The BYD Dolphin is one of the easiest EVs to charge at home, but the right charger depends on one detail many owners miss: which version of the Dolphin you have. Here is how to choose without paying for power the car cannot use.
The short answer
| Your Dolphin | Max AC charging | Buy this |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort or Design (60.4 kWh battery) | 11 kW | WallBox S2 11 kW |
| Active or Boost (44.9 kWh battery) | 7 kW | WallBox S2 7 kW |
Not sure which Dolphin you have?
- The trim name (Active, Boost, Comfort or Design) is on your purchase contract and registration papers.
- Quick check: a full battery shows roughly 427 km of range (WLTP) on the 60.4 kWh car, and about 310–340 km on the 44.9 kWh car.
- Still unsure? Email your version or VIN to support@giraffevolt.shop and we will check it for you.
Specifications can differ by market and model year, so confirm in the charging section of your owner's manual before you buy.
How fast can the BYD Dolphin charge at home?
At home the Dolphin charges on AC through its onboard charger, and that charger sets the limit: 11 kW on the 60.4 kWh versions and 7 kW on the 44.9 kWh versions. A more powerful wall box will not make the car charge faster.
Our recommendation
- Comfort or Design and a three-phase supply (most houses in Estonia): the WallBox S2 11 kW. It charges the car at its full home speed.
- Active or Boost, or a single-phase supply: the WallBox S2 7 kW. A faster charger would not help.
- Not a 22 kW charger. The Dolphin will still charge at 11 kW at most, so you pay more and gain nothing, unless several cars will share the charger.
How long does a BYD Dolphin take to charge?
| Charger | 60.4 kWh, 20% to 100% | Range added per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Household socket (about 2.3 kW) | About 23 hours | About 12–15 km |
| 7 kW wall box | About 7.5 hours | About 40 km |
| 11 kW wall box | About 5 hours | About 60 km |
Most days you will not charge from 20%. If you drive 40 km a day, you add that back in under an hour on an 11 kW wall box, or overnight on any charger.
Should you charge the Dolphin to 100%?
The Dolphin uses BYD's Blade battery with LFP (lithium iron phosphate) cells. Unlike many other EVs, LFP batteries are comfortable being charged to 100%, and BYD's manual recommends a full charge regularly so the car can keep its range estimate accurate. Follow the guidance in your own manual.
Which cable do you need?
The Dolphin uses a Type 2 inlet for AC charging and CCS2 for DC rapid charging. For public AC chargers without a fixed cable, carry a Type 2 to Type 2 cable. Our 22 kW Type 2 cable (5 m) works with every Dolphin version; a 22 kW rating only allows higher power, it never forces it.
Installation in Estonia
A wall box must be installed by a qualified electrician on its own circuit, with the correct residual current protection. Most detached houses in Estonia have a three-phase supply, which is what an 11 kW charger needs. In an apartment building, speak to the building association first.
FAQ
Can I charge the BYD Dolphin from a normal socket?
Yes, with the portable cable supplied with many cars, but it is slow. Use it for occasional top-ups, and have an electrician check the socket before charging regularly.
Will a 22 kW public charger charge my Dolphin faster?
No. The car takes up to 11 kW (or 7 kW on the Active and Boost) from any AC charger.
Does the Dolphin support vehicle-to-load?
Yes, the Dolphin supports V2L, so it can power small appliances with the right adapter.
Complete your setup
- Your wall box: the one recommended above. Not sure about your home's power supply? Find Your Charger checks your car and your home together.
- A portable charger for the boot: a must-have for every EV owner, so you are never stuck without a way to charge. The 3.5 kW portable charger plugs into any household socket.
- A Type 2 cable for public chargers: many public AC chargers have no cable of their own. Our 22 kW Type 2 cable (5 m) fits every car with a Type 2 port.
See also: Which EV charger does your car need?