BYD announced that its best-selling hatchback, BYD Dolphin, will launch the annual update on February 23 called Honor Edition. It will have a bigger battery and, according to local media, will have a cheaper entry-level variant than the previous 2023 version.

BYD recently declared a price war against ICE cars, launching 2024 updates of its PHEV models with prices lower than ICE alternatives, trying to persuade traditional ICE buyers to opt for plug-in hybrid vehicles. Shenzhen-based automaker stated that “79,800 yuan (11,000 USD) for BYD makes fuel cars panicking”, referring to the launch of the 2024 annual updates of two models: BYD Qin Plus Honor Edition and Destroyer 05 Honor Edition.

BYD is most likely targeting the affordable ICE best sellers such as Volkswagen Lavida or Toyota Corrola. BYD ceased production of ICE cars in April 2022.

The new Dolphin demonstrates that BYD is not only preparing for 2024 with its PHEV models but also positioning its all-electric lineup at the forefront of the price war as the company expects the EV penetration to rise to a new level this year.

BYD’s founder Wang Chuanfu said during its New Year speech that he expects electric vehicle share to reach 50% in China in at last of the months of 2024. China’s monthly electric vehicle sales surpassed 40% market penetration the previous year.

The previous version of BYD Dolphin had only a 45 kWh LFP battery option, suitable for a 420 km CLTC range. The 2024 update will add trim with a 60 kWh battery and 520 km range. Finally, Chinese consumers can drive a bigger battery Dolphin, like European and other overseas customers.

The motor remains the same, with 70 kW of power and 180 Nm peak torque. Dimensions are also the same, (L/W/H) 4125/1770/1570 mm and a wheelbase of 2700 mm.

Inside the car, BYD prepared several changes. The vehicle will feature a new type-C charging port and a 50 W wireless charging pad. The seats were also upgraded, adding front seat ventilation. It also adds rear privacy glass. More information will be released on February 23.

Well-informed Chinese media Autohome claimed that the new Dolphin would come at a lower price than the 2023 version as BYD fired the first shots in the 2024 EV price war. The current version of Dolphin starts at 104,800 yuan (14,500 USD) in China. However, BYD is not the first to announce new year price cuts, as Deepal and Wuling already discounted their vehicles last weekend.