Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has launched its budget-focused Dolphin Surf EV across Europe and the UK, marking the latest salvo in an intensifying battle for the continent's affordable electric car market. The compact hatchback, which debuted in Berlin on May 21 and recently reached UK showrooms, represents BYD's boldest attempt yet to challenge established automakers with aggressive pricing that undercuts most European rivals.
The launch comes as BYD achieved a milestone in April, when it outsold Tesla in European battery electric vehicle registrations for the first time, with 7,231 units compared to Tesla's 7,165. The Dolphin Surf, known as the Seagull in China where it ranks as BYD's top-selling model, could accelerate that momentum.
The Dolphin Surf starts at €22,990 ($26,000) for a model offering 322 kilometers of range, rising to €24,990 for a 507-kilometer range version1. In the UK, pricing begins at £18,650 for the entry-level Active trim2. BYD is offering promotional pricing through June, with the base model available for €19,9903.
"The compact segment is the next frontier for electrification in Europe," said Maria Grazia Davino, BYD's regional managing director, at the Berlin launch. "We think this market has huge potential"1.
The pricing positions the Dolphin Surf below most European competitors, though it faces challenge from the €17,300 Dacia Spring and €18,900 Leapmotor T033. However, industry analysts note that neither rival offers the Dolphin Surf's combination of range and technology features, including a rotatable 10.1-inch touchscreen and advanced driver assistance systems4.
BYD's European expansion has accelerated dramatically, with registrations surging 359% in April compared to the previous year1. The company now operates its tenth model in Europe and plans to enter 12 new markets this year while expanding to over 1,000 sales locations2.
The Dolphin Surf's arrival intensifies pressure on European automakers to deliver more affordable electric options. Currently, only a handful of models sell for under €20,000, though eleven new models priced below €25,000 are expected this year, including Volkswagen's ID.2, the Renault R5, and Hyundai's Inster2.
BYD plans to begin European production in Hungary by year's end, though specific models haven't been confirmed1. This move could help the company avoid potential trade tensions while reducing costs for European customers.
Stefan Bratzel, head of the Center of Automotive Management, told German media that the market "desperately" needs sub-€20,000 EVs, predicting the Dolphin Surf "will be very successful"1.
