BYD Shark

BYD Shark Plug-in Hybrid Electric Pickup Truck

DETROIT — There’s a Shark circling one of the greatest profit pools for American automakers globally, as Chinese automaker BYD expands its reach and product portfolio with a pickup truck.

Without the vehicle’s branding badge, the BYD Shark could pass as an American-made product. In many ways, it looks like a smaller pickup from Ford Motor. The China-made truck features uncanny exterior resemblances to a Ford Explorer mixed with the popular F-150 — part of the Ford brand’s best-selling truck lineup in the U.S. for 48 years.

Drawing Attention

Automakers such as Ford and Toyota that rely heavily on sales of smaller pickup trucks globally have taken notice of the BYD Shark. Ford CEO Jim Farley said, "It’s a great product. It’s sold well. They’re trying to sell in high volume in Mexico, but it’s also being localized in Thailand. If we want to be a global player in pickups, like we are now, we have to compete."

Benchmarking Ford, GM

Taking the BYD Shark for a spin on private property with a mix of smooth and broken pavement in Michigan, the pickup truck drives well. Its acceleration is quick, but not as fast as the Tesla Cybertruck or GM’s all-electric pickups. It’s quiet, but there’s definitely room for improvements to the ride and handling, which feel a bit less refined than current trucks in the U.S.

Conclusion

The BYD Shark is a credible truck with some impressive elements, including its overall build quality and hybrid powertrain. However, there are areas for improvement, such as the ride and handling, and some quirky design choices. As the automaker continues to expand its global presence, it will be interesting to see how the BYD Shark is received in different markets.

FAQs

Q: Is the BYD Shark available in the U.S.?
A: No, BYD has not announced plans to sell the Shark in the U.S.

Q: How much does the BYD Shark cost?
A: The Shark starts at about 899,980 pesos ($44,000) in Mexico.

Q: What is the range of the BYD Shark?
A: The vehicle can operate as an all-electric vehicle or have the engine power its batteries and electric motors, with a range of more than 500 combined miles between the battery and engine.

Q: How does the BYD Shark compare to other pickup trucks?
A: The BYD Shark has similarities to other pickup trucks, including the Ford F-150 and Toyota Tacoma, but it has a unique hybrid powertrain and some quirky design elements.