BYD is entering the pickup market with the Shark, the newly confirmed plug-in hybrid pickup that will be coming to Europe.
The Chinese manufacturing behemoth has teased its forthcoming model while confirming that it will wear the Shark badge. This ties in with BYD’s use of aquatic names for its models, including, in the UK, Dolphin and Seal.
The front end of the BYD Shark is reminiscent of the Ford F-150 Lightning pickup, with a similar light signature and bold, blanked-off grille with a large corporate logo in the centre. The rest of the pickup follows the general trend for the genre, with slab sides, plastic cladding, skid plates at the front and rear, side steps, and a sports bar.
It’s expected to be built around the same platform as BYD’s Fangchengbao Bao 5
SUV, launched in China last year. Power is delivered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine developing 197hp, with a pair of electric motors giving a combined output totalling 687hp with 760Nm of torque. With a 31.8kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack integrated into the chassis, the Shark is expected to provide an all-electric range of up to 60 miles.
BYD has released dimensions for the Shark, confirming that it’s 5,457mm long and 1,971mm wide, making it slightly longer but slightly narrower than a Ford Ranger. At 3,260mm, the wheelbase is almost identical to the Ranger, suggesting that cabin space will be broadly similar.
The cabin looks to be based on that of the Fangchengbao Bao 5, with a large infotainment touchscreen dominating the dashboard. However, spy shots of the cabin suggest it won’t rotate as it does on BYD’s road cars. A centre console houses chunky switches for essential features, meaning not every function will be relegated to the touch screen.
Maxus was the first to the UK market with an electric pickup, although the T90EV is hindered by rear-wheel drive and a limited range from its 88kWh battery. Ford is working on a plug-in hybrid version of its Ranger pickup, which is expected to be on sale in 2025, while Isuzu, KGM, and Toyota are all working on 100% electric models.
BYD Shark Price and Availability
BYD is initially targeting the Australian market, with the Shark expected to arrive there before the end of the year. Sales will then expand to Europe, but there are currently no details for a UK launch timetable or pricing.
