Renault ZOE vs BYD Dolphin
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.
Overseas model shownRenault ZOE
Price TBC
Hatchback
Electric
Electric Motor
68kW
—
ANCAP: no data
338L
BYD Dolphin
From $29,990
Hatchback
Electric
Electric
70kW
—
5★ ANCAP
345L
Renault ZOE: we're still completing price, drive type, ground clearance, braked towing and battery capacity, plus 1 other.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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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
41kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC). 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 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.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The BYD Dolphin counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Renault ZOE runs a pure electric powertrain producing 68kW and 220Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed reduction gear to the wheels. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 13.2 seconds.
The BYD Dolphin responds with a Electric making 70kW and 180Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.3 seconds.
The BYD Dolphin has the clear power advantage at 70kW vs 68kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BYD Dolphin is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Renault ZOE measures 4,084mm long on a 2,588mm wheelbase, 206mm shorter than the BYD Dolphin at 4,290mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Dolphin generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 338L in the Renault ZOE and 345L in the BYD Dolphin, giving the BYD Dolphin a 7L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.6m
Based on 10.6m 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
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: 3 years (Renault ZOE) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Dolphin). The BYD Dolphin has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Renault ZOE if: You or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Dolphin if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Dolphin takes 5 of 5 key spec categories. 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, Renault ZOE and BYD Dolphin?
The BYD Dolphin is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BYD Dolphin has the most range at 340km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BYD Dolphin accepts the highest DC charging at up to 60kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
BYD Dolphin holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Renault ZOE, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
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 BYD Dolphin makes the most power at 70kW. The BYD Dolphin is quickest to 100km/h in 12.3s.
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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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