Hybrids are rapidly expanding in pickup truck lines around the world and segments, from the small Ford Maverick to the big F-150 and Toyota Tundra and plug-ins are also coming, with the RamCharger and Jeep Gladiator 4xe at the forefront. Also you’ll find a plug-in hybrid powertrain in the new BYD Shark, a Chinese pickup headed to Mexico this year, and with some interesting details.
The truck is conventional in the sense that it has a body over body with a long mounted engine; In this case, a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder (although BYD doesn’t explicitly state whether this is a gas or diesel engine on its consumer site). But then it starts to feel different. It has dual wishbone independent suspension at all four corners. The engine was only connected to the front motor, with a separate motor driving the rear. It seems to perform like a series hybrid in general, although it’s possible the engine could supply some power directly to the front axle if needed. The front unit produces 228 horsepower, and the rear 201 horsepower, and BYD combines them for a total of 430. BYD also estimates a sprint to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds.
Speaking of 62 miles, that’s the estimated power output of the 29.6 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack installed in the frame rails during the NEDC test cycle, and the EPA test cycle will certainly allow has been shortened. We think it’s likely somewhere within 30 to 40 miles could if it’s US. airport a. BYD estimates it can go from 30% to 80% charge in 20 minutes on a DC charger. The Shark also has power from vehicle to weight, so you can power your own gear from the truck.
Pricing is fairly competitive, if perhaps on the higher end for the midsize truck segment in Mexico. Converted to U.S. dollars, the BYD Shark has base price of $53,948. For reference, the Ford Ranger starts around $49,000 and the Toyota Tacoma around $46,000. It’s hard to say exactly what this would mean for the U.S. if it were to come here. Although the leasing loophole could be an option. But even beyond that, BYD would have to set up dealer and service networks, work on brand awareness and overcome negative sentiments around Chinese products in the U.S.
Leave a Comment