Cheap electric vehicle achieves excellent safety rating in crash test

Cars are safer than ever, as shown by the models tested this year by the testing organization Euro NCAP. The BYD Dolphin also scored points as a comparatively cheap electric car. How safe is the electric vehicle?

You can buy the BYD Dolphin (see our driving test here) in the Netherlands from 29,990 euros, which makes the hatchback competitively priced compared to the electric competition. At the same time, the electric vehicle scores points in terms of safety.

BYD Dolphin safety rating

Euro NCAP evaluates cars based on four main criteria. The BYD Dolphin scores as follows: safety of adult passengers (89 percent), safety of children on board the electric car (87 percent), safety of the assistance systems (79 percent) and pedestrian safety (85 percent).

In the latter area, the BYD Dolphin actually performs better than the other five cars that Euro NCAP tested this year. “The head protection of a pedestrian or cyclist hit by an electric car was generally good or sufficient.”

“Only the BYD Dolphin performed worse when it came to stiff windshield pillars,” says the test organization. “Pelvic, thigh, knee and shin protection was good at all test locations and the EV achieved maximum points in this part of the evaluation.”

Electric car emergency braking system

“The BYD Dolphin’s automatic emergency braking system can, for example, react to pedestrians, cyclists and other cars. The electric car’s system responded smoothly to pedestrians and performed well in reaction tests with cyclists.”

“The electric car also warns when the door is opened if a cyclist is approaching from behind,” says the Euro NCAP study on the electric car. Motorcyclists also have little to fear from the BYD Dolphin: “The emergency braking system also responded well on motorcycles and achieved full points there.”

Used as a cheaper alternative to electric vehicles

Now we understand that almost 30 grand for an electric car is still a lot of money for many. Since the BYD Dolphin is a relatively new electric vehicle, one cannot yet be found on the used car market.

Fortunately, there are many other cars that are at least as safe. For example, this used Volvo for much less money. Also an extremely safe car, even though the used car is not an electric vehicle.