BYD Shark 6 PHEV Pick-Up Set to Reach UK Shores
BYD is set to bolster its rapidly growing line-up of models in the UK to include its first pick-up truck, the BYD Shark 6 PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid), it is understood.
The Chinese manufacturer has been making substantial gains in the UK with the launch of a series of well-received electric and hybrid passenger models since 2023 to attain a near two per cent market share mid-way through 2025.
With several more new models on the way, Auto Express reports that a decision has been taken to bring its full-size double-cab pick-up truck to these shores to take on the new Ford Ranger PHEV.
Named the BYD Shark 6, the model has already been launched in several markets outside of China – including Australia, South Africa and South America – with the UK seemingly next on the drawing board.
Unlike the pure electric Maxus eTerron 9 – also sold as the MG U9 in other territories – the Shark 6 will be offered as a plug-in hybrid, putting it in direct competition with the recently launched Ranger PHEV.
Compared with the Ranger, the Shark 6 features a larger 29.8kWh battery capable of travelling 62 miles on electric power alone, whereas its rival manages just 27 miles.
However, by prioritising the familiar traits of pick-up trucks – namely the 3500kg towing ability and plus-one tonne payload capacity – over outright range the Ranger PHEV betters the Shark 6 (2500kg towing, 790kg payload) in these areas.
Pick-Up Trucks and the Shift to Electric Power
While the pick-up truck market has been slow to capitalise on the growing shift towards electric power compared to other segments in both the passenger and commercial vehicle market, a change appears to be afoot.
Indeed, with towing ability, payload capacity and off-road strength deterring manufacturers from going down the electric route for fear of impacting these selling points, for a long time the only EV pick-up was the two-wheel drive Maxus T90 EV.
However, the decision to reclassify pick-up trucks from commercial vehicles to company cars in the eyes of the tax man – leading to vastly increased monthly Benefit-In-Kind Tax payments – has triggered a change in approach.
Since then, the electric Maxus eTerron 9 has hit the market, while the Ford Ranger now comes as a plug-in hybrid to significantly reduce the BiK band it appears in (19% compared with the diesel-powered versions in the highest 37% band).
Soon the Isuzu D-Max EV will join the fray as an electric-powered version of the hardy workhorse, while Korean firm KGM is evaluating whether to bring its new KGM Musso EV to the UK alongside a fresh version of the diesel double cab.
The next generation Toyota Hilux is also set to be offered with electric power for the first time.
