Citroen e-C3 Aircross and BYD Dolphin target different needs in the budget EV space. The Citroen is a compact SUV built for families who want space, higher seating, and simple daily use. The BYD is a compact hatchback aimed at urban users who want efficiency, better performance, and modern tech in a smaller footprint.
Range favors the BYD. The Dolphin reaches up to about 427 km WLTP in larger battery versions, while the e-C3 Aircross reaches about 300 to 400 km WLTP depending on battery size. Charging is similar on paper. Both support around 100 kW DC fast charging, with 10 to 80 percent in roughly 25 to 35 minutes. The BYD also offers stronger AC charging up to 11 kW, while the Citroen stays around 7.4 kW in most versions.

Price positioning places the Citroen lower as a budget-focused family SUV, while the BYD sits slightly higher due to more power and features. Availability differs. Citroen focuses on Europe and emerging markets with entry-level EVs, while BYD expands globally with strong presence in China and growing reach in Europe and Asia. This page helps you decide between more space and practicality or better range and performance in a smaller car.
Within Citroen, other EVs include the e-C3 hatchback and e-C4. Within BYD, EVs include the Atto 3, Seal, and Seal U, covering SUVs and sedans with larger batteries and more power.
The Citroen e-C3 Aircross offers higher seating, more cabin space, and lower price, but it has shorter range and weaker performance; the BYD Dolphin offers longer range, stronger motor output, and better efficiency, but it has less space and a lower driving position.
QUICK VERDICT; Pick the Citroen e-C3 Aircross if you need space and a budget family EV. Pick the BYD Dolphin if you want better range, performance, and daily efficiency in a smaller car.
Related EV Comparisons
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| Price | $30,000.00 $33,000.00 |
| Our Rating | |
| Brand | CITROEN BYD |
| Category | Electric Cars Electric Cars |
| Available Trims / Variants |
Citroen e-C3 Aircross 44Wh
BYD Dolphin Active BYD Dolphin Boost BYD Dolphin Comfort/Design |
| Reveal Date |
2024, June 19 2023, April 11 |
| Availability Status | Coming soon. Expected release 2024 Available. Released 2023, June |
| Base Price (USD) |
€ 30,000 € 33,000 |
| Battery Capacity |
44 kWh total 60 kWh total |
| Battery Chemistry | Air-cooled Li-ion LFP battery (400V type) Liquid-cooled Li-ion LFP battery |
| Range (WLTP/CLTC/EPA) |
186 mi WLTP 265 mi WLTP |
| Regen Braking (Max kW) | Yes Yes, 4 modes |
| Heat Pump | |
| AC Charging (Max kW) |
Type 2 7 kW, 20-80% in 4 hours 10 min Type 2 11 kW, 20-80% in 2 hours 50 min Type 2 11 kW |
| DC Charging (Max kW) |
CCS 100 kW max, 20-80% in 26 min CCS 88 kW, 30-80% in 29 min Vehicle to load (V2L) - 3.3 kW max |
| Power Output (kW / hp) |
FWD 113 hp (83 kW) FWD 204 hp (150 kW) |
| Torque (Nm) | 290 Nm (214 lb-ft) |
| 0–100 km/h / 0-60 mph (seconds) The acceleration numbers are an easy way to compare car performance. We list either time from 0 to 100 km/h or time from 0 to 60mph, depending on which number(s) the manufacturers provide. The lower the acceleration time, the higher performance the car is. |
11 sec 0-62 mph 7 sec 0-62 mph |
| Top Speed (km/h / mph) | 90 mph (145 km/h) 99 mph (160 km/h) |
| Body Style | 5 door hatchback, 5/7 seats 5 door hatchback, 5 seats |
| Platform / Architecture | Smart Car e-platform 3.0 |
| Dimensions (L×W×H mm) | 4290 x 1770 x 1570 mm (168.9 x 69.7 x 61.8 in) |
| Wheelbase (mm) |
2670 mm (105.1 in) 2700 mm (106.3 in) |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Suspension (Front / Rear) | Citroen Advanced Comfort Suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions |
| Wheel Size (inches) | R16, R17 R16, R17 |
| Trunk/Boot Capacity (L) | EU: 330 l EU: 345 l, 1310 l max |
| Frunk/Bonnet Capacity (L) | No No |
| Towing Capacity (kg) | Yes No |
| Airbags (count) |
6 airbags: side airbags, front, head airbag system 6 airbags: front, side, rear, including head airbag system |
| Driver Assistance (ADAS) |
Front/rear cameras. Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Safety Brake, Driver Attention Alert, High Beam Assist, Speed sign recognition, Blind spot detection Front radar, multiple cameras. Blind Spot Warning, High Beam Assist, Lane departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Front/Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front/Rear Cross Traffic Brake, Traffic Sign Recognition, Automatic Emergency Braking System |
| Seating Capacity |
Heated front seats Heated front seats |
| Roof Type | No glass roof Glass roof, tilt & slide |
| Bluetooth / Wi-Fi |
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay |
| Parking Aids |
Front and rear sensors, reversing camera Front and rear sensors, 360 camera, reversing camera |
| Centre Screen (inches) |
10.25" touchscreen 12.8" rotating touchscreen |
| Driver's Display (inches) | Yes 5" |
| Head-Up Display (HUD) | Yes No |
| Additional Notes | Also known as Citroën ë-C3 Aircross |
| Disclaimer | We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. |
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Specifications sourced from manufacturer data and may reflect WLTP, CLTC, or EPA test conditions. Import prices in your local are estimates based on grey-market landing costs and exclude duties, clearing fees, and local taxes. Figures are subject to change without notice. Always verify with your local importer before purchase. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct