Overview

The BYD Shark is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine working alongside two electric motors, with one motor driving each axle to provide permanent electric all-wheel drive.

Together, the system produces:

436PS
650Nm of torque
0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
Energy is supplied by a 32.2kWh BYD Blade Battery, which uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. The Blade Battery has become one of BYD’s signature technologies, offering improved durability, thermal stability and a long service life compared with many conventional battery designs.

When fully charged, the Shark can travel up to 55 miles on electric power alone (WLTP), making it well suited to local business journeys, customer visits and daily commuting without using any petrol.

For longer journeys, the petrol engine seamlessly works alongside the electric motors, removing the range concerns associated with fully electric vehicles.

BYD claims a combined fuel economy of approximately 80mpg when the battery is charged regularly, although this falls to around 29mpg once the battery has been fully depleted.

Fast Charging for Everyday Convenience
The Shark supports both AC and DC charging, allowing businesses to recharge the battery at home, at work or at compatible public rapid charging points.

Being able to top up the battery during the working day means many businesses could complete a large proportion of their weekly mileage using electric power, helping to reduce fuel costs while lowering tailpipe emissions.

Practicality for Business Use
As expected from a modern pickup, the Shark offers generous carrying capacity and everyday versatility.

The rear load bed provides approximately 1,200 litres of load space, making it suitable for transporting tools, equipment and work materials.

Maximum towing capacity is rated at 2,500kg, providing enough capability for many business and leisure applications, including towing trailers, equipment and smaller plant loads. However, businesses that regularly tow at the upper end of pickup capability may prefer models offering a 3,500kg towing limit.

However, one specification may influence purchasing decisions for some businesses.

The Shark has a maximum payload of 790kg, meaning it can carry tools, equipment and materials for many everyday business applications. However, this is lower than the one-tonne payload capability offered by many traditional diesel pickups, which may be an important consideration for businesses regularly transporting heavier loads.

The reduced payload is partly due to the additional weight of the plug-in hybrid system, including the battery pack and electric motors. While this slightly reduces carrying capacity, it allows the Shark to deliver the benefits of electrified driving, including lower running costs and the ability to complete shorter journeys using electric power alone.

Businesses operating in construction, heavy trades or applications requiring maximum carrying capacity should carefully compare their requirements before choosing an electrified pickup.

Vehicle-to-Load Technology
Another useful feature is the Shark’s integrated Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality.

Power sockets located within the vehicle allow electricity from the traction battery to power external equipment such as power tools, site lighting, camping equipment or other electrical devices without requiring a separate generator.

For tradespeople and mobile businesses, this could prove particularly useful when working away from fixed power supplies.