BYD is poised to shake up the UK electric car market yet again with the upcoming Dolphin Mini, a compact city EV that could arrive with a game-changing starting price under £20,000.
The Dolphin Mini — a smaller sibling to the already popular BYD Dolphin — is expected to target budget-conscious buyers looking for an affordable and efficient way into EV ownership. If the rumoured pricing holds true, it would become the cheapest fully electric car on sale in the UK, leapfrogging rivals like the MG3 EV and the long-awaited Dacia Spring.
What We Know So Far
The Dolphin Mini, already launched in China as the BYD Seagull, is built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 and features a compact footprint perfect for city life. Reports suggest it will come with a battery pack between 30kWh and 38kWh, offering a real-world range of 150–200 miles, depending on the variant.
While official UK specs haven’t been confirmed, it’s likely the Mini will come with a minimalist yet modern interior, BYD’s signature rotating touchscreen, and a surprising amount of tech for the price — including advanced driver assistance features and app connectivity.
EVs for the Masses
The arrival of the Dolphin Mini could mark a pivotal moment for EV adoption in the UK. With many drivers put off by high entry costs, BYD’s push to bring a well-equipped, fully electric supermini below the £20k threshold could be a game-changer.
Auto analysts suggest that BYD’s ability to manufacture its own batteries and semiconductors gives it a crucial cost advantage over rivals — and the Dolphin Mini may be the first of several ultra-affordable models aimed at Europe.
When Will It Arrive?
While no official UK launch date has been announced, insiders suggest the Dolphin Mini could land in late 2025, possibly making its local debut at an event like the Goodwood Festival of Speed or a dedicated BYD showcase.
As the competition heats up among budget EVs, the Dolphin Mini could well be the car that makes electric driving truly mainstream in Britain.
