BYD Shark PHEV Pick-Up Truck: Payload, Power & EV Range Revealed
BYD has released full technical details for the UK specification BYD Shark plug-in hybrid pick-up truck as it prepares to take a big bite out of the Ford Ranger PHEV in the sales charts.
Following months of speculation, BYD has now confirmed the full-size pick-up truck is UK-bound with the first deliveries expected before the end of the year.
The Shark represents the latest milestone in BYD’s ambitious new model offensive, a drive that has quickly established the Chinese marque in the UK despite the brand only arriving on these shores in 2023.
In-keeping with BYD commitment to greener technology, the Shark is available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain only,pputting it directly into the crosshairs of the current market sales leader, the Ford Ranger PHEV.
BYD’s set-up combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a substantial 32.2kWh battery, which is significantly larger than the 11.8kWh battery available in the Ranger.
Such a differential in battery size is therefore reflected in each model’s quoted electric-only range with the Shark PHEV capable of travelling upwards of 55.9-miles as an EV, whereas the Ranger PHEV tops out at 25-miles.
Utilising BYD’s Super Hybrid DMO (Dual Mode Off-Road) system, the Shark is designed to prioritise zero-emission electric-only driving where possible, allowing it to return over 80mpg on a combined cycle, while total range (fuel and EV) is quoted at 419-miles.
Built on a ladder-frame chassis to assure a more capable off-road performance, the Shark’s flexible powertrain also acts as an assist when surfaces get rough or slippery.
In terms of carrying capacity, the Shark has a 790kg of payload capacity, while its load bed matches that of the Ranger PHEV at 1,200-litres.
As well as its money-saving powertrain, the Shark will also be very generously equipped with vegan leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system and 15.6-inch infotainment and navigation screen coming as standard.
It will also be launched with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality to allow the Shark to act a charging device for tools and equipment when on the go.
The arrival of the Shark represents another boost to the pick-up truck class following the news that the Mitsubishi L200is returning to price lists following the Japanese marque’s decision to re-enter the UK automotive market.
The Shark and L200 come in a year that will also see the next generation Toyota Hilux arrive – complete with electric variant for the first time – the new KGM Musso Rhino and the Isuzu D-Max EV.
