The BYD Dolphin Surf is BYD's small city car for Europe, and it has one big advantage when it comes to home charging: every version accepts 11 kW three-phase AC charging. That makes choosing a charger simple.
Dolphin Surf charging at a glance
| Version | Battery | Max AC charging | 0–100% at 11 kW (BYD figure) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 30 kWh | 11 kW | About 3.5 hours |
| Boost | 43.2 kWh | 11 kW | About 5 hours |
| Comfort | 43.2 kWh | 11 kW | About 5 hours |
Which charger should you buy?
- Three-phase supply at home: the WallBox S2 11 kW matches the car exactly. An empty battery is full well before morning.
- Single-phase supply: the WallBox S2 7 kW. With a battery this size, even 7 kW refills it overnight with hours to spare.
- Skip 22 kW. The Surf never takes more than 11 kW on AC.
Do you even need a wall box?
With a small battery and city driving, many Surf owners manage with slower charging. If you drive 30 km a day, you use roughly 4–5 kWh, which a household socket puts back in about two hours. A wall box is still the safer and more convenient choice for daily charging, because household sockets and wiring are not designed for many hours of high current every night. If you do charge from a socket, have an electrician check the circuit first and never use an extension reel.
Range added per hour of charging
| Charger | Range added per hour (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Household socket (2.3 kW) | 12–15 km |
| 7 kW wall box | 40–45 km |
| 11 kW wall box | 60–70 km |
The right cable
The Dolphin Surf uses a Type 2 inlet for AC charging. Public AC chargers in Estonia and across Europe often have a socket but no cable, so keep a Type 2 to Type 2 cable in the boot. Our 22 kW Type 2 cable, 5 m works perfectly: the car simply takes its 11 kW.
Winter charging
In cold weather the car may use some energy to warm the battery before and during charging, so a winter charge takes a little longer. Charging overnight at home, and using the car's schedule to finish just before you leave, gives you a warm battery and cabin in the morning.
FAQ
Is the 11 kW onboard charger standard on the Active?
Yes. BYD lists three-phase 11 kW AC charging as standard across the Dolphin Surf range in Europe.
What about DC rapid charging?
The Surf takes up to 65 kW DC (Active) or 85 kW DC (Boost and Comfort) at rapid chargers, using the CCS2 connector. That is for road trips; at home you charge on AC.
My main fuse is small. Can I still install a charger?
Usually yes. Many wall boxes can have their maximum current set lower during installation. Ask your electrician, or email us the model you are considering and we will confirm what it supports.
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.
Also useful: 7 kW, 11 kW or 22 kW?