Dolphin from $38,890 (before on-road costs) being displaced by its aggressively-discounted rivals.
“We’re always looking at value for money across the range. We’re also conscious we want to protect the brand but we always want to be competitive, absolutely.”
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Though a temporary move, Smitherman pointed to the existing MY23 Atto 3 Extended Range demonstrator sale that sees the up-spec version of the popular EV SUV slashed by about $8000 to $45,990 drive-away as proof of BYD’s desire to dominate the market, but also confirmed other models in the future might also fit the bill.
A promising candidate is the EV known as both the Seagull and Dolphin Mini – a high-riding city-sized five-door hatch that would comfortably undercut the larger regular Dolphin should it be greenlit for Australia.
Whatever it would be called, Smitherman believes there is potential for the entry-level EV in Australia.
“So, I've had a look at that car… and it's actually a really good proposition,” he revealed. “And it's actually bigger than you think. It's sub-Dolphin, but it's got the latest tech. It's a good size vehicle.
“But I am not confirming that it's coming to us right now.
“We're certainly wanting to grow the portfolio. Our intention is to broaden the product offering, but that it will just take time.”
Overseas reports suggest that a modified version of the Seagull/Dolphin Mini will be made available in Europe from 2025, with additional equipment and technology to better-meet consumer expectations.
Whether this ends up being the sub-Dolphin EV weapon that BYD deploys in the ongoing price war in Australia remains to be seen… but watch this space.
