«BYD» brand is launching the Shark pickup truck in the European market
Chinese automaker BYD has officially confirmed the launch of its first pickup model, named Shark, in the UK and European markets. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
This move is expected to introduce a new competitive environment in the global automotive market, particularly in the pickup segment. The Shark model poses a serious threat not only due to its technical capabilities but also because of its hybrid technology, challenging traditional internal combustion engine rivals.
This is reported by Autocar.co.uk. The new Shark model is primarily designed to compete with leading vehicles such as the Ford Ranger PHEV.
According to information from Autocar, the vehicle is also known under the name Shark 6 and is equipped with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system, allowing drivers to use both electric power and the gasoline engine efficiently.
While exact technical specifications for the UK market have not yet been fully disclosed, the variant intended for the Australian market provides insight into its capabilities. The BYD Shark is offered with either a 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine.
Both variants are paired with two electric motors (one on each axle), forming a full-time all-wheel-drive system. The 1.5-liter engine model delivers 430 horsepower and 637 Nm of torque, while the 2.0-liter variant produces 470 horsepower and 700 Nm.
During operation, the vehicle primarily runs on electric motors, with the gasoline engine functioning more as a generator or providing assistance at higher speeds. The car is equipped with a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery rated at 29.6 kWh.
According to WLTP test results, the BYD Shark can travel up to 80 kilometers on electric power alone. The battery can be recharged using 50 kW fast-charging devices, and the vehicle also features vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, enabling it to supply power to external devices.
Towing capacity is one of the most important aspects of a pickup. The BYD Shark offers the following specifications: the cargo bed has a volume of 1450 liters, and the maximum payload capacity is 835 kilograms.
The 1.5-liter model can tow trailers weighing up to 1500 kg, while the 2.0-liter version can handle up to 2500 kg.
BYD models are not unfamiliar to the Uzbek market.
Considering that electric and hybrid vehicles from this brand are becoming increasingly common in our country, the Shark pickup could become an attractive option in the future for local farmers and drivers operating in off-road areas.
The official price of the BYD Shark model has not yet been announced.
However, experts estimate that it will be more affordable than its main competitor, the Ford Ranger PHEV. This could help the Chinese brand gain a foothold more quickly in the European market.
