BYD Dolphin vs BYD Dolphin Surf
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 48% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Dolphin | Dolphin Surf | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 539 900 | R 341 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 9 437/m | R 5 976/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 68% | 69% |
| Retained after 3 years | 47% | 48% |
| Value after 3 years | R 252 071 | R 162 409 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 287 829 | R 179 491 |
| Value after 5 years | R 170 113 | R 110 540 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Chinese (new entrant) |
BYD Dolphin →
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.
Known for: affordable electric hatch with usable range
BYD Dolphin Surf →
At R339,900 on launch in late 2025, the Dolphin Surf undercut every other new EV in SA by a wide margin. By March 2026 it was the country's best-selling electric car. Claimed range is modest at 232km to 295km depending on battery size, which suits it to city driving.
Known for: south africa's cheapest new ev
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BYD Dolphin or the BYD Dolphin Surf?
They are close to inseparable: 47% vs 48% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The BYD Dolphin loses about R 287 829 over three years and the BYD Dolphin Surf loses about R 179 491. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the BYD Dolphin runs about R 9 437 per month and the BYD Dolphin Surf about R 5 976, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.