BYD and MG go to battle on EV price, dipping below $40,000 in Australia

Australia has been a laggard in the introduction of truly affordable EVs. BYD and MG – both Chinese EV makers – have sub-$50,000 EVs in the form of the Atto 3 and ZS EV compact electric SUVs, but this price is still a little high for some.

The introduction of sub-$40,000 EVs promises to be a tipping point for many waiting to go electric, but for one point – they are both hatchbacks.

BYD Dolphin becomes Australia’s most affordable EV

The BYD Dolphin electric hatchback launched from $38,890 before on-road costs at the Gold Coast’s Seaworld amusement park earlier this month, just days after MG announced it would introduce a short range MG4 priced from $39,990 - just $100 less.

“The BYD Dolphin is the most affordable electric car in Australia,” said BYD importer EV Direct’s CEO Luke Todd.

And he pressed home there were further savings for the Queensland-based audience. “Here in Queensland the government gives you a $6,000 rebate, so the vehicle is actually $32,890 plus around $1,000 registration,” he added.

“That pricing a few years ago was a far off dream, but we’re very proud to bring this wonderful vehicle for that price point and we know it's going to make a big splash.”

Above: BYD Dolphin

It was, of course, no surprise that the Dolphin launch was held at Seaworld – guests were treated to an evening show as the park’s talented dolphins and carers entertained with a choreographed performance.

Given the timing of MG’s announcement just days before, it is speculated that BYD responded by undercutting the MG4. It’s a situation that echoes the recent EV price wars in China, where carmakers are competing on price in a competitive market.

BYD reveals Dolphin Sport surprise

But BYD had an extra surprise for the audience – it also revealed that joining the BYD range is a top-of-the-line Dolphin Sport hot hatch, priced from $49,990.

This limited edition edgy hatch makes a statement with matte grey paint and blue accents on the kick plates and bumper that give the appearance of a lower stance on the road, coupled with 17” blue alloys. BYD notes that final features and finishes may vary.

Above: BYD Dolphin Sport concept

This means the Dolphin is available in three variants:

• Dolphin Dynamic: $38,890, with 44.9kWh Blade battery, 340km WLTP range, 60kW charging, and 70kW motor with 180Nm torque
• Dolphin Premium: $44,890, with 60.48kWh Blade battery, 427km WLTP range, 80kW charging, and 1500kW motor with 310Nm torque
• Dolphin Sport: $49,990, also gets sport performance tyres, sport body kit, tuned sports performance, and acceleration to 100km/hr in less than seven seconds

The Dynamic and Premium Dolphin are available in four two-tone colour combinations – ski white/grey, coral pink/grey, blue/grey, and gray/black.

Passenger floor mats and window tint are available as an optional extra for $169 and $389 respectively.

Above: BYD Dolphin interior

First deliveries of the Dynamic and Premium variants commence in September/October 2023, BYD says. 

Drivers may need to be quick if they are after the Dolphin Sport - just 1,000 have been made available to buy. However, they will be waiting until 2024 to take delivery.

MG4 adds 51kWh MG4 to electric hatchback range

Meanwhile, MG has added the base level MG4 with 51kWh battery to its electric model range.

In an announcement on Tuesday, MG Australia CEO Peter Ciao said, "Like I did when I launched the ZS EV, and as MG has done with our other models, we are creating affordable and accessible cars and the MG4 is helping Aussies get into an electric vehicle sooner than later."

"There is no doubt that the cost of living is the number one issue right now for Australians and we're trying our best to help by making EV affordable with the release of MG4 at under $38,990 plus on road costs."

Above: MG4

The addition of the short-range hatch did, however, mean that the short-range ZS EV has been pulled from the market.
MG’s electric hatchback range now includes:

• MG4 Excite 51kWh: $38,990, with 350km WLTP range, 88kW charging, and 125kW motor with 250Nm torque
• MG4 Excite 64kWh: $44,990, with 450km WLTP range, 140kW charging, and 150kW motor with 250Nm torque
• MG4 Essence 64kWh: $44,990, with 435km WLTP range, 140kW charging, and 150kW motor with 250Nm torque
• MG4 Essence 77kWh: $55,990, with 530km WLTP range, 140kW charging, and 180kW motor with 350Nm torque

First deliveries of the 51kWh MG4 are expected to commence in August 2023.