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Volvo EX30 vs BYD Dolphin comparison

Compare performance (428 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (30,000 £ vs 29,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Volvo EX30 or BYD Dolphin?

Volvo EX30 vs BYD Dolphin: Key differences

Volvo EX30

3.7 (7 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially more power
  • slightly more electric range
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
details

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • very slightly cheaper
  • barely more efficient
  • a bit lighter
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

EX30

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

BYD Dolphin is very slightly cheaper – starting at 29,700 £ , while the Volvo EX30 costs 30,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 300 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the BYD Dolphin is barely more efficient: consuming 15.9 kWh/100km compared to 17 kWh/100km for the Volvo EX30. That’s a difference of about 1.1 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Volvo EX30 offers slightly more range – reaching up to 475 km, about 48 km more than the BYD Dolphin.

Dolphin

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Volvo EX30 offers substantially more power – delivering 428 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 224 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo EX30 is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.6 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 3.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo EX30 delivers clearly more torque with 543 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 233 Nm more.

EX30

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin is a bit lighter – 1,658 kg compared to 1,840 kg. The difference is around 182 kg.

When it comes to payload, the BYD Dolphin carries barely more – 410 kg compared to 390 kg. That’s a difference of about 20 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo EX30 is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £30,000
EX30

Volvo EX30

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 428 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 17 - 18.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 339 - 475 km
details

Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin
BYD Atto 2
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The BYD Dolphin and BYD Atto 2 represent two distinct EV choices from BYD: the Dolphin is a compact, city-oriented hatchback focused on efficiency and nimble urban driving, while the Atto 2 is a compact crossover offering more space, a higher driving position and richer tech. Choose the Dolphin for …
BYD Dolphin
BYD Dolphin Surf
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The BYD Dolphin and the sportier Dolphin Surf share the same efficient electric bones, but the Surf adds visual muscle, slightly firmer suspension and sharper steering for anyone craving a bit more attitude. Inside they’re twins — clever packaging, roomy rear seats and a useful boot — so the Surf’s …
Volvo EX30
BYD Dolphin

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Volvo EX30

The Volvo EX30 is a compact all-electric crossover that mixes Volvo's strong safety focus with clean Scandinavian design for a really city-friendly package. It feels lively and easy to live with, pairing a premium-feeling interior and modern connectivity with a practical footprint for urban driving.

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Reviews Volvo EX30

3.7 (7 Reviews)
rate
Maes Ivo
13 May 2026, 21:43:53

Volvo EX30 twin performance is een super handige compacte auto die vast op de weg ligt . Is pijlsnel en je zit iets hoger. Interieur went snel . Ik heb er zelf eentje en ben er verliefd op . Heb BMW G30 gehad . Fantastische auto , maar groot en onhandig . Geef mij maar de Volvo en we zijn maar met 2 .

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Michael
10 Feb 2026, 21:18:58

...the best electric car we've driven so far. Trouble-free, safe, tidy and easy to use.

The German predecessors (the Wolfsburg group) can be completely forgotten!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Julien B.
10 Feb 2026, 15:47:03

A car that could have been brilliant, ruined by technological dogmatism. Ninety‑five percent of this car’s problems are between the windshield and the steering wheel. The positives are undone by a botched implantation of technology at all costs. Basic functions are hard to access, buried in menus, and the constant, useless warnings and alerts make the experience frustrating and wreck the overall ergonomics. Add recurring issues with the door‑locking system that the dealer can’t fix after several visits, a range far below what’s promised, and a collision‑avoidance system that randomly takes dangerous initiatives, and I can say this is the worst car I’ve ever bought. After several months, I deeply regret this purchase.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Marco
30 Dec 2025, 12:53:45

The onboard tech (tablet) takes too long to learn. It distracts from driving. Not suitable for the nearsighted — the tablet’s distance from your eyes basically forces you to wear trifocals. Letting off the gas slows the car, but it’s overly sensitive and you need time to get used to it. The buzzer for exceeding the speed limit is very annoying, and the system notices changes in road signs late. In short: driving it is stressful.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
NickoNamo
22 Dec 2025, 18:10:11

Compact, attractive and—above all—safe car with a modern interior.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

BYD Dolphin

The BYD Dolphin is a cheeky electric hatchback that blends playful styling with surprising practicality, making it a brilliant city companion for buyers who want modern tech without the showroom bravado. It’s comfy, efficient and easy to live with, and while it won’t blind you with supercar drama, it will quietly get the job done with plenty of character.

details
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000AECC3-AF0F-42E4-A606-040E7FB88B81
0344F0B7-DD22-4EE0-9220-311A496628F6

Reviews BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
Mark Kennedy
12 Apr 2026, 17:25:08

Absolute gem of a car, wonderfully smooth and powerful, along with being loaded with tech. By far the best car I've had. Would highly recommend

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
John Maskell
3 Jan 2026, 07:26:24

Loving the dolphin

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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The Volvo EX30 and Kia EV2 are compact electric crossovers that balance urban-friendly size with modern tech, safety systems, and strong value propositions. This comparison focuses on range, performance, interior quality, and ownership costs to help you decide which suits your priorities.
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If you want no-nonsense electric practicality and impressive value for daily miles, the BYD Dolphin delivers usable range, clever packaging and tech that actually matters without breaking the bank. The Renault 5, meanwhile, sacrifices a little practicality for irresistible retro charm and …
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Comparing the BYD Dolphin and the Volkswagen ID.3 gives a clear picture of two distinct approaches to compact electric hatchbacks: the Dolphin emphasizes value, efficiency and clever packaging, while the ID.3 leans on refinement, driving dynamics and European build quality. If you prioritise range, …
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Volvo EC40
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The Volvo EX30 and Volvo EC40 pit a compact, city-focused electric with lively handling against a larger, comfort-oriented electric aimed at family use. This comparison highlights key differences in range, interior space, driving feel and tech to help you choose which suits your needs.
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Volvo EX30
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Deciding between the Ford Explorer EV and the Volvo EX30 is essentially choosing between roomy, family-focused SUV capability and a compact, premium electric that prioritizes agility and efficiency. I’ll compare driving dynamics, range, tech, practicality and value to help you pick the best EV for …
Volvo EX30
BYD Dolphin

Costs and Consumption
Price
30,000 - 47,800 £
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
17 - 18.3 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Electric Range
339 - 475 km
Electric Range
427 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,840 - 1,960 kg
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
345 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,838 mm
Width
1,770 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
370 - 390 kg
Payload
410 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 428 HP
Power HP
204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.6 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
343 - 543 Nm
Torque
310 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
110 - 315 kW
Power kW
150 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2023
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Volvo
Brand
BYD
What drivetrain options does the Volvo EX30 have?

The Volvo EX30 is offered with Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.