The Dawn of Chinese Electric Cars: A Competitive Threat?
China has rapidly established itself as a formidable player in the electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing sectors, causing notable concern among established automakers worldwide. The evidence lies very clearly in the hefty tariffs being imposed by both the U.S. and Europe on Chinese-made EVs.
However, should automakers feel genuinely threatened by this surge? Are Chinese electric vehicles genuinely prepared to compete on the global stage? American reviewers seldom get the chance to evaluate Chinese cars, so their evaluations draw significant attention.
China’s Electric Ambitions
In recent years, China has transformed into a powerhouse in EV manufacturing, creating substantial competition for heavy hitters like Ford, Tesla, and Volkswagen. Chinese EVs are perceived as delivering high quality at relatively low prices, bolstered significantly by substantial government subsidies.
Kyle Conner, the expert behind the Out Of Spec Reviews YouTube channel, recently test-drove a BYD Dolphin in Austria and shared his insights. Conner’s review sheds light on why global carmakers need to pay close attention.
BYD Dolphin’s Road Test: Key Insights
Conner’s test vehicle featured a larger battery pack and various premium features, pushing its price into the mid-30,000 euro range. The base model starts at approximately 28,000 euros ($30,000). It’s important to consider that prices can vary across Europe, and 100% tariffs in the U.S. make it unlikely for Chinese EVs to enter the American market in the near future.
Key Specs:
- Power: 201-horsepower front motor
- Range: 265 miles (based on the European testing cycle)
- Battery: 64-kilowatt-hour pack
Conner noted that the BYD Dolphin is comparable to a Chevrolet Bolt in the U.S. market but feels that the Dolphin has the upper hand in several areas.
Highlights include:
- Design & Personality: The Dolphin exudes a distinctive personality and quirkiness, both inside and out. Notably, it includes a power strip for external appliances that can be plugged into the charging port.
- Interior Space: Rear seat space is pleasantly generous, surpassing the similarly compact Volvo EX30.
- Build Quality: On the road, the Dolphin feels solid, with no squeaks or rattles. The ride quality is extremely comfortable and soft, albeit a bit bouncy.
- Performance: It has adequate power for everyday driving and occasional fun.
“If you just need an A to B car, well hey, this is pretty damn good," Conner remarked.
These attributes align with the general consensus about Chinese EVs: they offer high quality and numerous features at competitive prices, primarily due to China’s extensive government subsidies for the EV sector. This strategy appears to be paying off.
Areas for Improvement
However, Conner didn’t find everything perfect. He mentioned that the Dolphin, like the BYD Seal he had driven earlier, lacks some refinement. The areas needing improvement include throttle calibration, brake calibration, and handling. To rise to the standards set by German manufacturers, BYD will need to address these aspects.
"So you really have to be not a car person, I think, to go for one of these," Conner said. “I hope BYD focuses on the last 10% of their cars."
Conclusion
China’s ascendancy in the EV market is undeniable, supported by substantial government subsidies and a keen focus on innovation. While there are still areas needing refinement, models like the BYD Dolphin serve as a testament to China’s ability to produce competitive EVs. For global automakers, this isn’t just a wake-up call—it’s a full-blown alarm.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
