BYD Dolphin value and depreciation
Known for affordable electric hatch with usable range.
Projected value of a new BYD Dolphin
We class the BYD Dolphin as a chinese (new entrant) in our 12-tier model, which puts its retention at roughly 47% after three years and 32% after five. No resale track record yet, frequent launch-price cuts and fast model churn. Buy on price, not on resale.
Retention table
| After | Retained | Retail value | Trade-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 68% | R 367 807 | R 323 670 |
| 3 years | 47% | R 252 071 | R 221 822 |
| 5 years | 32% | R 170 113 | R 149 699 |
| 7 years | 21% | R 113 021 | R 99 458 |
| 10 years | 11% | R 59 787 | R 52 613 |
Estimates for a new purchase at R 539 900; retail basis, trade-in ≈ 12% under retail.
BYD's Dolphin hatch reached SA in mid-2024 and briefly held the title of the country's cheapest EV at R539,900. It offers 45kWh and 60kWh battery options with respectable real-world range. The smaller Dolphin Surf has since taken over entry-level EV duties in the range.
What used Dolphin years are worth today
Tap a year for the full breakdown: value range, remaining depreciation, and what to pay.
| Year | Est. retail today | Trade-in | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Dolphin | R 539 900 | R 475 112 | Details → |
| 2025 Dolphin | R 348 632 | R 306 796 | Details → |
| 2024 Dolphin | R 271 470 | R 238 894 | Details → |
Dolphin against its rivals
Where the Dolphin ranks
BYD Dolphin: common questions
What is a BYD Dolphin worth after 3 years?
A BYD Dolphin bought new today for R 539 900 is projected to be worth about R 252 071 after three years, which is 47% of its price. A dealer trade-in offer would sit closer to R 221 822.
Does the BYD Dolphin hold its value?
We class the BYD Dolphin as a chinese (new entrant) in our 12-tier model, which puts its retention at roughly 47% after three years and 32% after five. No resale track record yet, frequent launch-price cuts and fast model churn. Buy on price, not on resale.
What does a used BYD Dolphin cost?
As a guide: a 2024 model is worth about R 271 470 retail today, while a 2024 model sits around R 271 470. Condition, mileage and spec move real prices by 10% or more either way.
What would a BYD Dolphin cost per month?
Financing a new BYD Dolphin at R 539 900 over 72 months at 11.75% with a 10% deposit comes to roughly R 9 437 per month before bank fees and insurance.
Keep going
All figures are modelled estimates for planning, not offers or valuations. Data reviewed 2026.