BYD, renowned for its affordable electric vehicles, is expanding its horizons into the highly sought-after pickup segment. The BYD Shark, set to become the company’s first electric pickup, has been spotted undergoing rigorous testing and has now been unveiled in a teaser, revealing a design that echoes the muscular Ford F-150 Lightning.
Designed by former Lamborghini and Audi designer Wolfgang Egger, the Shark boasts a rugged stance with four doors, generously flared fenders, and a prominent BYD logo adorning the grille.
The Shark will utilize BYD’s DMO super hybrid off-road platform, previously seen on the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5, which enhances off-road performance with its four-wheel electric drive system and optimized torque distribution. BYD’s DM technology promises up to 245 hp and an impressive 745-mile range.
While BYD has made a name for itself with budget-friendly electric cars, it’s now expanding into mid-size SUVs, luxury vehicles, and pickups to cater to a wider market. The Shark is expected to be larger than the Toyota Hilux to capture the growing demand for EV pickups.
The Shark will face competition from Geely’s Radar RD6, which dominated China’s electric pickup market last year, and will aim to wrest market share from Toyota’s Hilux and Isuzu’s D-MAX in key markets like Thailand, Australia, and South Africa. BYD’s global aspirations are evident from the English name reveal, aligning with its role as an official partner of UEFA EURO 2023.
The Shark’s global debut could rival Ford’s F-150 Lightning, which recently expanded beyond North America. Expect the BYD Shark to make waves in the electric pickup market, offering a compelling combination of ruggedness, advanced technology, and global reach.
