Electric-car price war: 2023 BYD Dolphin is Australias new cheapest electric car

Two Chinese car brands have sparked a price war for electric cars in Australia, with two budget models launched within days of each other – separated by $100.

Two Chinese automotive giants have sparked a price war aiming to undercut each other to earn the title of Australia’s cheapest electric car.

Two days after Chinese brand MG announced a new electric car – the MG 4 – priced from $38,990 before on-road costs, arch-rival BYD has announced its new model – the BYD Dolphin – will start from $38,890 before on-road costs.

When they arrive in showrooms later this year, both vehicles will cost close to or in excess of $40,000 drive-away once registration fees and other charges are added.

The distributor for BYD vehicles in Australia today said the $100 difference in RRP between the two electric cars was a coincidence and the price was “locked in months ago.”

Orders for the Dolphin – the second mass-produced model from the Chinese electric-car giant in Australia – are expected to open tonight.

All five electric cars available in Australia for less than $50,000 made in China by three local car brands – MG, BYD and GWM Haval.

It is expected there will be multiple model grades, with a mix of battery sizes and performance levels. Details are due to be confirmed later today.

About the same size as a Toyota Corolla or Hyundai i30, the Dolphin is almost $10,000 cheaper than BYD’s other vehicle on sale in Australia, the $48,011 plus on-road costs Atto 3 small SUV.

It also undercuts the GWM Ora Standard Range from China ($43,990) – and is priced in line with popular petrol-powered hatchbacks including the Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid ($39,100), Hyundai i30 N Line Premium ($37,300) and Mazda 3 G25 GT ($38,420). All prices listed are before on-road costs.

The entry-level Dolphin is expected to be powered by a 70kW/180Nm electric motor and a 44.9kWh battery pack, good for 340km of claimed driving range in European WLTP lab testing, and zero to 100km/h acceleration in a claimed 12.3 seconds.

A more powerful version is available overseas with a 150kW/310Nm electric motor and 60.48kWh battery good for 427km of estimated WLTP range.

For context, the MG 4 51kWh Excite offers 125kW, 0-100km/h in a claimed 7.7 seconds, and 350km of claimed driving range for its $38,990 plus on-road costs list price.

Standard features are expected to include a rotating 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, satellite navigation, and a suite of advanced safety features.

The 2023 BYD Dolphin is due to open for orders in Australia tonight.

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