With a combined range of over 500 miles and a bold new design, BYD’s first-ever pickup truck is ready to challenge the big names in the industry.
Chinese automaker BYD has made a splash with its new plug-in hybrid pickup truck, the Shark. Unveiled at an exclusive event in Mexico City, the 2024 BYD Shark marks the company’s first entry into the highly competitive pickup truck market and intends to challenge popular models like the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Hilux, and Nissan Navara in global markets.
Although BYD doesn’t sell its cars in the U.S. yet due to hefty tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, the Shark is expected to make a significant impact in other regions, especially in Latin America and Asia. For now, the Shark will be built in China, but BYD is planning to announce a new plant location in Mexico soon, and the Shark could be one of the vehicles produced there.
Designed by Wolfgang Egger, who has previously worked with Alfa Romeo, Audi, and Lamborghini, the Shark boasts a bold and masculine design. With boxy lines, squared headlights and taillights, and a full-width light bar, it resembles the Ford F-150 Lightning. The front rocker panel, wide wheel arches, and raised beltline give it a rugged, off-road look. The truck’s 128.3-inch wheelbase is similar to other midsize pickups, ensuring good proportions and off-road capabilities.
Inside, the Shark features a multicolored cabin with orange accents and contrast stitching on the seats, dashboard, and door panels. A chunky shifter stands out in the center console, and there’s a handy tray on the passenger side for small items. The centerpiece of the interior is a 12.8-inch rotating infotainment screen, which can be used in portrait or landscape mode and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster provides vital information to the driver, while a 12-inch head-up display shows speed and navigation directions. Using NFC technology, drivers can lock, unlock, and start the Shark with their smartphone, alongside an NFC card and physical key.
Under the hood, the Shark combines a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total of 430 horsepower. This setup allows the truck to tow up to 5,511 pounds and carry a payload of 1,841 pounds. The Shark can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.7 seconds. With its 30-kWh blade battery, the truck has an electric-only range of 62 miles and a combined range of 528 miles with a full tank and charged battery. Fast-charging capabilities mean the battery can go from 20 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes.
The Shark also features BYD’s Dual Mode Off-Road chassis, which includes an intelligent all-wheel drive system and a “virtual” differential to prevent wheel slip. The truck offers three off-road modes: Sand, Snow, and Mud, making it versatile for various terrains. Additionally, like other EVs, the Shark can power devices such as farming tools or electric grills, and owners can remotely access the interior through the BYD App for tasks like turning on the AC or lowering the windows.
The 2024 BYD Shark will be available in Mexico in two versions: GL and GS. Both versions come with the same powertrain, but the differences likely lie in the interior equipment. The GL starts at around $53,440, while the GS is priced at approximately $57,577. Reservations are already open in Mexico, and the truck will be available in the coming weeks.
Indeed, BYD’s ambitious entry into the pickup truck market with the Shark showcases its commitment to expanding its global presence. With impressive specs and a competitive price, the Shark is expected to make waves in the pickup truck segment outside the U.S.
Gallery: 2024 BYD Shark
