The BYD Dolphin takes the top spot as Japan’s EV of the Year 2023

Over in the Land of the Rising Sun, an electric vehicle (EV) from China shocked the world (no pun intended) by earning the coveted Japan EV of the Year 2023 award. Despite being one of the few Chinese cars available in the Japanese market, the BYD Dolphin managed to earn the top votes from a panel of judges.

According to consulting firm Enechange, voting for the 2023 edition of the Japan EV of the Year awards took place from December 3, 2023, to January 31, 2024. A total of 261 individuals participated in online voting, collectively casting 512 points by selecting up to three models each. Additionally, 27 representatives from media outlets and key figures from EV-related companies contributed to the voting, resulting in a total of 540 points.

So, what standout quality did the Dolphin have to edge out the competition? According to a press release from Enechange, the judges commended the Dolphin for its performance, value, range, and advanced driver assistance features. Aimed at enhancing EV accessibility for consumers, the Dolphin's comprehensive offerings played a pivotal role in securing its success. Plus, they also thought that BYD tailoring the Dolphin’s height from 1,570 mm to 1,550 mm for easier parking in Japanese multi-story parking lots was a nice and thoughtful touch.

The BYD Dolphin for the Japanese market is available in two trim levels,  the standard 44.9 kWh battery model and the Long Range variant with a 58.56 kWh capacity. In the overall scoring, the Dolphin achieved an impressive 241 points, surpassing the Hyundai Kona Electric, which secured 151 points. The Atto 3 nearly clinched a BYD 1-2, garnering 145 points.

Is this a sign that the consumer’s perceptions about Chinese cars are changing for the better? Perhaps in Japan, yes, however, the effect this award will have on other markets like ours is yet to be seen.

The BYD Dolphin is also available in the Philippines, you can check it out on the AutoDeal Car Guide along with other exciting offerings on the market with just a simple click.