BYD Dolphin vs Dongfeng Box
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 47% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Dolphin | Box | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 539 900 | R 459 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 9 437/m | R 8 023/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 68% | 68% |
| Retained after 3 years | 47% | 47% |
| Value after 3 years | R 252 071 | R 214 300 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 287 829 | R 244 700 |
| Value after 5 years | R 170 113 | R 144 623 |
| 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
Dongfeng Box →
Dongfeng's first SA passenger model went on sale in November 2025 from R459,000, making it one of the cheapest EVs in the country. The Box is a small electric hatch with battery options rated at 330km or 430km of range. A single Pretoria dealership currently sells and services it, which limits appeal outside Gauteng.
Known for: affordable electric city car
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BYD Dolphin or the Dongfeng Box?
They are close to inseparable: 47% vs 47% 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 Dongfeng Box loses about R 244 700. 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 Dongfeng Box about R 8 023, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.