BYD Dolphin vs Volvo EX30: Which EV is better?
Head-to-head: BYD Dolphin vs Volvo EX30. Compare real range, efficiency, charging time, price, rating and running costs to find the best electric vehicle for you in 2026.
Our verdict
Volvo EX30 wins this head-to-head
It wins 5 of 8 categories compared below, with a margin of 3 category wins.
The numbers that matter
Real, comparable stats from our database. The green value wins each category.
| Specification | Dolphin | EX30 |
|---|---|---|
| Range EX30 wins | 427 km | 475 km |
| Battery EX30 wins | 60 kWh | 69 kWh |
| Efficiency Dolphin wins | 14.9 kWh/100km | 16.7 kWh/100km |
| 0-100 km/h EX30 wins | 7 s | 5.7 s |
| Fast charge 10-80% EX30 wins | ~35 min | ~26 min |
| Seats tie | 5 | 5 |
| Price Dolphin wins | $24,000 | $36,000 |
| Rating EX30 wins | 4.2 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Est. running cost / yr | $335/yr | $376/yr |
View the full specification sheet
| Specification | Dolphin | EX30 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 60.0 kWh (LFP Blade) | 69 kWh |
| Range | 427 km (WLTP) | 475 km (WLTP) |
| Top speed | 160 km/h | 180 km/h |
| Power | FWD · 201 hp | RWD · 272 hp |
| 0-100 km/h | 7.0 s | 5.7 s |
| Charging (10-80%) | ~35 min | ~26 min (153kW) |
| Drive | FWD | RWD |
| Efficiency | 14.9 kWh/100 km | 16.7 kWh/100 km |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo | 345 L | 318 L |
BYD Dolphin
Pros
- Cheap to buy and run
- Well equipped
- Safe battery chemistry
- Easy to park
Cons
- Small boot
- Ride can fidget on broken roads
- Fast-charge speed limited
- Tight rear headroom
Volvo EX30
Pros
- Quick and fun
- Premium cabin
- Great price
- Top-notch safety
Cons
- Small boot
- Cramped rear seats
- Everything on the touchscreen
- Firm low-speed ride
Frequently asked questions
Is the Volvo EX30 really better than BYD Dolphin?
Our verdict is based on real specs: range, battery, efficiency, acceleration, charging speed, seats, price and rating. The winner wins the majority of those categories, but the right choice depends on your budget, driving style and priorities.
Which has more range, BYD Dolphin or Volvo EX30?
427 km vs 475 km respectively, before factoring in weather and driving conditions.
Which is cheaper to run?
Based on official efficiency and a typical $0.15/kWh tariff at 15,000 km per year, running costs are estimated at $335/yr for the BYD Dolphin and $376/yr for the Volvo EX30.
Should I compare more models?
Yes - add both models to our interactive comparator to see every spec side by side, or use the Which EV quiz to find more models that fit your budget and lifestyle.
Worth comparing next
Not sure which one is right for you?
Add these models to our interactive comparator and compare every spec side by side, or take the quiz to find even more matches.