BYD Dolphin vs Renault 5 E-Tech

Side-by-Side Specs

Charging Speed

The Renault 5 E-Tech has a peak DC charging speed of 101 kW, which is roughly 15% faster than the BYD Dolphin at 88 kW. In practice, peak speed only tells part of the story. The charging curve, battery temperature, and state of charge all affect how quickly your car actually charges.

Both cars use 400V architecture, so their charging curves should follow similar patterns. The difference in peak speed comes down to battery chemistry, thermal management, and the onboard charger design.

For the 10-80% charge (the most common DC fast charging scenario), the Renault 5 E-Tech finishes in about 31 minutes, which is 10 minutes quicker than the BYD Dolphin at 41 minutes. On a road trip, that difference adds up over multiple stops.

Range and Efficiency

The BYD Dolphin offers 350 km of real-world range, which is 15 km more than the Renault 5 E-Tech at 335 km. These are real-world estimates, not WLTP numbers. Expect your actual range to vary with speed, weather, terrain, and driving style.

Efficiency matters more than battery size for daily driving costs. The Renault 5 E-Tech consumes 155 Wh/km, compared to 173 Wh/km for the BYD Dolphin. That means the Renault 5 E-Tech uses less energy per kilometer, which translates to lower charging costs and fewer charging stops on longer drives.

A more efficient car does not always mean more range. Battery size plays a role too. The BYD Dolphin has a 60.5 kWh useable battery , while the Renault 5 E-Tech has 52 kWh.

Cold Weather Charging

Both the BYD Dolphin and Renault 5 E-Tech come with a heat pump as standard, which helps preserve range in cold weather by heating the cabin more efficiently.

Battery preconditioning is equally important for winter DC fast charging. When the battery is cold, charging speeds drop significantly. The Renault 5 E-Tech supports preconditioning, while the BYD Dolphin does not. This can mean noticeably slower winter charging for the BYD Dolphin.

In cold conditions, expect 20-35% range loss compared to ideal weather. Cars with both a heat pump and preconditioning typically handle winter better overall.

Which One Should You Choose?

If fast charging speed is your priority, the Renault 5 E-Tech has the edge with 101 kW peak DC and a 31-minute 10-80% time. For long road trips with multiple charging stops, that faster turnaround makes a real difference.

If you mostly charge at home or at work and care more about daily driving costs, the Renault 5 E-Tech is the more efficient choice at 155 Wh/km. Lower consumption means lower electricity bills over time.

For maximum range between charges, the BYD Dolphin gives you 350 km of real-world range, which is 15 km more. Both are capable EVs. The best choice depends on how you charge and how far you drive.