BYD Dolphin joins Valenzuela City police fleet

MANILA: A total of 41 BYD Dolphin units will be turned over to the Valenzuela City government to be part of the latter’s police force and local government unit.

In a statement, the Ayala-led firm shared that the units supplied by the newly-opened BYD Greenfield dealership will guarantee the city’s security coverage while staying in line with its shift to cleaner technologies. 

Aside from that, it also promotes EV adoption in government operations — making it compliant with the Republic Acts 11697 (also known as Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act).

The aforementioned move made Valenzuela City the first local government unit that has an electric vehicle police fleet.

“By eliminating the need for fuel and significantly reducing maintenance costs, the BYD Dolphin offers the City of Valenzuela the potential to save up to 70 percent of its fleet’s operational and maintenance budget over a five-year period,” of BYD Cars Philippines Managing Director Bob Palanca explained.

“This, combined with its zero tailpipe emissions, makes the BYD Dolphin a financially and environmentally sound investment for the city,” he added.

Meanwhile, BYD Philippines Corporate Services Deputy General Manager Lovelyn Labrador expressed gratitude over the Valenzuela City’s initiative.

“We are grateful to the progressive city of Valenzuela for choosing BYD and the BYD Dolphin for its police fleet. The city’s choice is a shining example of how local governments can fulfill their duties while promoting sustainability and being more considerate of the environment,” she said.

“This partnership symbolizes a new way of thinking that many Filipinos and more communities nationwide can adopt as they deal with the daily challenges of mobility.”

Vehicle specs

Below are the vehicle’s specifications (which is offered in a single option):

Model	BYD Dolphin
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,125 x 1,770 x 1,570
Wheelbase	2,700
Ground clearance	120
Wheel size (in inches)	16
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Tilt-and-telescopic adjustable steering wheel Auto-climate air-conditioning with PM 2.5 filtration system USB charging ports (Types A and C), 12-volt socket Tonneau cover Keyless entry system Vehicle-to-load capability
Instrument cluster	Five-inch digital gauge cluster
Infotainment system	12.8-inch rotating screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Engine	Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Number of electric motors	One
Maximum power (in horsepower)	93
Maximum output (in Newton-meters)	180
Battery	44.9 kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery
Range (based on New European Driving Cycle)	405 kilometers
Technology
ADAS	360-degree camera view with see-through mode Three rear radars Cruise control
Safety	Dual front airbags Side airbags Side curtain airbags Stability control Hill-start assist ISOFIX child seat anchors Speed-sensing door locks
Security	Security alarm Engine immobilizer
Price	P1.398 million

EV chargers to be deployed too

In addition, ACMobility announced that it will also deploy 20 seven-kilowatt (kW) and two 22-kW EV chargers in the city to reinforce the shift towards sustainable mobility while ensuring the seamless operation of city’s electrified police fleet.

“Starting with the transformation of our fleets, beginning with police cars, we set a powerful example for private companies, communities, and individuals to reconsider their own choices,” Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie Gatchalian noted.

“We recognize that our vision will not materialize overnight, but today, we take the wheel of change and drive towards the horizon of a cleaner future, where progress does not come at the expense of the environment.”

Also read:

BYD Dolphin utilized for pilot study on EV usage in TNVS program

Cabin check: What’s inside the BYD Dolphin

Zigwheels PH’s top 5 most popular EVs