BYD Dolphin Surf EV Embarks on a Surprising 1,000-Mile European Road Trip

A couple from Barcelona, Rafael Verástegui and his wife, recently completed a remarkable 1,000-mile road trip across Europe in their new BYD Dolphin Surf electric vehicle. Initially planning to use an RV, a mechanical failure led them to rely solely on the compact EV for their journey from Spain to Germany, proving its capability and offering a surprisingly relaxing travel experience.

Key Takeaways

• The BYD Dolphin Surf, an affordable Chinese EV, successfully completed a 1,000-mile road trip from Spain to Germany.
• Despite initial concerns about range anxiety, the owner found the EV experience more relaxing than driving a gasoline car.
• Charging times were efficient, typically taking 30-40 minutes, even for lower battery levels.
• The owner praised the BYD’s software and navigation system, noting its ability to communicate with charging providers.
• The experience led the couple to purchase a second BYD vehicle, a larger Dolphin hatchback.

An Unexpected EV Adventure

Rafael Verástegui and his wife, first-time EV owners, purchased two BYD vehicles to navigate Barcelona’s pollution restrictions. Their compact Dolphin Surf, acquired in May for approximately €16,690 after subsidies, became the unexpected star of their European adventure.

From RV to EV: A 1,000-Mile Test Drive

The journey took an unexpected turn when their RV broke down in Bordeaux, France. With their vacation plans and family visit at stake, they decided to proceed with the Dolphin Surf. Verástegui, initially cautious about relying on the built-in navigation and charging infrastructure, soon found a rhythm.

They drove for two to two-and-a-half-hour stretches, incorporating regular breaks for themselves and their two small dogs. Charging stops, which typically lasted 30 to 40 minutes, allowed Verástegui to take power naps, a luxury he didn’t afford himself in gasoline cars. The entire 1,600-kilometer (994-mile) trip was completed in 22 hours, only four hours longer than his usual gasoline car journey, but with a significantly more relaxed arrival.

The BYD Experience in Europe

Verástegui highlighted the pleasant driving experience of EVs, noting the absence of noise and vibration. He was particularly impressed with BYD’s integrated navigation software, which efficiently planned routes and provided real-time information on charging station availability and speed. While acknowledging that driver assistance features could be slightly intrusive, he found them more subtle in the Dolphin model compared to others.

A Welcome Disruption

The couple’s positive experience with the Dolphin Surf led them to purchase a larger BYD Dolphin hatchback in August. Verástegui sees the increasing presence of Chinese automakers like BYD in the European market as a positive development, fostering competition and driving innovation. He believes European manufacturers need to step up to match the advancements offered by their Chinese counterparts.

Sources

• BYD Dolphin Surf: I Took a Chinese EV on a European Road Trip, Business Insider.
• I bought a BYD Dolphin Surf and took it on a European road trip. I was surprised by how relaxing driving
  1,000 miles in an EV was., Yahoo.