Introducing the BYD Shark
The BYD Shark is a new kind of pickup truck. It's BYD's first entry into the segment, and instead of following the usual diesel formula, it runs on a plug-in hybrid powertrain that pairs a petrol engine with electric motors on each axle.
The result is a double-cab pickup with strong power, low running costs and a useful electric-only range. It's built for people who need a proper working truck — contractors, tradespeople and fleet drivers — as well as anyone who wants a vehicle for towing, camping or weekend adventures.
Four-wheel drive comes as standard, and a tough body-on-frame chassis sits underneath, so the Shark is just as comfortable on a building site as it is on a muddy trail.
Practicality and Towing
BYD hasn't lost sight of what a pickup needs to do. There's a 1,200-litre load bed for tools, equipment or camping gear, along with a payload of 790kg. Towing capacity is rated at 2,500kg, covering a large caravan, trailer or small plant equipment with muscle to spare.
Four-wheel drive sends power to electric motors front and rear rather than through a traditional prop shaft. A range of no-nonsense terrain modes — including Mud, Sand, Snow and Gravel — helps keep traction in check wherever you find yourself. Hill Descent Control takes the stress out of steep, loaded descents too.
Independent rear suspension is a nice touch for a working truck. It smooths out rough roads and tracks, so the ride stays settled even when the bed is full.
Technology and Safety
Step inside and the Shark feels closer to a modern SUV than a traditional workhorse. The Shark's 15.6-inch touchscreen is among the biggest in any pickup truck sold in the UK, larger than the screens in most family SUVs. This is paired with a 10.25-inch digital driver's display and a head-up display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, so you can connect your phone without having to hunt for a cable.
Heated and ventilated seats and a 12-speaker Dynaudio system are standard — the sort of finish you'd expect in a premium SUV, not a working pickup. The back seats are properly usable rather than an afterthought. Rear passengers also get a flat floor and plenty of legroom.
On the safety side, the Shark comes with a 360-degree camera for tight manoeuvres. A full suite of driver assistance systems is fitted too, including autonomous emergency braking and emergency lane keeping assist, to help you stay safe on longer journeys.
Powertrains and Performance
The Shark uses BYD's Super Hybrid DMO system, pairing a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors, one on each axle. Combined output reaches 430bhp and 479lb ft of torque, which is enough for 0 to 62mph in 5.7 seconds. That's fast for any pickup — especially one built for towing and off-road work.
A 32.2kWh battery gives up to 56 miles of electric-only range, useful for daily driving without dipping into the petrol tank. Once the battery runs low, the petrol engine keeps working alongside the motors. That means there's no need to plan journeys around charging points.
The driving experience is tuned for comfort and control rather than outright speed. It's a pickup that's easier to live with day to day than most traditional diesel alternatives.
Charging
This is a pickup that can be charged at home or on the move. Plugging into a standard home wallbox overnight is the easiest way forward. By the time you leave the drive, the battery's ready for a full day of electric-only driving.
For quicker top-ups, the Shark supports DC rapid charging at speeds of up to 55kW. That means you can add charge at public chargepoints while stopping for a break or running errands during the working day.
Two onboard power sockets bring Vehicle-to-Load technology into the mix, letting you run tools, lighting or even a pressure washer directly from the battery — handy for tradespeople working away from mains power.
BYD Shark Models
BYD Shark
Key features:
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system
- 10.25-inch digital instrument panel
- 15.6-inch infotainment screen with navigation, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Remote connectivity via the BYD app
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 360-degree view camera
- Keyless entry and start
- 18-inch black/silver alloy wheels
Discover the BYD Shark at Evans Halshaw
The Shark is only the second plug-in hybrid pickup to reach UK showrooms — a strong first move from BYD in a market that's leaned on diesel for decades.
It offers strong towing. Running costs stay low thanks to its hybrid battery. The cabin is comfortable and packed with technology. This is a truck built to handle a working week and a weekend away with equal ease.
If you'd like to find out more, or see the Shark in person, book a test drive at your nearest Evans Halshaw BYD retailer today.
