8 months in the Dolphin — what I'd tell my…

mikew · 2026-04-28T13:45:07.885Z

Approaching 9k miles on the Dolphin, all home-charged on the cheap overnight rate. Cost per mile is comically low — works out at around 2.5p including a generous estimate for tyre wear. Things I wish I'd known: the regen toggle isn't where you think it is, the boot is more shallow than tall so prams sit awkwardly, the heat pump option (UK trim doesn't get one as standard on lower spec) is the difference between 240 and 200 winter range, and the wireless CarPlay drops out roughly once a week and needs a phone restart. What I love: ride for a small EV is genuinely good, the seats are way more comfortable than the price tag suggests, and the way it just absorbs urban driving — the visibility, the small turning circle, the responsive low-speed throttle — makes it feel built for exactly this. What I'd change: the screen orientation toggle is a gimmick after week one, the 360 cam resolution is not great in low light, and lane assist is keen and a bit dim — I keep it off. Would I buy again at this price? Yeah, easily. Anyone else hitting the 1-year mark want to add to the list?

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8 months in the Dolphin — what I'd tell my… | BYD

8 months in the Dolphin — what I'd tell my pre-purchase self