BYD Shark 6 PHEV ute priced for Australia

BYD has priced its new Shark 6 petrol-electric 4x4 dual-cab one-tonner from a keen $57,900 excluding on road costs.

It will be the first one tonne, 4x4 dual-cab plug-in hybrid (PHEV) on the market here and lines up dollar wise with the largish electrified GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra hybrid ($64,990 drive away) and smaller, lower spec’ Toyota Hilux SR 48V hybrid ($56,210 plus on-road costs) in the electrified 4x4 dual-cab ute sub-segment.

All have a different take on the ‘hybrid’ theme with the Shark 6 a PHEV with a generator ICE engine (aka an EREV); the GMW Cannon Alpha Ultra a HEV with an integrated ICE engine but no plug-in facility; and the Hilux a mild hybrid MHEV with a belt-driven motor generator tacked onto the side of the ICE engine for assistance as required.

Other hybrids follow in short order including Ford’s anticipated Ranger PHEV and a GWM Cannon PHEV, the former tipped to be priced higher than the Shark 6 and the latter probably line ball.

Don’t get too excited as the Shark 6 can only be ordered at the moment for delivery late December but more likely January next year.

Having said that, it will win the race to become the first PHEV ute Down Under by a hair’s breadth with the Ranger and Cannon PHEVs due a bit later.

At the money, Shark 6’s pricing makes it a tempting proposition for a wide audience and serves notice to other brands with hybrid utes waiting in the wings.

The chunky, good-looking Shark 6 is a bold move into the space from BYD which it hopes could further broaden the brand’s appeal among Australian families and businesses.

Adding to its appeal is the powerful 320kW/650Nm PHEV powertrain that can push the big constant AWD vehicle from 0-100km/h in a Ranger Raptor-beating 5.7 seconds. That’s in addition to generous equipment levels and an EV-only range of up to a claimed 100km.

The newcomer also has a claimed total range of up to 800km using petrol at the claimed rate of 7.5-litres/100km. Fast DC charging is supported at up to 40kW.

Practicality is boosted by the Shark 6’s V2L capability to power tools, campsites and even dwellings…to a certain level.

Using the company’s DMO (Dual Motor Offroad) platform, the Shark 6 is fed electrons via a 30kW ‘Blade’ battery pack which forms part of the vehicle’s structure.

The heart of the beast is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol four cylinder engine and dual electric motors with a gearbox of sorts and AWD.

It is a series hybrid with an electric motor on each axle and the 1.5-litre engine acting mostly as a generator for the electric traction motors.

At about 70km/h the vehicle can use a clutch to directly drive the front wheels only, giving the model a front-wheel drive bias, a bit like an SUV.

No mechanical connection exists between the front and rear axles as there’s no cross-axle diff’ locks. The suspension is independent double wishbone front and rear with coil springs and disc brakes all round.

Interestingly, as the Shark 6 is predominantly electric-driven its gearbox is primarily to multiply torque for towing and driving up hills. The towing capacity is 2500kg braked.

The Shark 6’s dimensions closely mirror those of the GWM Cannon Alpha making the newcomer an ‘inbetweenie’ against the smaller Ranger and Hilux-size vehicles and the Ford F150 ‘full size’ utes.

Those dimensions are 5457mm in length, 1971mm in width, 1925mm in height and it rides on a 3260mm wheelbase.

BYD says the five-passenger Shark 6 offers a payload of 835kg.

Four-wheel driving enthusiasts will appreciate the off-road specs that are equal to any of the diesel-powered 4x4 one tonners.

The all-independent suspension may be a sticking point in demanding off-road driving as will the AWD, but the Shark 6’s ground clearance of 282mm, extensive underbody bash plates and the three-mode terrain system are winners.

Spec highlights include: a 360-degree camera system, air purification system, head-up display, LED lighting, wireless device charging, connected services, smart phone connectivity, 18-inch alloy wheels, side steps, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, 12.8-inch infotainment array and an aircraft-inspired central console with multiple dials and toggles.

Safety technologies are extensive with a full suite of ADAS in addition to the usual primary and secondary safety systems such as six airbags.

Australian distributor EVDirect launched the new Shark 6 this week in Broken Hill saying in a statement the model is “set to mark a significant moment in the history of automotive innovation.”

According to EV Direct, the model has been extensively tested in Australia for the past six months and has been refined to suit the varied terrains Australia has to offer.

“The Shark 6 marks a really exciting moment for the brand as Australia’s first plug-in hybrid ute that’s been specifically made and tested on our roads, for our roads,” said EVDirect CEO David Smitherman.

“It’s built for Australian demands with its spacious interior and sporty drive, showcasing versatility to suit adventurers, tradies and of course families.

“We believe it’s a true category creator with its luxury design and full suite of custom accessories. 

“Importantly, it has incredibly low ongoing running costs as it toggles between pure EV and Hybrid formats, which in today’s economic climate is a genuine consideration for customers.”