Is the Tesla Model 3 worth $16k more than the BYD Dolphin?

On specs alone, the Model 3 wins on range (510km vs 427km), boot space (594L vs 345L), and charging speed (170kW vs 88kW). But the Dolphin's LFP battery can be charged to 100% daily without degradation. Over 5 years, the Tesla saves about $2,700 in running costs, which doesn't close the $16k gap.

Which EV has the lowest running costs?

All three cost approximately $630-730/year in electricity at 15,000km. The Dolphin is the most efficient at 13.8kWh/100km. Running costs are nearly identical because all are electric.

Which budget EV is best for road trips?

The MG4 with 140kW DC charging. It charges from 10-80% in about 35 minutes. The Dolphin's 88kW charging is the slowest at 50+ minutes. For city-only driving, it doesn't matter.

Which EV qualifies for FBT exemption?

All three are FBT exempt when purchased via novated lease (priced under the LCT threshold). On a $120k salary, savings are approximately $6,000-9,500/year depending on the car's price.

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Head-to-Head 4 April 2026 12 min read

Model 3 vs Dolphin vs MG4: The EV Price War

$38,890, $38,990, $54,900. Three EVs, two price brackets. The BYD Dolphin and MG4 are virtually the same price. The Tesla Model 3 costs $16,000 more. Every EV buyer in Australia faces this question: is the Tesla worth it, or is the smart money on the Chinese alternatives?

The Spec Table

Spec	Tesla Model 3 RWD	BYD Dolphin ER	MG4 Excite 64
Price	$54,900	$38,890	$38,990
Range (WLTP)	510km	427km	450km
Efficiency	13.5kWh	13.8kWh	16.2kWh
DC Fast Charge	170kW	88kW	140kW
10-80% Charge	~30 min	~50 min	~35 min
Power	208kW	150kW	150kW
0-100 km/h	6.1s	7.0s	7.9s
Boot Space	594L	345L	363L
Battery Chemistry	LFP	LFP (Blade)	NMC
Warranty	4yr/80k	6yr/150k	7yr/unlim
V2L	No	No	No
Drag Coefficient	Cd 0.219	Cd 0.311	Cd 0.275

5-Year Running Costs

Annual Cost	Model 3	Dolphin	MG4
Electricity	$608	$621	$729
Insurance	$2,100	$1,400	$1,500
Servicing	$300	$350	$350
Tyres	$450	$280	$300
Total/yr	$3,458	$2,651	$2,879

The Dolphin is the cheapest to run ($2,651/yr) mainly because of lower insurance ($700/yr less than the Tesla). Over 5 years, the Dolphin saves $4,035 in running costs vs the Tesla. But the Tesla saves $605 in electricity vs the MG4 thanks to superior aerodynamics (Cd 0.219).

CarSorted Data Insight

Based on CarSorted's database of 1,041 Australian vehicles: there are 43 fully electric vehicles in our database. The Tesla Model 3 has the third-lowest drag coefficient of any car (Cd 0.219), behind only the Hyundai Ioniq 6 (0.21) and the Mercedes EQS (0.20). The BYD Dolphin's Cd 0.311 is one of the highest among EVs, costing it approximately 40km of range compared to a car with the Model 3's aerodynamics.

All three qualify for FBT exemption on novated lease. On a $120,000 salary: the Dolphin saves ~$6,000/yr, the MG4 ~$6,000/yr, and the Model 3 ~$8,200/yr. The Tesla's higher FBT saving partially offsets its higher purchase price for salary-sacrifice buyers.

The Verdict

Buy the Dolphin if: you commute under 50km/day, charge at home, and want the absolute cheapest EV ownership. The LFP Blade Battery is the safest and most durable chemistry available. Best for city drivers who rarely road trip.

Buy the MG4 if: you road trip occasionally and need faster DC charging (140kW vs 88kW). The 7-year warranty is the longest of the three. Best balance of price and road trip capability.

Buy the Model 3 if: you road trip regularly (Supercharger network), need more boot space (594L), want the quickest car (6.1s), or you're buying via novated lease where the FBT saving reduces the effective price gap.

Compare all three on CarSorted or check our FBT exempt cars guide.

Cars in This Article

Tesla Model 3

View Specs Compare vs Ioniq 6 vs Dolphin

BYD Dolphin

View Specs Compare vs MG4 vs Model 3

MG MG4

View Specs Compare vs Dolphin

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Disclaimer: All information in this article was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (4 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Specifications, government incentives, and rebates can change without notice. Always verify details with the manufacturer or relevant authority before making a purchase decision. Running cost estimates are based on average Australian driving conditions at 15,000 km/year. All opinions are editorial and independent. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations or rankings.

Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 4 April 2026

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