The BYD Shark, a plug-in hybrid ute, has been unveiled overnight at an event in Mexico City.
It’s coming to Australia, with BYD’s local distributor having previously confirmed a launch for the second half of 2024.
Based on the company’s DMO (Dual Mode Offroad) platform, the Shark has a plug-in hybrid drivetrain featuring a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors, and the company’s signature Blade battery pack.
Figures out of China say the Shark is 5457mm is long, 1971mm wide, 1925mm tall, and wheelbase of 3260mm.
The 320kW plug-in hybrid drivetrain includes a 170kW/310Nm electric motor at the front, and a 150kW/340Nm electric motor at the rear.
Pedal to the metal, the Shark can complete the 0-100km/h standard in 5.7 seconds.
Equipped with a standard 30kWh battery pack, the BYD Shark is said to have an electric-only range of 100km under the older, more generous NEDC testing protocol. The Shark supports DC fast charging up to 40kW.
In hybrid mode, the Shark is said to have a fuel consumption rating in Mexico of 7.5L/100km. Starting with a fully charged battery, overall fuel consumption is said to be 1.5L/100km and total range is claimed to be 850km.
The truck can be used as an electricity source to power accessories, as well as a whole house.
A fully electric version is expected to be available later on. Since 2022, BYD has sold only pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
BYD says the Shark has a payload rating of 835kg, a rear tray with a capacity of 1450L, and a 2500kg tow rating. For off-road driving the Shark has 282mm of ground clearance, as well as extensive underbody protection.
Inside, the Shark’s dashboard has a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen that can rotate between portrait and landscape orientation. Built-in apps include Spotify and karaoke with recording mode, the latter of which BYD’s speakers spent a lot of time touting.
The centre tunnel is reportedly inspired by an aircraft cockpit with a gear shifter surrounded by a series of dials and flick switches.
Available tech features include a surround-view camera system, head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, air purification system, and wireless key functionality for Apple iPhone users.
A smartphone app allows owners to remotely control cabin heating and cooling, as well as charging.
The BYD Shark won’t have much competition in Australia, though the top-selling Ford Ranger is gaining a plug-in hybrid option early in 2025.
BYD’s choice of Mexico City for the Shark’s debut is interesting as it’s the company’s first product launch outside of China.
At present BYD doesn’t have a manufacturing facility in Mexico, although there are rumours it’s considering one.
Outside of a few Volvo, GM and Ford vehicles, tariffs have largely stopped China-made vehicles from entering the US, but Chinese automakers and China-made cars have been making big inroads into markets across Latin America.
