BYD Expands European Lineup with Low-Cost EV Launch in Berlin

BERLIN, May 22, 2025 — BYD launched its low-cost electric vehicle, the Dolphin Surf, in Berlin on Wednesday, adding to its growing European lineup and increasing competitive pressure on European automakers to deliver more affordable EVs.

The Dolphin Surf is BYD’s tenth model available in Europe and will retail between €22,990 ($26,100) and €24,990, depending on battery range. The base model offers a 322-kilometre (200-mile) range, while the top version reaches 507 kilometres. Through the end of June, all three variants will be offered at introductory prices ranging from €19,990 to €24,990, according to BYD sales chief Patrick Schulz.

“The compact segment is the next frontier for electrification in Europe,” said Maria Grazia Davino, BYD’s regional managing director, speaking at the launch. “We think this market has huge potential.”

The launch signals another step in BYD’s push into Europe’s entry-level EV segment, where high prices have continued to restrict mass-market adoption. While only a few models, such as Dacia’s Spring and Leapmotor’s T03, currently sell below €20,000, at least 11 sub-€25,000 models are expected this year, including Volkswagen’s ID.2, Renault’s R5, Fiat’s Grand Panda, and Hyundai’s Inster.

The Dolphin Surf is based on BYD’s Seagull model, which has helped drive the company’s rapid growth in China. With more than 442,000 registrations in 2024, it ranked second only to Tesla’s Model Y in sales. Globally, Dolphin Surf sales have increased 45% year-to-date to 170,000 units, BYD said.

After overtaking Tesla last year to become the world’s largest EV maker, BYD is now restructuring its European operations. The company is expanding its dealership network, adding hybrid options, and hiring managers with local market knowledge after initial missteps slowed early growth in the region.

Recent sales data suggests those changes are bearing fruit. In Germany, BYD sold 2,791 vehicles in the first four months of 2025, nearly matching its total sales for all of 2024, according to the country’s motor authority, KBA. Across Europe, BYD’s first-quarter sales quadrupled to 37,201 vehicles, while Tesla’s dropped 37.2% over the same period.

Maria said the company will enter 12 new European markets this year, expanding its network to more than 1,000 retail locations.

The compact segment is the next frontier for electrification in Europe.