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By Jonathan Crouch

BYD tries the van market with this compact electric Dolphin Cargo e-Van. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 36

BYD gets properly underway in the van market with this compact car-derived electric model, the Dolphin Cargo e-Van. It appeals to a very narrow niche. But if you fit the demographic, you might just like it.

Backgroundword count: 113

BYD is known in other markets for its vans but this Dolphin Cargo e-Van is the most significant one it's yet brought to the UK. This isn't quite the first van BYD has put on sale in this country; their ETP3 model was imported here in 2024 in tiny numbers. And we've yet to see a proper purpose-designed commercial vehicle from the Chinese giant. But with Oriental rivals like Chery and Farizon muscling in on the LCV market, it can't be long before BYD does too in Britain. In the meantime, as a toe-in-the-water exercise, there's this little Cargo e-Van version of the brand's Dolphin electric family hatchback. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experienceword count: 236

BYD only offers this Cargo e-Van with a full-EV drivetrain; which is a pity because we could imagine that some potential customers might like to consider the G DM-i Plug-in Hybrid combustion powertrain that's also available with the brand's slightly smaller Dolphin G supermini model. As an EV, this LCV gets a 60.4kWh battery paired to a front-mounted 204PS motor with 310Nm of torque. The van dispatches 62mph in just 7s and offers a WLTP-rated range of 265 miles (or 347 miles in urban driving). Underneath the Dolphin is the same modular 'e-Platform 3.0' chassis used by the brand's larger Atto 3 and Seal models. And, like all EVs, this one makes a noise at low speeds. The difference here though, is that you can alter the sort of low-speed noise it makes - either a conventional ambient hum or, more joyfully, a sound like a tinkling ice cream van. Which you'll either find endearing or annoying. Don't expect anything particularly dynamically engaging on the move, but multi-link rear suspension is fitted and the Dolphin EV does give you four drive modes - 'Sport', 'Normal', 'Snow' and 'Eco' - which alter throttle response and steering weight. You'll need 'Sport' of course to make this BYD feel in any way energetic. Or to approach the modest top speed of 99mph. Expect the usual impressive EV refinement. And ride quality tuned appropriately for comfort, rather than careering about.

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