5-year running cost · 15,000 km/yr · NSW
BYD DolphinVSToyota Corolla Ascent Sport
The Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport is cheaper to run — by $1,524 over 5 years (4% lower total cost), driven mostly by depreciation.
- 5-yr cheaper total
- $35,840
- Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport
- Saving vs rival
- $1,524
- 4% lower
- Cost per km
- $0
- vs $1
- Saving per year
- $305
- on average
Tale of the tape
Headline specs and running costs side by side.
| Metric | ⚡ BYD Dolphin | ⛽ Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Driveaway price | $38,990 | $33,990 |
| Powertrain | Electric (BEV) | Petrol · ULP 91 |
| Efficiency | 16.1 kWh/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Battery / fuel | 44.9 kWh battery | Petrol · ULP 91 |
| Range | ~275 km real-world | — |
| Annual energy / fuel | $534 | $1,999 |
Run the numbers yourself
interactivePre-loaded with the BYD Dolphin and Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport. Adjust the state, annual distance, ownership period and charging mix to match your situation.
EV Running Cost Calculator
Compare the true 5-year ownership cost of an electric car vs its petrol equivalent in Australia.
Ownership period
Electric
BYD Dolphin
- Energy / Fuel
- $2,669
- Registration
- $2,500
- Insurance
- $9,000
- Servicing
- $1,750
- Depreciation
- $21,445
5-Year Total
$37,364
$1/km · $7,473/yr
Petrol
Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport
- Energy / Fuel
- $9,994
- Registration
- $2,500
- Insurance
- $7,500
- Servicing
- $2,750
- Depreciation
- $15,296
5-Year Total
$38,040
$1/km · $7,608/yr
5-Year Cost Breakdown
Energy / Fuel
Registration
Insurance
Servicing
Depreciation
5-year cost breakdown
Every category, both vehicles, and the difference.
| Category | BYD Dolphin | Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy / fuel | $2,669 | $9,994 | −$7,325 |
| Registration | $2,500 | $2,500 | — |
| Insurance | $9,000 | $7,000 | +$2,000 |
| Servicing | $1,750 | $2,750 | −$1,000 |
| Depreciation | $21,445 | $13,596 | +$7,849 |
| Total (5 yrs) | $37,364 | $35,840 | $1,524 |
Which is cheaper to run?
Over 5 years of average Australian driving (15,000 km/year in NSW), the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport costs $35,840 to own and run, against $37,364 for the BYD Dolphin. That is a $1,524 difference — about $305 a year, or $25 a month.
The single biggest swing is depreciation: across 5 years the gap is $7,849. Energy is where electric cars usually win — charging at home (especially on solar or off-peak rates) costs a fraction of petrol per kilometre — while the BYD Dolphin's higher purchase price can narrow the gap through depreciation.
Estimates use average NSW electricity and fuel prices, typical insurance and servicing for this segment, and a 5-year depreciation model. Your numbers will vary with tariffs, driving style and resale values — use the calculator above for a tailored figure.
FAQ
- Is the BYD Dolphin cheaper to run than the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport?
- Over 5 years at 15,000 km/year in NSW, the BYD Dolphin costs $37,364 versus $35,840 for the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport. The Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport is $1,524 cheaper overall, driven mainly by depreciation.
- How much does it cost to run the BYD Dolphin per year in Australia?
- Around $7,473 per year ($1/km), covering energy, registration, insurance, servicing and depreciation at 15,000 km/year in NSW.
- How much can I save switching from the BYD Dolphin to the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport?
- About $1,524 over 5 years — roughly $305 per year. Use the calculator above to adjust the state, annual distance and charging mix for your situation.