BYD Dolphin vs GWM Ora 03
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The GWM Ora 03 wins on money kept: 54% retained after three years vs 47%, worth about R 88 867 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Dolphin | Ora 03 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 539 900 | R 629 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 9 437/m | R 11 010/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 68% | 73% |
| Retained after 3 years | 47% | 54% |
| Value after 3 years | R 252 071 | R 340 938 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 287 829 | R 288 962 |
| Value after 5 years | R 170 113 | R 244 592 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Chinese (established) |
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
GWM Ora 03 →
GWM's retro-styled electric hatch went on sale in late 2023 and has sold in tiny numbers, with fewer than 100 units registered in its first three years. Launch pricing near R687k has been discounted to move stock. GWM plans to reboot the Ora line locally with the cheaper Ora 5, so the 03's future is uncertain.
Known for: retro styling and very slow sales
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BYD Dolphin or the GWM Ora 03?
The GWM Ora 03. It keeps about 54% of its price after three years against 47% for the BYD Dolphin, a gap of 7 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 GWM Ora 03 loses about R 288 962. 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 GWM Ora 03 about R 11 010, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.