South Africa just got its most affordable electric vehicle yet. BYD has rolled out the Dolphin Surf, a compact hatchback available in two versions—the Comfort at R339,900 (~$18,200) and the Dynamic at R389,900 (~$20,900). Both sit under the R400k mark, answering the call for a compact, budget-friendly EV built for everyday use.
Topping up from 30% to 80% takes just 30 minutes. Both models deliver 55 kW of power to the front wheels, designed to balance efficiency with daily drivability. Adding to its versatility, the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature turns the Dolphin Surf into a mobile power bank for external devices.
The inside cabin takes a modern but practical approach. A 10.1-inch touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, backed by a 7-inch digital cluster and voice control. Wireless charging for devices, 20 storage spots, and even a karaoke function add to its appeal. Boot space is decent for a city urban hatchback—230 litres, expanding to 930 L with the seats folded.
Safety is covered with a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Early drives along Cape Town’s beachfront showed brisk acceleration, low cabin noise and easy comfort in traffic. There’s no selectable regenerative braking, which fits its simple city brief.
To see just how well it’s priced, here’s how the BYD Dolphin Surf compares with other affordable EVs around the world.
- USA: Nissan Leaf from $29,700; Hyundai Kona Electric $34,500
- UK: Renault Zoe around £24,000 (avg. $33,000); MG ZS EV ~£27,000 (avg. $37,000)
- Nigeria: Used Nissan Leaf from around ₦8,000,000 (avg. $5,500)
- China: Wuling Hongguang Mini EV around ¥30,000–40,000 (avg. $4,300–$5,700)
- UAE: Renault Zoe/Nissan Leaf from AED 90,000 (avg. $24,500)
Note: Conversions are based on exchange rates as of 18 September 2025 and rounded to the nearest hundred.
Entering markets with an affordable vehicle might be the best way for EVs to grow their footprint. If the BYD Dolphin Surf expands into other African countries, it could build on South Africa’s and Nigeria’s momentum to help push the continent closer to mainstream EV adoption. Would you consider buying an electric vehicle at that price?
