BYD Shark PHEV pickup truck to launch soon
BYD recently announced that its first pickup truck will be called the Shark, making it the automaker’s latest model to be named after marine animals after the Dolphin, Seal, and Sea Lion.
Set to make its debut at the Beijing Motor Show, the Shark will reportedly feature BYD’s latest plug-in hybrid powertrain known as DMO (Dual-Mode Off-Road).
Details regarding the powertrain are scarce but according to reports, it may feature a combination of a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and two electric motors just like the Fang Cheng Bao 5.
In the Fang Cheng Bao 5, the ICE-eletric motor combo generates a total system output of 680 PS and 760 Nm. The off-road SUV is also said to offer an electric range of up to 125 km or up to 1,200 km in hybrid mode.
Apart from the PHEV version, there is a possibility that the Shark will also be offered in a full electric version somewhere in the future.
As far as design is concerned, recent leaked photos of the Shark show that the pickup truck has a front fascia resembling that of the Ford Ranger.
The cabin looks a tad watered down compared to other BYDs, featuring a digital instrument panel, central display, flat-bottom steering wheel, and a row of switches arranged adjacent to the gear lever on the center console.
Will the Shark swim its way to the Malaysian market? There is no official announcement yet, but BYD has previously stated that it plans to sell the pickup truck globally.
