New hybrid pickup truck outclasses rivals with 5,500 lbs of towing capacity and 430 hp
Manufacturers of conventional combustion-engine pickups face growing competition. Heavy diesel vehicles have traditionally dominated Europe's off-road pickup segment. Chinese automaker BYD aims to challenge that order with the BYD Shark, its first electrified pickup designed for both work and leisure. Recent results from independent safety organization Euro NCAP show that safety is a key part of that effort.
In Euro NCAP's latest round of stringent testing, the BYD Shark challenged concerns about the safety of Asian pickups. Measuring approximately 18 feet long, it earned the organization's highest rating of 5 stars. Occupant protection was a particular strength, with scores of 86 percent for child occupants and 82 percent for adults. The safety structure of its newly developed off-road platform also performed well in side-impact and frontal crash tests.
The drivetrain is where this pickup poses its biggest challenge to established rivals. Instead of a conventional diesel, the Asian automaker uses a high-output plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup. Under the hood, BYD pairs a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 2 electric motors. The front motor produces 228 hp, while the rear motor adds 201 hp. Combined output for the all-wheel-drive pickup is 430 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Despite its 5,975 lb curb weight, it accelerates from 0 to 100 kph (roughly 62 mph) in 5.7 seconds.
The system draws power from a 32.2-kWh battery, which sits low in the ladder frame with substantial protection and provides up to 56 miles of electric-only range. Alongside that acceleration, the BYD Shark retains its utility credentials, with a towing capacity of 5,512 lbs. Integrated V2L outlets also allow tradespeople to power heavy-duty electric tools directly from the bed. Following its debut at the Paris Motor Show, the pickup is now moving closer to a European launch.
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