BYD Dolphin vs Fiat 500e
Two electric Hatchbacks go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Track the BYD Dolphin & Fiat 500e
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Price Breakdown
The BYD Dolphin starts from $29,990 before on-road costs, while the Fiat 500e opens at $52,500. That makes the BYD Dolphin the more affordable entry point by $22,510.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $32,989 and $57,750 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
The BYD Dolphin holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Fiat 500e. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Dolphin and 78% for the Fiat 500e.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Fiat 500e packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the BYD Dolphin.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BYD Dolphin and 6 in the Fiat 500e.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
44.9kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 60kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7kW AC, 60kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
42kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 85kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 85kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Dolphin features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 5-inch digital dash, while the Fiat 500e gets a 10.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Fiat 500e counters with BeatsAudio audio and ambient lighting that the BYD Dolphin does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BYD Dolphin gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Fiat 500e offers leatherette.
Drivetrain
The BYD Dolphin uses a Electric producing 70kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.3 seconds.
The Fiat 500e responds with a Electric making 87kW and 220Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The Fiat 500e has the clear power advantage at 87kW vs 70kW. In the real-world sprint, the Fiat 500e is 3.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 44.9kWh (BYD Dolphin) vs 42kWh (Fiat 500e), giving WLTP ranges of 340km and 311km. DC fast charging peaks at 60kW (BYD Dolphin) vs 85kW (Fiat 500e).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Dolphin measures 4,290mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 659mm longer than the Fiat 500e at 3,631mm (2,322mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Dolphin generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 345L in the BYD Dolphin and 185L in the Fiat 500e, giving the BYD Dolphin a 160L advantage. The BYD Dolphin seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.3m to 10.4m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Dolphin) vs 3 years / 150,000km (Fiat 500e). The BYD Dolphin has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Dolphin if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Fiat 500e if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Fiat's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Dolphin takes 6 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the BYD Dolphin has a clear edge. The BYD Dolphin adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Dolphin and Fiat 500e?
The BYD Dolphin is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Fiat 500e by $22,510.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BYD Dolphin has the most range at 340km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Fiat 500e accepts the highest DC charging at up to 85kW.
Which is safest?
The BYD Dolphin has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Dolphin has the largest boot at 345L.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Dolphin has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Fiat 500e makes the most power at 87kW. The Fiat 500e is quickest to 100km/h in 9s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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