BYD enters growing compact van market with 265-mile Dolphin Cargo

BYD has launched the Dolphin Cargo, a compact electric van based on its Dolphin hatchback, becoming the latest manufacturer to target fleets looking for a smaller alternative to traditional vans.

Priced from £29,538 CV OTR, the Dolphin Cargo offers up to 265 miles of WLTP range, 1,093 litres of load space and a payload of 393kg. UK conversions remove the rear seats and add a full metal bulkhead, flat load floor and additional underfloor storage.

The launch reflects a growing trend towards car-derived electric vans. FleetWise recently reported on the arrival of the Volvo EX30 Cargo, while manufacturers are increasingly recognising demand from engineers, surveyors, maintenance teams and urban delivery operators who do not need the size of a conventional van.

For those users, range and running costs can be more important than outright payload. The Dolphin Cargo's 265-mile range compares favourably with many compact electric vans, while 204PS and standard equipment including a heat pump, heated seats, heated steering wheel and 360-degree camera give it more of a passenger car feel than many commercial vehicles.

Another useful feature for mobile workers is Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing tools, lighting and equipment to be powered directly from the vehicle.

As cities become more congested and fleets seek lower operating costs, compact electric vans such as the Dolphin Cargo and Volvo EX30 Cargo are creating a new category between a traditional van and a company car.

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