The updated BYD Dolphin has a starting price of RMB 99,800, which is RMB 17,000, or 14.55 percent, lower than the previous starting price.

Notably, the lowest-priced Dolphin is a newly added version, with a CLTC range of 302 kilometers. The other three versions have a range of 420 kilometers, 420 kilometers and 401 kilometers respectively.

On February 19 -- the second working day after the Chinese New Year holiday -- the Qin Plus Glory Edition as well as the Chaser 05 Glory Edition were launched, bringing the starting price down to RMB 79,800 for both.

The move was BYD's second strong offensive against traditional fuel models and heralds more price reductions, given its strategy over the past year of lowering prices by offering "Champion Edition" models.

Despite the lower price, the updated Dolphin gets a number of upgrades, including suspension, steering wheel adjustment, seat ventilation, and wireless fast charging for phones.

Customers who purchase the BYD Dolphin before February 29 will receive benefits including a 2-year zero-interest loan, a RMB 2,000 trade-in subsidy, and free charging piles and installation.

The Dolphin measures 4,125 mm in length, 1,770 mm in width and 1,570 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. Its latest update has the same dimensions as the previous version.

Initially launched in August 2021, the Dolphin is the first model in BYD's e-Platform 3.0 and the first in its Ocean lineup.

The all-electric mini EV looks a bit like the Honda Fit and is offered in a variety of exterior color options to target a younger demographic.

BYD sold 201,493 NEVs in January, with the Dolphin contributing 18,905, making it the fourth best-selling BYD model last month, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.

($1 = RMB 7.1983)

BYD rolls out new, less expensive variants for 2 NEV models to further undercut fuel cars