Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) was a significant decision for me, and after extensive research, I opted for the BYD Dolphin in late November. With the growing EV market, there are numerous options available, and even more on the horizon. My experience with the Dolphin over the initial months has been insightful, and I’m eager to share my journey.
Before settling on the BYD Dolphin, I considered various alternatives, including both new and used models. The market offers a range of reasonably priced new EVs such as the larger BYD Atto, the high-performance BYD Seal, and models from MG (MG 4 & ZS) and GWM Ora, all within the $36,000 to $57,000 price bracket in the Australian market. For those exploring second-hand options, resources like goodcar.co and fact sheets from aeva.au provide valuable information on current and used EV models.
My BYD Dolphin is a compact, five-seater sedan, ideal for navigating city streets and comfortable for longer trips. It boasts a 60 kWh battery, promising a nominal range of 490 km, and was purchased for $47,000 on-road in Australia.
Driving the BYD Dolphin offers a smooth and quiet experience, ideal for both city commutes and scenic drives.
During the first three months, I primarily drove around the Bellarine Peninsula, near Geelong in Victoria, with occasional trips to locations like Kennett River, Brisbane Ranges, and Melbourne. Over 12 weeks, I covered more than 3,500 km. A significant advantage of EV ownership is the ability to charge at home. I installed a 7 kW wall-mounted charger and predominantly recharged my Dolphin using this setup. Occasionally, I utilized free charging stations in Drysdale.
Home charging, especially leveraging my solar panels during daylight hours, proved to be incredibly cost-effective. By charging during sunny days, the cost effectively became the foregone feed-in tariff, working out to approximately one cent per km, based on an 8c/kWh feed-in tariff. Overnight and off-peak charging options further reduced costs to around 3c/km. Exploring dedicated overnight EV power plans can even bring the cost down to as low as 1 cent/km, with rates starting from 8c/kWh.
The financial benefits of switching to an electric car are immediately apparent. Driving past petrol stations without the need to spend my usual $50+ per week on fuel is a satisfying experience. My electricity costs for the same distance are a fraction of that, around $5 per week. My son-in-law, driving a BYD Atto3 over 100 km daily, enjoys even more substantial savings, exceeding $150 per week, alongside the convenience of avoiding frequent refuelling stops.
I observed the range of my BYD Dolphin fluctuate between 410 and 490 km, primarily influenced by driving speed. The regenerative braking system proved particularly effective in enhancing efficiency, especially during deceleration and downhill driving. Routes like Drysdale to Kennett River demonstrated excellent energy efficiency, while driving in Melbourne traffic was slightly less so. Range anxiety has not been a concern in my daily driving.
Home charging with a wall-mounted charger provides convenience and significant cost savings for Byd Electric Car owners.
More recently, I embarked on a 14-day road trip north of Sydney, covering 2,520 km. A considerable portion of this journey involved highway driving at 110 km/h, which impacted the range, reducing it to around 345 km. However, stretches of slower driving balanced this out, resulting in an overall trip range of 387 km.
Speed significantly affects EV range, especially above 95 km/h. Driving uphill, such as the ascent to Dead Horse Gap via Thredbo, proved to be energy-intensive. Conversely, the descent towards Toowong utilized minimal power, and the battery range noticeably increased. Overall, the energy consumption across varied terrains balanced out effectively.
Charging infrastructure in Victoria is reasonably well-established, with major providers like Evie and Chargefox. The Plugshare App is invaluable for locating charging stations, providing real-time information on availability, charging speed, and nearby amenities.
However, rural areas require a significant expansion of charging stations. It’s worth noting that EV chargers can positively impact local economies as drivers and passengers frequent local businesses while charging.
Driving an EV in New South Wales for the first time presented more challenges. The charging network appeared less coordinated, with multiple providers and fewer stations in rural locations. While I didn’t experience range depletion, navigating the charging landscape required downloading multiple apps and frequently contacting helplines for assistance.
The contrast with toll road systems, where my Victorian tag seamlessly managed charges, was stark. There is a clear need for a unified system, perhaps a universal app or credit card, to streamline EV charging across different regions. While chargers are abundant around Sydney and along major highways like the Hume, improving accessibility in rural NSW is crucial.
Charging costs varied depending on charging speed, with faster chargers being more expensive. My total electricity expenditure for the road trip was $170, compared to an estimated $330 for my previous petrol car for the same distance. Partial overnight charging at friends’ and family’s homes using standard sockets also provided helpful battery top-ups.
Public charging stations are becoming increasingly common, but further development is needed, especially in rural areas, to support long-distance EV travel.
For local driving and daily commutes of around 200 km, operating a BYD electric car is remarkably straightforward. Overnight home charging, or ideally daytime charging using solar power, eliminates the need for regular petrol station visits. Plugging in at home is quick and convenient, akin to charging a mobile phone, rather than a dedicated trip to a gas station.
Longer journeys require some planning, but I found that incorporating 20 to 50-minute charging stops every 2 to 4 hours aligns well with typical rest breaks for coffee, meals, or exercise.
One area for improvement in public charging stations is weather protection and user-friendliness. Many chargers are uncovered, exposing users to rain and sun. Some stations feature new concrete or light-colored stone pads that reflect light and heat, making it difficult to read mobile phone screens and uncomfortable to use, especially in hot weather – a clear oversight in ergonomic design.
I anticipate the EV charging network will continue to expand and become more user-friendly, hopefully evolving towards a more coordinated and seamless system, similar to toll road infrastructure. The BYD electric car experience, overall, has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the practicality, economy, and enjoyment of electric vehicle ownership.
