BYD Dolphin vs Nissan Leaf

ozeebee on 25/07/2025 - 11:34

We are in the market for an EV to utilise our solar at home which is in excess.

The car will be a weekday A>B car for school dropoff and drive to work 4 days a week. Approx will be 200km per week use.

Our main goal is longevity. Whichever car we buy will be kept long term until it pretty much dies one day.

In this scenario, which one would the EV experts in Ozb go for? A used 2023 leaf can be had for approx $25k while a new Dolphin is $32k.

We've had a look at other options in that price range and honestly not a fan of MG which imo is a lower class to the BYD.

Poll Options

  • 20
    Nissan Leaf
  • 243
    BYD Dolphin
  • 22
    Other, which one?
Automotive BYD Auto Car Nissan Electric Vehicle

Comments

  • Cluster on 25/07/2025 - 11:42
    +24

    BYD is much more likely to be around in five years time than Nissan. The latter has severe financial problems.

    Of the two I would pick BYD.

    Nissan has 1 or 2 years to find a new investor. Japanese government tried to attach them to Honda, but Honda said no.
    https://www.drive.com.au/news/nissan-has-12-or-14-months-to-…

    Leaked emails suggest Nissan is asking parts suppliers to delay payments. This is circling the drain stuff.
    https://www.carscoops.com/2025/06/nissan-delays-supplier-pay…

      • V2L on 26/07/2025 - 16:56
        +6

        what do you mean?

        • faricity on 28/07/2025 - 17:16
          -1

          News sources speculate that BYD is delaying payments to its suppliers to inflate their financials.

          • V2L on 29/07/2025 - 05:14
            -1

            @faricity: ok, and? all public traded companies do this, they've got one of the strongest financials of the chinese EVs

            • faricity on 29/07/2025 - 14:27

              @V2L: Im just telling you, i have no interest in how businesses work to argue.

    • Brick Tamland on 25/07/2025 - 15:13
      -6

      You haven't been watching the news? If you are worried about Nissan asking to defer payment to suppliers know that BYD was forced by the government to reign in its terms as it was destabilising the entire car industry.

      • V2L on 26/07/2025 - 16:41
        +15

        because they are outcompeting the competition, whereas Nissan is doing exactly the opposite..

          • V2L on 26/07/2025 - 23:37
            +9

            @zztrader: generous to call that a documentary.

          • serpserpserp on 27/07/2025 - 00:57
            +4

            @zztrader: That was a strange AI generated video. Not really getting its point across nor showing any evidence of anything catastrophic.

              • serpserpserp on 27/07/2025 - 09:32
                +1

                @zztrader: Mate more petrol cars catch on fire in the world ever year than electrics. They aren't all the blazing infernos, people post, but it happens.

                Electric cars are safe, this video wasn't about safety anyway, it was about the technology of BYD checking how much battery is truly left in the battery when charging/discharging. To be honest, they were just saying stuff and not proving anything. Who knows if what they really say is true.

    • Dr Phil on 27/07/2025 - 12:23

      Both will suffer from large and rapid depreciation

      For me, a mere 200km per week does not justify an EV

      But given OP has excess solar energy to burn…then why not

      Id stick with the EV offering the lonest warranty and latest tech.

      This is clearly the BYD with a 6/8 year warranty vs only 3 yrs left on a used 2023 Leaf

      Once EVs are out of warranty they become rather unpopular and this is reflected in the depreciating values

  • BargainMe on 25/07/2025 - 11:47
    +12

    I'd go with an used MG4, can be had for around the price you mentioned for a Leaf. The Leaf is ancient, I wouldn't touch one of those.

    • Jackson on 26/07/2025 - 23:16
      -1

      The leaf is not ancient at all, and it's only shortcoming is not having a cooled battery. I agree with you though, I would go an MG4 without knowing too much else about the OPs situation. The Leaf is an excellent car though and it sounds like it would do what the OP needs in stride

      • Agnai on 27/07/2025 - 14:43
        +1

        The Leaf IS ancient in comparison to the BYD, Gen 2 Leaf mechanically is a slightly updated version of the original 2010 model. The interior is dated and it doesn't even have reach adjustment on the steering wheel.

    • Dr Phil on 27/07/2025 - 12:25

      MG4 EV starts at $38,000
      For that money BYD is a far better buy

      • acersaurus on 27/07/2025 - 20:07

        It really depends, the dolphin essential (the 32k one) is a snail of a car with 0-100 speed of 12.3 seconds. It could still be suitable for some lifestyles/situations but not frequent highway use etc.. it's not designed for that, and i wouldn't use it for any single lane overtaking situation.

        The leaf or MG4 would be better for those looking to drive other than a snail, or the Ora (which has a small boot but otherwise ok).

        • Jackson on 27/07/2025 - 21:46

          It's not fast but the fact that it has (along with all other EVs) 100% of its torque available at all times means that the driving experience never feels too slow. Yes from a standing start it might take a while to get to 100kmh but in general driving you don't really feel it.

          My BYD has a dial for how much kW I am using instead of a tacho and honestly I never really use more than 30 or 40, even when accelerating a bit faster than usual. It's rare to use more than that unless your intention is to speed

        • Euphemistic on 30/07/2025 - 13:01

          0-100 in 12s might be slow conpared tonother EVs, but ill bet its more than capable of keeoing up with regualr traffic speeds. Got an old ute that does those sort of numbers and it doesnt leave you wanting for extra power that often. Overtaking on single lane highways isnt needed that often.

    • ozeebee on 25/07/2025 - 12:31
      +29

      Have you ever had a positive contribution to this site?

      It would be fine if it's actually funny. But that post is just sad and lame.

        • pegaxs on 25/07/2025 - 13:29
          +12

          Almost 130,000 comments and all you could dredge up was these 4?

        • smartazz104 on 25/07/2025 - 16:35
          +4

          If you fling enough at the wall…

    • theHMASfriendship on 25/07/2025 - 12:46
      +1

      I’d compare it to the Honda Cabbage

      • jv on 25/07/2025 - 13:03
        -4

        When was that released?

  • Bignudge on 25/07/2025 - 12:53
    +11

    Get the BYD, the Nissan EV was already behind the game the moment it was out from new

    • jv on 25/07/2025 - 13:36
      -6

      BYD has rust issues…

      • resisting the urge on 25/07/2025 - 14:06
        +2

        tbf, rust affects lettuces, and many other devices, too

        • Daabido on 26/07/2025 - 12:32
          +4

          But I don't drive my lettuce.

    • Brick Tamland on 25/07/2025 - 15:17
      +2

      Nissan Leaf was literally the first mass produced affordable EV, it started the game. lol

      • smartazz104 on 25/07/2025 - 16:36
        +8

        See, nobody cares.

        • Brick Tamland on 25/07/2025 - 17:36
          +2

          This is why AI wont work, people make shit up, put it on the internet as their truth and then AI will regurgitate it.

      • V2L on 26/07/2025 - 16:43

        and the 1st gen leaf showed us how shit they can be and probably set the EV movement back a decade

        • Brick Tamland on 26/07/2025 - 16:44
          +5

          So no EV is better than shit EV? Crazy take. Over 600,000 leafs have been sold. It’s made a huge impact on the EV market

          • V2L on 26/07/2025 - 16:47
            +1

            @Brick Tamland: it sure gave the ICE diehards plenty of valid arguments against EVs.

            600k isn't an impressive number at all in sales considering it's been around for over a decade. and it wasn't the first production EV, that was the Tesla roadster and Mitsi iMiev

            • Brick Tamland on 26/07/2025 - 16:59
              +3

              @V2L: Who gives a rats about them. There’s been plenty of shit ICE cars which doesn’t make them all shit.

            • Brick Tamland on 26/07/2025 - 17:00
              +1

              @V2L: Tesla roadster wasn’t mass produced. Miev was much worse than the leaf.

            • tenpercent on 26/07/2025 - 17:12

              @V2L: Those were not the first production EVs.
              The Detroit Electric was around over a hundred years and many others decades before it.

    • Jackson on 26/07/2025 - 23:20

      Please include /s for such comments

  • pegaxs on 25/07/2025 - 13:36
    +8

    Demo MG4 would be my pick. If you are doing 200km a week, just get the model with the smallest battery to save on costs.

    I would also give the Ora a look in. Customer of mine has one and speaks highly of it and it doesn't look to bad. They picked it up brand new, drive away for under $30k.

    Another option might be the Poverty Pack Atto 3 with none of the bessa not whistles if you are just using it for school runs and work commutes.

    • jv on 25/07/2025 - 13:39
      -5

      I would also give the Ora a look in.

      😲

      • fozzie on 25/07/2025 - 13:47
        +1

        Some friends of mine have had an Ora for over a year and they like it. I think the BYD dolphin though would be a better pick to be honest.

        I am going to possibly get an ev in the next few months. I am also considering a BYD Dolphin. The other option is to buy a second normal car, but with novated
        lease it makes it very appealing to buy brand new and with my solar it will be mostly free to recharge.

        • jv on 25/07/2025 - 14:02

          I am going to possibly get an ev in the next few months. I am also considering a BYD Dolphin.

          I'd hold off about a year if I was you… Lots more models and new names coming in over the next 12 months.

        • panorama on 26/07/2025 - 10:36
          +4

          The trouble with BYD is the expensive not needed servicing costs…….it's a killer

          • fozzie on 26/07/2025 - 11:04
            +1

            @panorama: Oh wow good point…. I was reading the byd atto 2 is coming soon but I’ll look into the servicing as well.

        • SupeNintendoChalmers on 26/07/2025 - 20:10

          I drove these cars back to back and the Ora wins, hands down. The Dolphin has a better boot, but overall liveability is superior on the Ora. Ride comfort is better, though I know the top spec Dolphin has multi-link rear suspension, so that will probably be better than the Ora, but at $7000 premium over the Ora thats a hell of a difference.

        • mandelbrot on 28/07/2025 - 13:45
          +2

          You can also get used EVs on novated lease and get the FBT EV exemption. It just needs to have had no LCT paid and registered after 1st July 2022.

    • ozeebee on 25/07/2025 - 15:35
      +1

      Which Atto 3 is at the low $30k price range? The cheapest available is $42k currently

      • Brick Tamland on 25/07/2025 - 15:49
        +1

        There are heaps under $40k, you can even get them under $30k

      • pegaxs on 25/07/2025 - 18:37

        Not new, no. But you are talking about used vehicles and there are a few Atto 3 vehicles that are low $30k’s out there.

        • ATangk on 26/07/2025 - 13:12
          +1

          A 2023 leaf was use in the comparison… OP is conjecturing wildly.

        • Nalar on 27/07/2025 - 12:48
          +1

          Crazy to buy a new Atto3 @ $40k+when a 2023 can be had for $30k. Let someone else eat the depreciation.

  • InternetExplorer on 25/07/2025 - 13:47
    +13

    Dont buy the used leafs. Leaf got ancient battery tech and no battery cooling. Good for countries like Norway but it cooks itself in aussie summer

    They had 15 years to add cooling and chose not to, which is typical of the arrogant Japanese approach.

    • jv on 25/07/2025 - 14:02

      Dont buy the used leafs.

      True. Wait for Spring…

    • raziel on 27/07/2025 - 03:08
      +2

      I own a Nissan Leaf, and I can confirm this. The battery degrades very fast in hot climates. The car itself is solidly built, but that's no good if your range drops drastically in 8 to 10 years (expect a 40-50% loss if you don't use fast charging, and from what I hear, much more if you do). Lack of active cooling is often cited as the primary reason.

      Also, I believe the 2023 model still has an NMC battery, which has a cycle life of about 2000, compared to 4000-6000 for LFP. If you plan to keep the car for a while, then an LFP is likely to last longer.

  • Wiadro on 25/07/2025 - 14:28
    -1

    both not needed

    • ricadam on 25/07/2025 - 14:54
      +8

      Like your comment?

      • Wiadro on 25/07/2025 - 17:47
        +2

        no, but why would someone spend 30 K on a car that’s doing 200 km a week, just buy a crappy old thing that you can run into the ground

        • SlickMick on 26/07/2025 - 11:42
          +3

          My car cost nearly 100k and I do less than half that on an average week.

          I once chose to drive a crappy old thing and literally did run it into the ground. I'm never going back to that.
          I'm sure it's the right choice for some, but not everybody.. especially not for someone looking for free fuel and a use for excess power.

  • tanksinatra on 25/07/2025 - 15:07

    I'd go with a new BYD Dolphin or used Tesla Model 3. Tesla is probably the only EV brand which has proven durability given their time on the market, and they are pretty good value used.
    I'd definitely steer away from the Leaf. It doesn't have battery thermal management, can't charge from most DC chargers and batteries seem to degrade very quickly. It's been obsolete for a long time.

    • ozeebee on 25/07/2025 - 15:35

      Model 3 would be nice but also a lot more than a new base Dolphin.

      • tanksinatra on 25/07/2025 - 15:38
        +2

        A used Model 3 would be significantly cheaper than a new Dolphin

    • gromit on 27/07/2025 - 09:50

      BYD has been around longer than Tesla and Tesla utilise BYD battery tech in some of their vehicles.

  • Brick Tamland on 25/07/2025 - 15:18
    +4

    Drive them both and buy what you like. Dont listen to the internet.

    • ozeebee on 25/07/2025 - 15:37
      +1

      My biggest concern with the Leaf is it's battery. The one I'm looking at which is a 2023 model, at 100% charge only has 220km max range. That's a bit worrying for longevity.

      • Brick Tamland on 25/07/2025 - 15:45

        I don’t think it’s in dispute that the Leaf will have the worse range and longevity but it’s probably a better car. Whereas the dolphin has the better battery but maybe a worse car. I’d recommend joining the local BYD FB groups to see owners real life experiences. From what I’ve seen on there there issues with durability like steering wheels delaminating and just generally unacceptable wear.

        Personally I like the Leaf but it has to be the right price.

        • ozeebee on 25/07/2025 - 15:53

          Yes the Leaf does best at being a normal car.

        • V2L on 26/07/2025 - 16:59

          interesting take, given the most important thing in an EV is the battery. on longevity, range and safety the BYD would be miles ahead. equipment and finish is also significantly better if you've ever sat in one

          • Brick Tamland on 26/07/2025 - 17:06
            +1

            @V2L: The leaf is a remarkably durable car. If you can get one cheap enough and budget a battery replacement it’s a very solid option.

            • V2L on 26/07/2025 - 17:08

              @Brick Tamland: I don't doubt that..but it's old tech and I just think there are so many cheap new EVs that gives you a better go for your money

              • Brick Tamland on 26/07/2025 - 17:24
                +1

                @V2L: Heaps of YouTube vids of people who have picked up old leafs and fixed them up for very little money. Certainly more of a project though.

      • TilacVIP on 26/07/2025 - 10:25

        then there's your answer

  • Drakesy on 25/07/2025 - 16:04
    -2

    Only thing a Leaf is good for is V2G and charging your house.
    Other than that it's pretty much a paperweight.

    • JimmyF on 25/07/2025 - 17:01
      -1

      Yeah nah, it was trialed but the standard moving forward is based on CC2

      • Drakesy on 25/07/2025 - 22:23

        Its one of 3 v2g vehicles that can feed into the grid, we know its outdated but theres not much choice

        • JimmyF on 25/07/2025 - 22:32
          -1

          It was on the trial list… Leaf won't be on list moving forward in prime time, only CCS2 plugs will be.

        • d4zz4 on 28/07/2025 - 08:53

          The BYD Atto 3 can feed into the grid on a sigenergy. I would assume the rest of the fleet will be able to eventually.

        • Bigboomboom on 30/07/2025 - 14:47

          CHAdeMO V2G is dead, CCS2 V2X is now officially live. Sigenergy just turned on the function yesterday for some States, Atto 3 discharge up to 10kW to house/grid. Work as an extension to Sigenstor Battery.

  • JimmyF on 25/07/2025 - 17:00

    Nissan Leaf is useless…. wrong charging plug.

    • Lastchancetosee on 26/07/2025 - 07:31

      I have 2024 leaf and it has two plugs, so no issues.

      • JimmyF on 26/07/2025 - 09:13

        and which one on them is the CCS2 DC fast charger plug? As this is needed for V2G/V2L/V2/H feature moving forward in Australia.

        Oh wait, none…… Whoops

        • Daabido on 26/07/2025 - 12:44

          You need to go slower so you don't get off so fast on your acronyms next time.

          • JimmyF on 26/07/2025 - 15:03

            @Daabido: Sad part is they didn't have the right plug, I didn't get off at all :( Just left hanging with no where to put it.

            • Lastchancetosee on 28/07/2025 - 10:48

              @JimmyF: As I said, I have been able to charge anywhere, so I'm not sure what the problem is. Where were you having issues? Genuinely interested to know in case it will be a problem for me in the future.

  • downhillmtbr on 25/07/2025 - 17:56
    +3

    Would definitely go a used MG4 over these two.

  • Tamtim on 25/07/2025 - 20:02
    +6

    We were in a similar situation as you OP. But trying to decide between MG, Ora or BYD. I ended up getting a BYD dolphin and love it! Really smooth, comfortable drive. Tech is really fun to play around with, and the instant torque is great. It's so convenient to just charge at home. At first I had range anxiety, so I tested it on a drive to the blue mountains, about 100km there and another 100km back. It used less than 50% battery. Really happy with it so far. Cons: the heater fan is a bit loud. I find anything above fan speed 3 is too noisy. And sound insulation isn't that great — you can hear cars outside driving past quite clearly. But these are just minor gripes.

    • ozeebee on 25/07/2025 - 20:39
      +1

      Thanks for your feedback. These cars are built on a budget so that's understandable. Glad to hear you're enjoying the Dolphin.

      • Jaspa7 on 28/07/2025 - 10:19

        Glad you understand that.. I've seen people talk crap about these cars, comparing it to vehicles over twice their price.
        As owner of BYD seal, they're fantastic vehicles - not without minor issues, but every vehicle has them.
        Don't knock the MGs either, but do think the BYD is still currently the king of value (sadly).
        Do be prepared for 20-30% depreciation in the first year, around 10% the next and 5% every year after.
        For me, this means I've lost about 18k in the first year on depreciation, expecting around 5k this year and only then the savings start outweighing the depreciation.. and then there's a fair bit of catching up to the losses in the first two years - thinking another 6-7years.
        Cheaper car like the dolphin I'd expect could do it in 5 years.. maybe 6 years total since you don't drive it as much.

  • ECE on 26/07/2025 - 00:01
    +3

    If you can afford it, buy a Tesla na if not buy an MG4.

  • Euphemistic on 26/07/2025 - 06:10

    There is a dolphin af a local used car place. Maybe you can get one used.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join