BYD Unveils the 'Shark' Plug-in Hybrid Pickup Truck in Mexico

Chinese carmaker BYD has introduced its first pickup truck, the Shark, in Mexico. Aimed at the Americas and Australian markets, there are also plans for future releases in Southeast Asia and China.

The Shark is built on BYD’s DMO super hybrid off-road platform, featuring a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine paired with dual electric motors.  Official reports state that the 1.5T model boasts a maximum horsepower of around 430 hp, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. It has a maximum towing capacity of 2,500 kg and offers three terrain modes: sand, mud, and snow.

The Shark has a comprehensive cruising range of 840 kilometers (NEDC) and a pure electric range of approximately 100 kilometers (NEDC), with a charging time of only 20 minutes to go from 30% to 80%. The Shark measures 5457mm in length, 1971mm in width, and 1925mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3260mm.

Designed by BYD's global design director, Wolfgang Egger, the exterior of the Shark is inspired by the agility and dominance of sharks. The front features vertically stacked LED headlights and a square grille reminiscent of the Ford F-150. It also has a sturdy crash protection plate under the front bumper and square-designed side fenders with a rollover bar above the cargo bed.

The interior includes a 10.25-inch LCD instrument panel, a 12.8-inch central control screen, and a 12-inch HUD head-up display, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Shark is expected to feature the brand's latest technology, offering a 540° ultra-wide field of view that combines 360-degree panoramic and 180-degree perspective chassis functions.The cargo bed will offer a variety of customized services and VTOL functions, allowing the vehicle’s battery to power portable electronic devices.