BYD Dolphin is Japan's EV of the Year 2023

Yes, you read the headline right. A Chinese vehicle has been recognized as the best EV in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Last year, it was the Nissan Sakura that won the inaugural Japan EV of the Year award. But now, the Japanese motoring media who made the votes and the judging process has given the award to BYD with the Dolphin.

A total of 261 individuals took part in online voting, with each individual given up to three models to vote for. 27 media outlet representatives as well as key figures from EV-related companies also took part in the voting and judging process, casting a total of 540 points.

Available in the standard 44.9 kWh battery version and the 58.56 kWh Long Range variant in Japan, the BYD Dolphin scored a total of 241 points in the overall tally, while the Hyundai Kona Electric garnered 151 points. The Atto 3, on the other hand, came close to making a BYD 1-2, as it was able to get 145 points.

BYD has won big in the 2023 Japan EV of the Year awards. And surprisingly, it’s also the first time we’ve seen a Japanese award-giving body not have a Japanese car in the Top 3.

For a Chinese brand to receive an award from a country that’s generally perceived to make superior cars over its competition, is indeed a big deal. It will be interesting to see what effect this has on consumers not only in Japan but for the rest of the world.