Overview
(Image credit: BYD)
Shark, the first pickup truck from Chinese manufacturer BYD, was introduced at a private event in Mexico City. A midsize vehicle with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that can travel more than 500 miles is the 2024 BYD Shark. Despite all the controversies surrounding the introduction of Chinese EVs in North America, this was the automaker’s first global premiere outside of China, indicating the significance of Mexico for its future.
According to reports, the Biden Administration intends to increase the tax on Chinese electric vehicles from 25% to 100%. Though it’s unclear if that covers plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), BYD may be indicating to the United States that it intends to grow its footprint on the continent regardless of American opinion by introducing a pickup truck in North America.
It is built on a body-on-frame basis and shares architecture with the Chinese-made BYD Seal U SUV and the Fangchengbao line of off-road SUVs. This is referred to by BYD as the DMO platform, where O stands for off-road and DM for dual mode (hybrid).
(Image credit: BYD)
Some Competitions Lined Up for BYD Shark.
In international markets, the Shark is expected to compete against the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Hilux, Chevrolet S10, Nissan Navara and others. Even though BYD doesn’t sell automobiles in the United States, the Shark has a lot of potential because of how popular pickups are in Asia and Latin America. The truck will initially be manufactured in China, but the manufacturer intends to reveal the location of its facility in Mexico in the upcoming months. The Shark may be among the cars produced there.
BYD Shark Body Design and Dimensions
The Shark’s design, which was created by Wolfgang Egger, the global design director of BYD and a former employee of Alfa Romeo, Audi, and Lamborghini, is bold overall with boxy, masculine lines. With squared-off head and taillights and a light bar spanning the front and back of the car, there are many visual parallels to the Ford F-150 Lightning. Like the F-150 Raptor, the BYD brand is imprinted on the grille and tailgate.
Its high beltline and absence of chrome give it an overwhelming charm, while its broad wheel arches and front rocker panel add some manly flair. Its 128.3-inch wheelbase puts it in line with other midsize trucks, providing it a nice size and facilitating off-road activities.
(Image credit: BYD)
BYD Shark Interior and Space
Inside, BYD emphasized a few of the cabin’s design elements using a variety of colors. The center console’s toggle switches and rectangular air vents are painted orange, while the dashboard, door panels, and seats all have contrast stitching. The center console has a large shifter that sticks out, and the dashboard of the front passenger has a tray where you can set down small objects like your wallet or keys.
The main attraction is a rotative 12.8-inch screen that is reminiscent of the BYD Yuan Plus and Seal. The screen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and can be utilized in either portrait or landscape orientation. Important information regarding the vehicle is shown on a separate 10.25-inch screen for the driver, and a 12-inch head-up display allows the driver to see directions and the speed.
(Image credit: BYD)
Drivers may use their iPhone or Android phone to lock, unlock, and start their Shark thanks to NFC technology. Upon purchasing, a physical key and NFC card will also be sent.
(Image credit: BYD)
BYD Shark Powertrain and Performance
The 2024 BYD Shark has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 430 horsepower when coupled with two electric motors. Although BYD did not provide torque figures, the plug-in hybrid truck is capable of towing 5,511 pounds (2,500 kg) and carrying 1,841 pounds (835 lb) of cargo. Moreover, the carmaker claimed that the Shark can reach 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.
(Image credit: BYD)
With a fully charged battery and full tank, the Shark can travel 528 miles. Its 30-kWh blade battery allows it to travel 62 miles on electricity alone. Including hybrids, this has a greater range than any other midsize pickup truck available in the United States. The Shark’s CCS1 connector allows fast charging even though it is a plug-in hybrid. Although the charge speeds were not specified, BYD personnel stated that the truck can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in approximately 30 minutes. This is not very good for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, but it is still rather good.
With a “virtual” differential that stops wheel slippage, the truck introduces BYD’s Dual Mode Off-Road chassis, a clever all-wheel drive system. There are three off-road modes: mud, snow, and sand.
BYD Shark 2024 Price
In Mexico, BYD will sell the Shark in GL and GS versions. The GS costs around 969,800 pesos ($57,577), while the GL starts at 899,980 Mexican pesos (roughly $53,432).
In contrast, a somewhat hybrid diesel Hilux costs approximately 851,400 pesos, and the Ford Ranger starts at about 818,000 pesos. To put it another way, the Shark is not alone.
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