BYD has been rigorously testing its new PHEV pickup truck that is set to take on the likes of Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. Now the name of the previously unnamed vehicle has been revealed along with its undisguised photos (see bottom of the post) ahead of its formal debut later this week.
Related: BYD Preparing a Toyota Hilux Rival
As evident from BYD’s latest teaser, the PHEV pickup truck will be called Shark, and the fact that the BYD poster is in English rather than Chinese shows that the pickup has primarily been designed with overseas markets in mind. Furthermore, there shouldn’t be much of a wait for sales to start in significant RHD markets like Australia and South Africa, as evidenced by the large number of spy photos from overseas and the spying of both left- and right-hand drive versions.
As reported earlier, the BYD Shark shares much of the components & technical bits including the DMO platform with BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5 SUV. According to the company, the platform offers ‘a revolutionary off-road experience’ and the cutting-edge technology promises ‘an unparalleled off-road adventure.’ Key elements of the platform include a non-load-bearing frame especially designed for hybrids which is then matched with a longitudinal high-performance engine in the PHEV system. It utilizes cell-to-chassis (CTC) technology which helps reduce weight while increasing rigidity. There is a dual-motor electric four-wheel drive system with independent double wishbone suspension up front and in back.
At this stage, the exact powertrain for the BYD Shark is unknown but the DMO platform is compatible with both 1.5T and 2.0T longitudinal engines which form part of BYD’s Xiaoyun plug-in hybrid system. Both engines have a high compression ratio, a high thermal efficiency, and include advanced technologies such as a high-pressure fuel injection system. The maximum power of the 1.5T is 143 kW (194 hp) while the 2.0T is 180 kW (245 hp). The DMO system can achieve a fuel consumption of 7.8 liters/100 km (12.82 km per liter) and a combined range of 1,200 km. High efficiency, up to 99.5%, silicon carbide chips control the PHEV system.
Related: BYD Pickup Spotted Testing in North America
Inside, the BYD Shark is similar to the Bao 5 featuring a floating 12.3-inch instrument screen and a 15.6-inch rotatable central infotainment screen along with vertical corner air-con vents, and chunky switchgear that includes a wide gear selector and a row of toggle switches.
More details will be available as we get closer to the formal debut. Stay tuned!
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
