Chinese NEV behemoth BYD is preparing to tap the pickup truck market with its upcoming offering that is set to rival the likes of the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton, and Ford Ranger. The yet-unnamed pickup has already been confirmed for global markets.
Images of the camouflaged test mule wrapped in striking blue & orange livery are doing rounds on the internet. Although hiding much of the details, the test mule still gives us the styling hints including vertical headlights (with dual projectors, split by a horizontal DRL bar), a massive grille, a beefy front skid plate, prominent fender flares, and vertically oriented taillights.
The pickup is likely going to be based on the Bao 5 body-on-frame 4×4 SUV which is positioned under BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao (FCB) premium sub-brand. The interior of the truck also shares plenty with the Bao 5, including a 12.3-inch instrument display, a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, vertical corner air-con vents, and chunky switchgear that includes a wide gear selector and a row of toggle switches. However, the design of the dashboard itself is quite a bit different with large H-shaped panels.
Although technical details are scarce at the moment, the pickup truck is expected to share its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain with the Bao 5. This consists of a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making 194 hp and 273 Nm paired with two electric motors – one each at the front and rear axles – producing 272 hp and 360 Nm at the front and 387 hp and 400 Nm at the rear. The combined system output is rated at a whopping 687 hp and 760 Nm.
Related: Experts Applaud BYD’s Entry Into Pakistan Market
Feeding the motors will be a 31.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade battery that on the Bao 5 provides an all-electric range of 125 km on the CLTC standard; with the petrol engine factored in, the total range swells to 1,200 km. The battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in 16 minutes with support for 100 kW DC rapid charging. Additionally, a 6 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) function is also included.
The BYD pickup truck has already been spotted in right-hand-drive form and has been confirmed for the Australian and South African markets. A formal unveiling is expected to be made later this year.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
