BYD Dolphin vs Dayun Yuehu S5
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Dayun Yuehu S5 wins on money kept: 49% retained after three years vs 47%, worth about R 57 167 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Dolphin | Yuehu S5 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 539 900 | R 399 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 9 437/m | R 6 990/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 68% | 70% |
| Retained after 3 years | 47% | 49% |
| Value after 3 years | R 252 071 | R 194 904 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 287 829 | R 204 996 |
| Value after 5 years | R 170 113 | R 134 350 |
| 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
Dayun Yuehu S5 →
The Yuehu S5 arrived in July 2024 as South Africa's cheapest electric car at R399,900, with a VIP version at R449,900. It is a Picanto-sized mini SUV with a claimed 330km range and a 100km/h top speed, so it suits city use. Enviro Automotive imports it in small volumes, which keeps the used market close to nonexistent.
Known for: sa's cheapest electric car
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BYD Dolphin or the Dayun Yuehu S5?
The Dayun Yuehu S5. It keeps about 49% of its price after three years against 47% for the BYD Dolphin, a gap of 2 points.
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 Dayun Yuehu S5 loses about R 204 996. 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 Dayun Yuehu S5 about R 6 990, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.