Automundo China

Support CleanTechnica's work through a Substack subscription or on Stripe. Two weeks ago, I wrote about a shocking January for Tesla in China. The company’s sales were down 45% year over year. 45%! There’s no excuse that it was January and January is a slow month — we’re comparing to ... [continued]

BYD UK has announced pricing and specifications for the 2026 Seal with a series of changes. Prices start from £45,730, and the vehicle is already available to

A new survey finds that 38% of American car shoppers would consider a Chinese car if they had the option. 69% of Gen Z would cross-shop one.

BMW AG Chairman Oliver Zipse said the automaker will debut its first Neue Klasse model designed spec

The move marks Tesla’s second extension of the program this year.

Tesla's estimated delivery times for all variants of the Model 3 and Model Y in China were listed at just one to three weeks.

BYD Dolphin Surf // Source: Jean-Baptiste Passieux – Frandroid The promise of a sub-€20,000 electric car is no longer a dream, and the BYD Dolphin Surf makes that promise feel remarkably tangible and genuinely useful. For urban drivers who want real-world range and modern tech without budget shock, this pint-sized contender offers a blend of value and daily liveability that’s hard to ignore. It undercuts many rivals on price, yet still delivers credible performance, thoughtful packaging, and a surprising list of standard features. Price that moves the needle At €19,990, the Dolphin Surf drops below a key psychological threshold, inviting first-time EV buyers into the fold. This isn’t a bare-bones shell with a battery; it’s a properly equipped city car with connected navigation, active safety systems, and a usable set of comforts. Even with Europe’s added tariffs, the pricing looks aggressive, and that makes competitors either look expensive or oddly under-spec’d at similar money. Design made for tight streets BYD Dolphin Surf // Source: Jean-Baptiste Passieux – Frandroid The footprint is compact at 3.99 m, which makes parking simple and threading traffic stress-free. The upright stance delivers good visibility and easy cabin access, while crisp body lines keep the look modern and clean. Color choices are fairly limited, but the overall design favors practical aerodynamics and urban maneuverability over flash-for-flash’s-sake. Space that’s smart, if selective Inside, the dashboard feels contemporary and neatly laid-out, with materials that avoid a bargain-bin vibe even at this price. BYD saves costs with some hard plastics, yet the cabin still seems thoughtfully finished. It’s officially a four-seater, which will be a deal-breaker for some families, but the two rear spots are genuinely roomy for adults, with ample leg and head space. The 306-liter trunk is decent, though the missing parcel shelf is a clear miss. BYD Dolphin Surf // Source: Jean-Baptiste Passieux – Frandroid Infotainment that mostly delivers A 10.1-inch central screen, with BYD’s signature rotating trick, anchors the tech suite. Wireless smartphone mirroring works in landscape, and the native navigation now plans charging stops more intelligently, even if estimates can be optimistic. Some menu paths are too deep, but overall responsiveness is snappy and feature coverage feels complete for the segment. Climate controls are digital-first and a bit quirky, yet day-to-day operation quickly becomes intuitive. Performance where it counts Around town, the Dolphin Surf is brisk, light on its feet, and easy to place. The higher-powered version pairs a 43.2 kWh LFP pack with a 156 hp front motor, good for a 0–100 km/h run in about 9.1 seconds. Steering is city-friendly, the turning circle is pleasantly tight, and the ride, while firm, stays acceptably composed over rough streets. Regen is mild but predictable, and brake feel is refreshingly natural. BYD Dolphin Surf // Source: Jean-Baptiste Passieux – Frandroid “Affordable EVs only matter if they’re easy to live with day after day; this one keeps that promise with honest range, calm manners, and real equipment.” Range, charging, and versions The entry model uses a smaller 30 kWh pack for up to 220 km WLTP, perfectly aligned with urban use and short regional hops. Higher trims add the 43.2 kWh battery, stretching WLTP range to about 310 km, and enable up to 85 kW DC charging from 10–80% in roughly 30 minutes. Efficiency claims are competitive, and real-world consumption looks favorable in city-heavy driving. Value versus rivals BYD Dolphin Surf // Source: Jean-Baptiste Passieux – Frandroid At this price, the Dolphin Surf undercuts many small EVs, yet matches or exceeds them on equipment. Some European rivals may boast stronger branding or local incentives, but BYD counters with generous tech, reassuring active safety, and credible range. Even mid-level versions bring bigger batteries, larger wheels, and convenience upgrades that make everyday life feel distinctly more premium than the ticket suggests. Why it deserves your attention Sub-€20k starting price with real-world usability and modern tech Comfortable four-seat cabin with honest space and calm road manners Strong value on safety and driver-assist features at every trim Efficient city performance with confident low-speed punch Simple to park, simple to charge, and simple to own Trade-offs to note The four-seat layout limits occasional carpooling, and some menu logic could be streamlined. An absent rear wiper is a surprising omission, and color choices are rather sparse. Still, these compromises are easy to weigh against the car’s pricing, its equipment depth, and its well-judged urban character. The verdict The Dolphin Surf lands where it matters most: attainable pricing, convincing features, and city-ready manners that make EV ownership feel refreshingly normal. If you want a compact electric runabout that’s well-equipped, easy to drive, and genuinely budget-friendly, this one more than earns a spot on your short-list.

Tesla’s estimated delivery wait times for all models in China have fallen to 1-3 weeks, reaching “historic lows,” as first reported by Chinese media outlet CnEVPost.

The new compact SUV comes with Super Hybrid DM-i technology, the same technology behind the success of the SEAL U DM-i, one of the best-selling plug-in hybrid models in Europe.