China’s BYD Shark Plug-in Hybrid Pickup Launches in Mexico, Leaves Out Canada
Chinese automakers like BYD have been making plenty of headlines lately, including this week when U.S. president Joe Biden quadrupled tariffs on electric vehicles from China from roughly 25% to 100%.
BYD, which is looking to expand its presence and build an assembly plant in Mexico, has just launched a new plug-in hybrid midsize pickup down there that wouldn’t look out of place in truck-loving U.S. and Canada. The specs are definitely something a number of consumers would pay attention to.
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Called Shark, the vehicle uses a classic body-on-frame architecture and rides on a fully independent, double-wishbone suspension for a unique mix of rugged capability and smooth ride quality.
A turbocharged 1.5-litre engine teams up with two electric motors, one of which drives the rear wheels alone. Total output amounts to 430 horsepower, but peak torque isn’t specified. The Shark can reportedly accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, tow up to 2,500 kg (5,511 lbs) and haul up to 835 kg (1,841 lbs) in the cargo bed.
Meanwhile, the lithium-iron-phosphate battery is mounted between the frame rails and has a capacity of 29.6 kWh. BYD claims a zero-emission range of 100 km based on the archaic NEDC test cycle. A more realistic figure would be around 50-60 km, which is still commendable for a midsize pickup. Of course, that’s without any kind of load or trailer.
Unlike most plug-in hybrids, this one can plug into DC fast chargers. As a result, the battery will charge from 30-80 percent in 20 minutes, BYD says. What’s more, vehicle-to-load functionality means it can power or charge other electric devices.
In Mexico, the BYD Shark carries a base price of 899,980 pesos, or approximately $73,350. The company has already confirmed it doesn’t have any plans to sell it in Canada despite softer regulations than in the U.S.
So, if you’re looking for a hybrid pickup, your current options include the Ford F-150 PowerBoost and Maverick Hybrid as well as the Toyota Tundra and Tacoma with i-Force MAX technology. Early next year, the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger will hit the market. It will be followed by the recently announced Jeep Gladiator 4xe.