BYD Dolphin Mini GL: The Budget BYD EV and Cheapest Way Into the Brand
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In version, making it the cheapest way into a BYD and the best-selling electric vehicle in the country. The entry GL trim pairs a 38.88 kWh Blade Battery with up to 280 km of range (PBEV cycle), a 55 kW front motor, and a 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen. The same car is sold as the Seagull in China and the Dolphin Surf in Europe.
At a Glance: BYD Dolphin Mini
| Measurement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price (Brazil) | From ~R$ 119,990 |
| Battery | 38.88 kWh Blade (LFP) |
| Range | Up to 280 km (PBEV cycle) |
| Motor | 55 kW (75 cv) / 135 Nm, front-wheel drive |
| 0-100 km/h | 14.9 seconds |
| Length | 3,780 mm |
| Boot space | 230 litres |
| Seats | 5 |
| DC charging | Up to 40 kW |
| Screen | 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen |
How Much Is the BYD Dolphin Mini?
In Brazil, the Dolphin Mini's five-seat version is priced from around R$ 119,990, following a price reduction from R$ 122,800. Some dealers and regions list it closer to R$ 115,800 to R$ 118,990, depending on local ICMS rates and incentives.
That makes it one of the most affordable electric cars in Brazil and the cheapest model in BYD's local range. Prices vary by state and dealer, so always confirm the current figure with an authorised BYD dealership.
What Is the BYD Dolphin Mini?
The Dolphin Mini is BYD's smallest and most affordable electric hatchback. It fills a clear gap below the standard Dolphin, offering the same Blade Battery technology in a smaller, cheaper package.
At 3,780 mm long, it is nearly half a metre shorter than the regular Dolphin (4,290 mm), which translates into real agility in city traffic and easy parking. The car carries different names around the world:
- China: Sold as the BYD Seagull, the original version
- Brazil and Latin America: Sold as the Dolphin Mini
- Europe: Sold as the Dolphin Surf
- Uruguay: Still badged Seagull
The GL Trim: What You Get
The entry GL trim is far better equipped than its budget positioning suggests. Standard features include:
- 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen with electric rotation, a feature usually reserved for pricier cars
- 7-inch LCD instrument display
- Wireless smartphone charging plus CarPlay and Android Auto
- 6 airbags and disc brakes on all four wheels
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- 6-way power driver's seat and reclining rear bench
- 16-inch alloy wheels with a new five-spoke design for 2026
- OTA updates and intelligent voice control
The standout is the rotating screen, which Brazilian owners frequently praise for navigation apps in portrait mode. Because the Dolphin Mini uses BYD's Blade Battery, it benefits from the same LFP safety and longevity as the rest of the range. Our guide on how the BYD Blade Battery works explains why that chemistry lasts so well.
Range and Battery
The current Brazilian Dolphin Mini uses a 38.88 kWh Blade Battery, good for up to 280 km on the local PBEV cycle. That is comfortably enough for daily city use.
- Official consumption: Around 9.6 kWh/100 km (roughly 10.4 km/kWh)
- Real-world city: Magazine tests measured around 12 km/kWh
- Real-world highway: Around 9.2 km/kWh
- Cost per km: Approximately R$ 0.12 on home charging at average tariffs
A full home charge from near-empty costs around R$ 25 to R$ 30, depending on your local electricity rate. That low running cost is central to the Dolphin Mini's appeal.
Charging
- DC fast charging: Up to 40 kW, completing a 10 to 80 percent top-up in about 22 minutes
- AC charging: Suitable for home wallbox or standard socket overnight charging
- Battery chemistry: LFP Blade, which tolerates daily charging to 100 percent without degradation concerns
Brazil's Best-Selling EV
The Dolphin Mini is not just cheap, it is a genuine sales phenomenon. It is consistently the number one battery-electric vehicle in Brazil.
- February 2026: Reached a record 11th place overall and remained Brazil's top-selling BEV
- March 2026: Became the first electric vehicle ever to enter Brazil's monthly top 10, with 7,053 registrations, ahead of the Hyundai Creta
- Local production: Now built at BYD's Camaçari plant in Bahia, helping hold prices steady
Why App Drivers Love It
The Dolphin Mini has become a favourite among rideshare and app drivers in Brazil, and the maths explains why. At roughly R$ 0.12 per kilometre on home charging, running costs are a fraction of a petrol hatchback's.
For a driver covering 200 km a day, that efficiency adds up fast across a month of work. Low maintenance (no oil changes, fewer moving parts) further reduces running costs. For drivers exploring flexible ownership and fleet options, our overview of BYD's Move program in Brazil covers the subscription route into an electric work car.
Dolphin Mini Around the World
| Market | Name | Price From | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Dolphin Mini | ~R$ 119,990 | 280 km (PBEV) |
| China | Seagull | From ~CNY 73,800 | Up to 305 km (NEDC) |
| Uruguay | Seagull | US$21,990 (EV300) | 300 km (CLTC) |
| Europe | Dolphin Surf | From ~€20,990 | Up to 320 km (WLTP) |
Range figures use different test cycles by market, so they are not directly comparable. The European Dolphin Surf offers a larger 43.2 kWh battery option for up to 320 km WLTP, while China's Seagull starts cheaper than anywhere else.
Dolphin Mini vs Rivals in Brazil
The Dolphin Mini's main entry-level rivals are the Renault Kwid E-Tech and the GWM Ora.
- Renault Kwid E-Tech: The only EV nominally cheaper, but its 26.8 kWh battery is much smaller, so real-world range is lower. Best only for very short daily distances.
- GWM Ora: More expensive and larger, competing a class above on price.
- The Dolphin Mini's edge: A bigger 38.88 kWh battery, five seats, Blade Battery longevity, and a feature list that undercuts established brands on value.
Common Questions
- How much is the BYD Dolphin Mini? From around R$ 119,990 in Brazil for the five-seat version, varying by state and dealer.
- Is the Dolphin Mini the same as the Seagull? Yes. The Seagull is the Chinese name, Dolphin Mini the Latin American name, and Dolphin Surf the European name.
- What is the range? Up to 280 km on Brazil's PBEV cycle from the 38.88 kWh battery.
- Is it the cheapest BYD? Yes, it is the most affordable model in BYD's Brazilian range.
- Is it good for app drivers? Yes, its low cost per kilometre and minimal maintenance make it popular with rideshare drivers.