BYD launches new Dolphin EV starting under $14K as price war with ICE cars heats up
BYD launched the new Dolphin Honor Edition with more performance, an improved design, and an even lower price tag. The new BYD Dolphin EV starts at $13,900 (99,800 yuan), fueling the automaker’s declared price war on ICE cars.
Meet the new BYD Dolphin EV Honor Edition
After declaring a price war with gas-powered vehicles earlier this week, BYD is launching what could be its most important EV yet.
The new model is BYD’s cheapest Dolphin so far, starting under $14,000 (99,800 yuan). Since launching in 2021, BYD’s all-electric hatch hatch has continued to put up impressive sales numbers.
BYD sold 367,419 Dolphin models last year, up 79% over 2022. The electric hatch made up 12% of BYD’s total sales in 2023. It’s also expanding overseas, with recent launches in Japan, Mexico, Europe, Brazil, and others.
In fact, after launching just last year in Japan, BYD already accounted for 20% of Japan’s imports last month. And Japan is not a known importer. Domestic automakers like Toyota dominate the market, while most vehicles brought in are luxury models.
| BYD Dolphin Honor Edition trim | Price | Battery | Range (CLTC) |
| Vitality | 99,800 yuan ($13,900) |
32 kWh | 302 km (187 mi) |
| Free | 112,800 yuan ($15,700) |
45 kWh | 420 km (261 mi) |
| Fashion | 119,800 yuan ($16,700) |
45 kWh | 420 km (261 mi) |
| Knight | 129,800 yuan ($18,000) |
45 kWh | 401 km (250 mi) |
Now, the new model should see even more demand. The new entry-level Dolphin starts at $13,900 (99,800 yuan) with up to 187 mi (302 km) CLTC range. That’s nearly 5% cheaper than the previous model.
The other three variants are priced between $15,700 and $18,000 (112,800 and 129,800 yuan) with up to 261 mi (420 km) CLTC range.
At 4,125 mm long, 1,770 mm wide, and 1,570 mm tall, the new Dolphin is the same size as its predecessor. In comparison, the EV is slightly smaller than Volkswagen’s ID.3 (4,261 mm long, 1,809 mm wide, and 1,568 mm tall).
BYD’s new electric hatch maintains much of its design, including the “Dolphin” eye LED headlights. The Honor Edition model does include new 16-inch five-hole flower wheel and two new colors.
It also gains a 50W wireless phone charger, a new type-C charging port, and ventilated front seats. The new BYD Dolphin keeps its 12.8″ rotating screen and 5″ instrument display inside.
One of the most notable improvements is an updated rear suspension. With an independent suspension, the new Dolphin Honor Edition is closer to the version launched in Europe.
The Dolphin EV is still powered by two electric motors, but it gained new LFP battery options. BYD’s base model is powered by a 32 kWh battery, while the next up is equipped with a 45 kWh pack for up to 261 mi (420 km) range. A 60 kWh version will roll out with up to 323 mi (520 km) CLTC range.
Electrek’s Take
The new Dolphin launch comes after BYD declared a price war against gas-powered cars earlier this week.
After launching the Qin Plus EV Honor Edition starting at $15,000 (109,800 yuan), BYD warned it is “officially opening a new era of electricity is lower than oil.” The DM-i (PHEV) version is even cheaper at $11,000 (79,800 yuan) with up to 74 mi (120 km) NEDC electric range.
BYD’s price war with gas-powered cars comes after introducing the Qin Plus Champion Edition last year. Starting at $13,900 (99,800 yuan), the Champion Edition was the first time a BYD DM-i vehicle was priced below 100,000 yuan.
Although BYD is often compared to Tesla to gauge sales and demand interest, it’s legacy automakers that are lagging in EV tech that need to worry.
While several automakers, including Ford, GM, and most recently Mercedes-Benz, are delaying EV goals, leaders like BYD and Tesla are plowing ahead.
BYD is considering building a plant in Mexico as it looks to establish an “export hub” to the US. With EVs starting under $14,000 hitting the market, US automakers are already feeling the heat.
At a Wolfe Research conference last week, Ford’s CEO Jim Farley said if you can’t compete with the Chinese, “then 20% to 30%” of your revenue is at risk. Ford will focus on smaller, more affordable EVs to keep up.
BYD, already the leading EV maker globally, looks to solidify its position this year with new models in key segments, including luxury, mid-size SUVs, and affordable.
Source: CarNewsChina, BYD Weibo
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Chevron is not seeing signs that the U.S. is close to a recession even as President Donald Trump’s tariffs weigh on expectations for oil demand, CEO Mike Wirth said Tuesday.
“There’s no signs that we see at this point that we are in or close to a recession,” Wirth told CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” “There are signs that growth may be slowing and we have to always be prepared for that.”
The International Monetary Fund on Monday cut its growth outlook for the U.S. this year to 1.8%, down from 2.7% previously.
The oil market is expecting reduced demand as a consequence of Trump’s tariffs and the decision by OPEC+ increase production faster than expected, Wirth said. Chevron isn’t changing its capital spending plans in response to drop in prices, the CEO said.
U.S. crude oil prices have fallen about 11% since Trump announced his tariffs on April 2. West Texas Intermediate was last up about 72 cents at $63.80 per barrel. OPEC and the International Energy Agency have cut their demand outlooks for this year.
Wirth said U.S. onshore oil production in patches like the Permian Basin is likely to pull back if prices hit $60 per barrel. Offshore production likely won’t be affected, he said.
“That’s an area where if we were to be at a $60 price or even lower you’re likely to see activity pull back in this sector and you’ll see the production response over a few months,” Wirth said. “That’s what we should watch, not so much the deep water activity.”
Chevron is not expecting a major direct impact on its business from Trump’s tariffs as energy has largely been exempt from the levies, Wirth said.
“The effects that we feel are likely to be more the macroeconomic effects as they flow through the economy,” Wirth said. “The bigger issues would be what would it mean for growth, and global trade and how does that evolve.”
Executives at oil and gas companies were scathing in their criticism of Trump’s tariffs in an anonymous March survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, warning that steel tariffs were raising their costs and low prices could impact their activity.
Get Your Ticket to Pro LIVE
Join us at the New York Stock Exchange!
Uncertain markets? Gain an edge with CNBC Pro LIVE, an exclusive, inaugural event at the historic New York Stock Exchange. In today’s dynamic financial landscape, access to expert insights is paramount. As a CNBC Pro subscriber, we invite you to join us for our first exclusive, in-person CNBC Pro LIVE event at the iconic NYSE on Thursday, June 12.
Join interactive Pro clinics led by our Pros Carter Worth, Dan Niles, and Dan Ives, with a special edition of Pro Talks with Tom Lee. You’ll also get the opportunity to network with CNBC experts, talent and other Pro subscribers during an exciting cocktail hour on the legendary trading floor. Tickets are limited!
Little is known about super-secretive EV startup Slate, but the fledgling brand is rumored to be backed by Jeff Bezos and determined to shake up the existing electric order with an affordable lineup of compact SUVs and pickups with that golden $25,000 price tag.
Now, at least, we know what it’s gonna look like. The battle of the billionaires is on!
Redditor jonjopop over at the spotted subreddit spotted what looks like an early prototype of an unbranded SUV with bizarre “CryShare” wrap. CryShare, as a concept, seems to combine the functionality of a ride sharing app like Uber or Lyft with the familiar (to parent, anyway) idea that small babies will often sleep better in a moving car than in their own cribs … but that’s not what’s important here.
Instead, focus on the vehicle itself – parked on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Los Angeles without explanation or fanfare, this is our best look yet at the kind of vehicle(s) Slate is likely to reveal in the coming days.
Stumbled upon the Bezosmobile [Slate Automotive…idk?] being revealed with an absolutely bizarre marketing campaign
byu/jonjopop inspotted
Other local automotive journalists caught wind of the public unveiling, too – and our friends at The Autopian (Hi, Matt!) sent their own David Tracy out on the streets of LA to check it out. Tracy took the following video and posted it to Instagram.
The Slate breaking cover and causing buzz just ahead of what’s sure to be a painful Q1 earnings call for Tesla is a masterstroke of marketing – especially as doubts surrounding the viability of a “less expensive” Tesla Model Y or Model 3 continue to mount amid the uncertainty of Trump’s tariffs and declining sales of the brand’s more profitable models both at home and abroad.
As with so much involving Slate, however, there is nothing here written in stone – or even cast in cheese. Nothing has been announced, nothing is promised, and for all we know this might have more to do with the affordable Rivian brand launch, a new BYD, or be a viral marketing bit from some local Art Center design student in (relatively) nearby Pasadena. In fact, about the only thing I think we can say about Bezos (?) new Slate project with confidence today is this: Elon could probably use that drink.
SOURCES | IMAGES: Reddit, The Autopian.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
-
Sports2 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports1 year agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports1 year agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business3 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway