BYD is bringing its Shark plug-in hybrid pick-up to the UK, giving operators a petrol-electric alternative to the diesel models that still dominate the pick-up market.
The Shark is BYD’s first pick-up and will arrive as a five-seat double-cab model with four-wheel drive. Prices start from £47,290 including VAT, with UK deliveries due before the end of the year.
The Shark is BYD’s first pick-up and will arrive as a five-seat double-cab model with four-wheel drive. It is already sold in some other markets, including Australia, where it’s called the Shark 6.
The UK version uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, two electric motors and a 32kWh battery. BYD quotes a total system output of 436hp, a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds and up to 55 miles of electric driving range.
The battery can be charged at up to 11kW from an AC charger or 55kW from a public rapid charger. BYD says a 30% to 80% rapid charge takes 21 minutes, while a 15% to 100% AC charge takes a little over three hours using an 11kW three-phase supply.
The Shark’s plug-in hybrid system is designed to work as an electric-first set-up, with the petrol engine often acting as a generator. On longer journeys, the petrol engine and electric motors can work together, or the engine can drive the vehicle directly when that is more efficient.
BYD quotes a combined petrol-electric driving range of 419 miles on a full tank and full battery. As with any plug-in hybrid, real-world fuel economy will depend heavily on how often the battery is charged and how much of the journey can be covered on electric power.
The Shark is built on a ladder-frame chassis and uses electric motors on both axles for four-wheel drive. It also has drive modes for sand, mud, snow and gravel, along with hill descent control.
For working users, the main figures are a 790kg maximum payload and a 2,500kg braked towing capacity. The load bed has a quoted volume of 1,200 litres.
Those numbers mean the Shark will not replace every diesel pick-up. Its towing capacity is lower than some established rivals, while the payload figure may limit its appeal for heavier-duty work. For lifestyle users, mixed business use or operators with regular urban driving and charging access, the plug-in hybrid set-up may be more attractive.
The Shark also gets vehicle-to-load capability, allowing the battery to power external electrical equipment at up to 7kW. BYD says this can be accessed through the charging port or a socket in the load bed, which could be useful for tools, camping equipment or other off-grid electrical devices.
Only one trim level will be offered in the UK. Standard equipment includes heated and ventilated front seats, a 16-inch touchscreen, a ten-inch digital instrument display, head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, wireless phone charging and a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system.
The Shark will also be offered with a range of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane support, front and rear cross-traffic alert and seven airbags.
Orders are being taken now, with UK deliveries expected in the final quarter of 2026.
You must be logged in to post a comment.