The electric ute segment is heating up in Australia, with BYD confirming it will launch a competitor to the LDV eT60, plus the incoming JAC T9 EV and (potentially) Geely Radar RD6, in 2024.
This unnamed BYD electric pickup was recently spied in camouflaged form in China, and is expected to be revealed sometime during 2023.
Luke Todd, managing director for BYD distributor EVDirect, told CarExpert this electric pickup has been “designed around Australian conditions”, with both Chinese and Australian engineers working on the project.
Mr Todd described the BYD electric pickup as a “sports muscle ute” and said it’s slightly larger than the Toyota HiLux.
Spied BYD ute
Further official details are scarce for now, but the ute is expected to be fitted with BYD’s in-house ‘Blade’ LFP batteries that are designed to handle a nail test without thermal runaway.
In China this BYD ute will reportedly be available with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and all-electric powertrains.
BYD in Australia has been purely EV-only to date and recently ruled out introducing the Frigate 07 PHEV SUV locally.
With yet another Chinese electric ute seemingly confirmed for an Australian launch, this cements China’s early lead in the segment as established players still gear up.
Atto 3
‘New energy vehicle’ brand BYD is currently expanding at a rapid pace, rolling out its EVs in Europe, Japan, and Australia – where its Atto 3 small SUV is selling in strong numbers after a few launch speed bumps.
In fact, the Warren Buffett-backed EV and battery supplier eclipsed three million EV and PHEV sales globally last month.
Speculation suggests the BYD pickup might be sold under one of the company’s recently-announced planned sub-brands.
BYD Auto wants to create a “powerful brand matrix” comprising BYD-branded cars, premium spinoff Denza, and a luxury SUV-focused brand called Yangwang.
Yangwang electric SUV 
BYD recently teased a Mercedes-Benz EQG-rivalling electric SUV which will fall under the Yangwang brand, which Mr Todd said there are no plans to bring to Australia in the immediate future.
The Chinese carmaker also plans to launch “another new brand” which will specialise in “professional and personalised identities, covering family cars and luxury cars”.
“The brand will harness the co-creation with users and warmly welcome all the franchised dealerships to join BYD for its promotion,” it added, suggesting the cars with higher degrees of personalisation.
