BYD has confirmed the name of its first plug-in pickup truck, the BYD Shark, that will be unveiled at the Auto China 2024 expo. Initially available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, there may also be a fully electric variant in the future. The Shark will be similar in size to the Ford Ranger PHEV, its direct competitor in the market, as there are currently no other plug-in pickups in this size class available in China, Europe, or Australia where it will be sold. The powertrain specifics have not been announced, but it shares its platform with the BYD Seal U SUV, which has a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and electric motor producing 194 horsepower.
BYD, the Chinese automaker that surpassed Tesla for total EV sales in Q4 2023, does not have plans to sell cars in the US but may manufacture them in Mexico. The Seal U PHEV features an 18.3-kilowatt-hour battery providing up to 68 miles of electric driving, with fully electric versions available in China and soon in Europe boasting battery capacities of 71.8 kWh and 87 kWh with ranges of 260 and 310 miles, respectively. The Shark is expected to have similar powertrains and specifications as the Seal U, with charging power peaking at 115 kW and supporting vehicle-to-load bidirectional charging.
The BYD Shark’s design features a squared-off look with front daytime running lights connected by a full-width light bar, resembling the Ford F-150 Lightning. Interior details include a 15.6-inch infotainment display powered by an eight-core processor. The camouflaged images of the Shark give a preview of its production design, which appears to draw inspiration from existing pickup truck styles without any unique features. BYD has not announced plans to enter the US market but already sells cars in Mexico, where the company is considering a manufacturing facility with an annual output of 150,000 cars potentially for export throughout the Americas.
The BYD Shark is the Chinese automaker’s first plug-in pickup truck, expanding its presence in the electric vehicle market where it has already seen success. With the potential for a fully electric version in addition to the plug-in hybrid model, the Shark aims to compete with the Ford Ranger PHEV in markets like China, Europe, and Australia. Sharing a platform with the Seal U SUV, the Shark is expected to offer similar powertrains and battery capacities, with charging capabilities supporting bidirectional charging.
While BYD does not have immediate plans to enter the US market, the company is exploring opportunities in Mexico where it currently sells cars. Establishing a manufacturing facility in Mexico with an annual output of 150,000 vehicles could enable BYD to export cars throughout the Americas, expanding its reach beyond its current markets. The design of the BYD Shark features a modern yet familiar appearance, borrowing elements from existing pickup truck designs while offering high-tech features like a large infotainment display and efficient powertrains. Overall, the BYD Shark represents the latest innovation from the Chinese automaker as it continues to make strides in the electric vehicle industry.
