Chinese automaker BYD is launching its new Dolphin Surf model on the British market - the most affordable electric car offered in Europe so far, priced at £18,650. This is part of the company's strategy to introduce budget electric vehicles, alongside the Seagull model sold in China for under $6,000.
The European market for compact electric vehicles currently has only 33 models out of a total of 360 available EV offerings. It is expected that 23 new models in this segment will be introduced by 2025. The introduction of the Dolphin Surf at a price under €23,000 has prompted a reaction from European automakers, who are accelerating the implementation of cheaper batteries and strengthening their cooperation with Chinese companies.
Over the past 12 months, the market share of Chinese brands like BYD in Europe has increased from 2.9% to 4.8%, with the United Kingdom remaining a key entry market for their expansion on the old continent.