BYD Dolphin vs NIO Firefly
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.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
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
44.9kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 100kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7kW AC, 100kW 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 NIO Firefly gets a 13.2-inch display and 6-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
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 NIO Firefly responds with a Single electric motor making 105kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds.
The NIO Firefly has the clear power advantage at 105kW vs 70kW. In the real-world sprint, the NIO Firefly is 4.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 44.9kWh (BYD Dolphin) vs 41.2kWh (NIO Firefly), giving WLTP ranges of 340km and 330km. DC fast charging peaks at 60kW (BYD Dolphin) vs 100kW (NIO Firefly).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Dolphin measures 4,290mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 287mm longer than the NIO Firefly at 4,003mm (2,700mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 345L in the BYD Dolphin and 308L in the NIO Firefly, giving the BYD Dolphin a 37L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m 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 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
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 7 years / 150,000km (NIO Firefly). The NIO Firefly has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Dolphin if: You need more boot space, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the NIO Firefly if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer NIO's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The NIO Firefly takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BYD Dolphin has a clear edge. The NIO Firefly adds peace of mind with a longer 7-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 NIO Firefly?
The BYD Dolphin is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs.
Which has the longest driving range?
The NIO Firefly has the most range at 427km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The NIO Firefly accepts the highest DC charging at up to 100kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Dolphin all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Dolphin has the largest boot at 345L.
Which has the best warranty?
The NIO Firefly has the longest warranty at 7 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The NIO Firefly makes the most power at 105kW. The NIO Firefly is quickest to 100km/h in 8.1s.
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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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