Volvo EX30 vs BYD Dolphin: Home Charging Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of home charging for the Volvo EX30 (51kWh, 214 miles range) and BYD Dolphin (60.4kWh, 265 miles range). Which charges faster, which costs less, and which charger brand works best for each.
| Spec | Volvo EX30 | BYD Dolphin | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 51kWh | 60.4kWh | BYD Dolphin |
| Range (WLTP) | 214 miles | 265 miles | BYD Dolphin |
| Max AC charge | 11kW (3-phase) | 7kW (1-phase) | Volvo EX30 |
| 7kW charge speed | 24 miles/hr | 25 miles/hr | BYD Dolphin |
| 20-100% at 7kW | 5.8 hrs | 6.9 hrs | Volvo EX30 |
| Efficiency | 16.3kWh/100km | 15.5kWh/100km | BYD Dolphin |
| Price from (indicative) | approximately £33,000 | approximately £26,000 | BYD Dolphin |
Prices are indicative UK pricing, June 2026. Verify with the dealer. Both models can be leased through an employer salary sacrifice scheme.
Charging Cost Comparison
| Cost (home charging) | Volvo EX30 | BYD Dolphin |
|---|---|---|
| Full charge (20-100%) | ~£10 | ~£12 |
| Electricity per mile | ~6.6p | ~6.2p |
Electricity only, at the Ofgem price cap direct-debit average of about 25p/kWh (set nationally; changes quarterly). There are no per-mile road charges in the UK, and both vehicles pay the same standard-rate VED (~£195/yr), so road tax does not change the head-to-head result. EV tariffs with cheap overnight windows can lower the electricity cost; rates vary by supplier.
Best Charger for Each Vehicle
Volvo EX30
Supports up to 11kW three-phase AC charging.
BYD Dolphin
Single-phase onboard charger limited to 7kW.
Volvo EX30 vs BYD Dolphin FAQ
Which charges faster at home, Volvo EX30 or BYD Dolphin?
The Volvo EX30 charges faster on a standard 7kW home charger, taking 5.8 hours from 20% to 100% compared to 6.9 hours for the BYD Dolphin. On three-phase power, the gap widens further as the Volvo EX30 supports 11kW while the BYD Dolphin is limited to 7kW.
Which is cheaper to charge, Volvo EX30 or BYD Dolphin?
The BYD Dolphin is more efficient at 15.5kWh/100km, making it slightly cheaper to charge per mile. For an illustrative 8,000-mile year at the Ofgem cap average of about 25p/kWh, the difference is about £26 per year. Both pay the same standard-rate VED (about £195 a year), and both cost far less per mile than a petrol car at home-charging rates.
Do the Volvo EX30 and BYD Dolphin use the same charger?
Both the Volvo EX30 and BYD Dolphin use Type 2 AC charging, so any home EV charger sold in the UK works with both vehicles. The key difference is that the Volvo EX30 supports three-phase charging (up to 11kW) while the BYD Dolphin is single-phase only (7kW max).
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