BYD is Targeting the Ford F-150 with Their Full-Size Pickup | Carscoops

      This new model is probably still a few years away from being on the market in countries like Australia.

      The upcoming truck will succeed the smaller Shark 6, which has received favorable reviews.

      BYD is not expected to utilize a fully electric powertrain, instead choosing a plug-in hybrid option.

      Nonetheless, it is very unlikely that the full-size pickup will be available in the United States.

      Although the BYD Shark 6 may have been the Chinese manufacturer’s initial venture into the pickup truck segment, they now seek to expand in this market. The company has announced plans to introduce a full-size pickup to compete with models such as the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and Toyota Tundra, unlike the Shark 6, which goes against the smaller Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.

      While the new truck is unlikely to be sold in the U.S. due to tariffs, where it could compete with iconic American pickups, it will be available in other important markets like Australia. Unlike full-size pickup competitors such as the F-150, Silverado, and Tundra, which are modified for right-hand drive in Australia, the new BYD model will probably be produced as a right-hand drive vehicle from the start.

      This could theoretically enable it to undercut rivals, as these modifications often significantly increase a vehicle’s price.

      BYD’s Aspirations Expand

      In a recent conversation with Drive, David Smitherman, the CEO of BYD’s Australian distributor EVDirect, confirmed that the development of the new pickup is in progress, although he did not specify a release date.

      “Coming from a full-size pickup background, I have a passion for large utes,” he stated. “Absolutely, it’s in development. As a brand, it's definitely an area we want to pursue.” When asked about the potential timeline for the vehicle's arrival, he suggested it could be a “similar timeframe” as the 2.0-liter version of the Shark 6, which is anticipated to launch in 2027.

      Regarding the specifications of the upcoming truck, details remain somewhat unclear. The truck, potentially named the Shark 9, might not go entirely electric, contrary to some expectations. Instead, BYD will likely continue with a proven formula, featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain similar to that of the Shark 6.

      The Shark 6’s plug-in hybrid setup includes a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined output of 430 hp (321 kW), allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 5.7 seconds.

      If BYD intends to equip its larger truck with more power, it could easily accomplish this as it produces various other PHEV models, including the impressive YangWang U8, which boasts 1,180 hp from a combination of four permanent electric motors and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, we’re not expecting that particular engine to be featured in a pickup truck.