Top Electric Vehicle from BYD Set for Launch in Korea by Early 2026

BYD Dolphin to Launch in South Korea Early 2026

BYD, the top-selling electric vehicle (EV) maker in China, will introduce its popular model, the BYD Dolphin, to the South Korean market in the first half of 2026. The move marks BYD’s strategic expansion into Korea’s competitive EV segment, aiming to offer consumers a new affordable electric car choice.

The BYD Dolphin is priced around 20 million Korean won ($15,000), consistent with its price in China. It will directly compete with similar compact EVs like Hyundai Casper EV and Kia Ray EV, providing healthy competition and more options for Korean buyers.

Certification and Market Preparation

BYD has successfully obtained emission and interference certifications from South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment for the Dolphin. The company is finalizing the launch date, preparing to enter a market where EV adoption is rapidly growing but still dominated by domestic brands.

This model is BYD’s third to reach global sales of one million units in the Ocean series, following the Song Plus and Seagull. The successful sales milestone demonstrates strong demand and proven reliability for the Dolphin worldwide.

Technical Features and Specifications

The Dolphin was first launched in China on August 29, 2021. It is the first vehicle built on BYD’s cutting-edge e-Platform 3.0. Its dimensions measure 4290 mm in length, 1770 mm in width, and 1570 mm in height, with a 2700 mm wheelbase, offering a practical compact car size ideal for urban environment.

This EV features front-wheel drive and is equipped with BYD’s in-house developed Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology. The Dolphin comes in two battery options: a standard 44.9 kWh pack with a CLTC range of 420 km (260 miles) and a long-range 60.4 kWh pack delivering up to 520 km (323 miles).

BYD’s South Korea Portfolio and Market Strategy

Before the Dolphin, BYD introduced several other models to South Korea, including the compact SUV Atto 3 (called Yuan Plus in China), the mid-size sedan Seal, and the mid-size SUV Seal 7. The addition of the Dolphin helps BYD cover a wider range of vehicle categories, targeting budget-conscious buyers interested in smaller EVs.

BYD’s carefully priced Dolphin and proven technology aim to expand the company’s presence and challenge dominant Korean automakers. The plan aligns with BYD’s broader strategy to become a key player in global EV markets by offering efficient, affordable, and reliable electric vehicles.

Key BYD Dolphin Specifications:

BYD is poised to take advantage of South Korea’s transition toward electric mobility by offering competitively priced and technologically advanced vehicles like the Dolphin. The 2026 launch could significantly boost BYD’s footprint in the region, adding to its global EV market growth.