This is a comprehensive comparison of the specs and features of Australia's most affordable electric cars, the GWM Ora and BYD Dolphin electric hatchbacks. This comparison focuses on the most comparable base variants of each model:
Price and Incentives
The GWM Ora Standard Range costs $1,100 more than the BYD Dolphin Dynamic. Both will be eligible for the various state government incentives and the FBT exemption.
Both vehicles either match or are priced lower than popular petrol-engined small cars, including the top-spec Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid ($38,120), Mazda 3 G25 Astina ($42,320), and Hyundai i30 Hatch N-Line Premium ($37,300).
For an estimated driveaway price and total cost of ownership - use the zecar cost of ownership calculator.
For complete price, specifications and features, view the following articles:
Size and Dimensions
Both EVs are considered to be practical for their class. They are both built on a dedicated EV platform which allows for greater interior space relative to the external footprint. Size wise, they are in the same segment as popular hatchbacks including the Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3 and Hyundai i30.
The GWM Ora and BYD Dolphin are similar in size. The Ora is taller (+33 mm), however, the Dolphin is longer (+55 mm). The Dolphin has a larger boot (+117 L).
The BYD Dolphin is the lighter vehicle, weighing 34 kg less than the GWM Ora. This is likely the main reason for its superior claimed energy efficiency.
Both vehicles are yet to be rated for their towing capacity.
Range and Performance
On paper, the BYD Dolphin offers slightly more claimed WLTP range (+30 km), due to being more efficient than the GWM Ora and being 34 kg lighter.
The GWM Ora offers substantially faster acceleration than the BYD Dolphin, hitting 0 to 100 km/hr in 8.3 seconds. This is due its more powerful motor.
Battery and Charging
The GWM Ora provides faster DC charging and AC charging than the BYD Dolphin.
Only the Dolphin offers V2L which allows you to use the car's battery as a mobile power bank. This could be useful for camping, road-trips and potentially in the event of a blackout.
Calculate your personal charging costs and times for each model using this calculator.
Driver Technology
The GWM Ora and BYD Dolphin offer similar levels of driver-assist technology features. The BYD Dolphin however offers a larger screen and higher resolution camera system.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The BYD Dolphin is considered to have a superior infotainment and connectivity offering highlighted by its sharp 12.3 inch centre screen, snappy user-friendly interface and high quality sound system.
Both feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Both models feature mobile apps which allow functionalities such as remote lock, pre-heating/cooling and charge monitoring. At this stage, the BYD mobile app offers more features.
Other Features
The BYD Dolphin Dynamic offers more additional features such as heat pump and sunroof as standard. The GWM Ora requires an upgraded trim in order to get the sunroof.
Warranty and Servicing
The BYD Dolphin offers a slightly longer vehicle warranty while both offer the same battery warranty duration based on number of years.
About the author
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data. He is the founder of zecar and is currently the EV Innovation Manager at Endeavour Energy.
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