The BYD Shark, set to make waves in the Australian market, is an exciting addition to the growing fleet of electric vehicles. The 2025 BYD Shark, anticipated for release next year, is generating buzz with its competitive pricing and impressive specifications.
With a focus on innovation and a strong emphasis on practicality, the Shark promises to be a game-changer for both everyday drivers and businesses alike. Let’s dive into what makes this upcoming vehicle so special and why it’s attracting so much attention.
Why the BYD Shark is set to redefine hybrid utes
The BYD Shark is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute that combines electric efficiency with the robustness of a traditional utility vehicle. Unlike its competitors, the Shark stands out for its combination of advanced EV technology, affordability, and impressive performance, aiming to disrupt the market by offering features that rival best-selling utes like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.
The Shark is expected to be priced around $68,000, comparable to mid-range utes like the Ford Ranger XLT. This affordable pricing, paired with its eco-friendly features, positions it as a versatile and environmentally friendly vehicle. The BYD Shark will arrive ahead of the Ford Ranger PHEV, showcasing its competitive advantage in terms of release timing. Its sleek design and cutting-edge features make it one of the most anticipated vehicle releases in Australia.
What we need to know about the new BYD Shark
While BYD hasn’t fully revealed all details, we know that the Shark is currently being tested in Australia, with a planned release in 2025. It will offer a plug-in hybrid option, which means drivers can expect a significant reduction in fuel consumption while still maintaining the power and range of a traditional ute. The total range of the BYD Shark is approximately 850km in hybrid mode, showcasing its capability to compete against established models.
This combination of an electric motor and petrol engine ensures that the Shark will provide the best of both worlds — cleaner driving for urban commutes and the capability to handle longer distances and heavier loads.
Liu Xueliang, the Asia Pacific General Manager, has confirmed the brand's intentions to introduce multiple variants and improvements over time, highlighting the vehicle's initial towing capacity limitations and future upgrades.
Key features and specs of the BYD Shark
PHEV Technology: The BYD Shark will come equipped with a plug-in hybrid engine, providing a balance of electric and petrol power.
Impressive Towing Capacity: The Shark's braked towing capacity is rated at 2.5 tonnes, which is considered lower than most rivals that offer capacities between 3.0 and 3.5 tonnes. While there are future plans for upgrades, the current specifications are below class-leading standards.
Affordable Price Point: Early reports suggest that the Shark will be priced around $68,000, positioning it just below mid-spec models of the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.
High-End Interior: The Shark’s interior will offer advanced tech, spacious design, and comfort for both work and leisure.
Australian Release Date: Slated for release in 2025, the Shark is expected to hit Australian shores with an early focus on appealing to both tradies and eco-conscious consumers.
New Models and Future Upgrades: BYD plans to introduce multiple generations and variants of the Shark tailored for the Australian market, aiming to meet local towing capacity standards and consumer demands.
Design and dimensions
The BYD Shark ute boasts a robust and modern design, with a focus on functionality and comfort. Measuring 5457mm in length, 1971mm in width, and 1925mm in height, the Shark is one of the largest utes in its class. Its impressive 3260mm wheelbase provides ample cabin space, making it an ideal choice for both work and play. The rear bench is angled at 27-degrees for enhanced comfort, ensuring that passengers can enjoy a smooth ride even on long journeys.
The exterior design of the Shark is both sleek and practical, featuring aerodynamic lines that not only enhance its visual appeal but also improve fuel efficiency. The spacious interior is designed with high-quality materials and advanced technology, offering a premium feel that rivals more expensive models. Whether you’re using it for daily commutes, weekend adventures, or heavy-duty work, the BYD Shark ute is built to meet your needs with style and comfort.
Performance and range
The BYD Shark ute is powered by a cutting-edge plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors driving both axles. This setup produces a combined output of 320kW and 650Nm, making it faster than many competitors. The Shark can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.7 seconds, an excellent feature for both on-road and off-road driving.
In terms of range, the BYD Shark ute offers impressive versatility. It boasts a total driving range of up to 850km in hybrid mode, with an electric-only range of up to 100km. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.5L/100km in hybrid mode, making it an economical choice for work or leisure.
Safety and technology are also at the forefront of the Shark’s design. It features advanced safety systems, including adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, and a 360-degree camera system. The infotainment system is equally impressive, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12.8-inch digital instrument cluster.
Overall, the BYD Shark ute is an excellent choice for those who need a vehicle that can handle both work and play. Its robust design, impressive performance, and advanced safety features make it an ideal choice for those who need a reliable and capable ute.
The impact of the BYD Shark on the ute market
The BYD Shark is significant for a number of reasons. As the PHEV ute market continues to grow, the Shark positions itself as an affordable and sustainable option for Australians. This vehicle represents a shift towards greener transportation options without sacrificing the utility and power that utes are known for.
The Managing Director of BYD's local importer has emphasised the tailored approach taken for the Australian market, highlighting the efforts invested in enhancing the vehicle's specifications to meet local customer demands.
With Australia’s increasing focus on reducing emissions and the growing demand for hybrid and electric vehicles, the Shark is set to play a key role in the future of transport. The brand also plans to introduce several upgraded models in the future to address current limitations like towing capacity.
Benefits of the BYD Shark
The BYD Shark, Australia's first plug-in hybrid ute, boasts an eco-friendly nature that means lower emissions and more cost-effective driving. With its plug-in hybrid setup, drivers will see reduced fuel costs and have the option to switch to electric-only driving for short commutes, making the Shark an environmentally responsible choice.
Fewer mechanical components in the electric motor can also mean reduced maintenance costs over time and lower running costs. However, this doesn’t come at a cost to its versatility. Like other utes, the Shark is designed to handle tough terrain and heavy loads, making it an excellent choice for many different fields and customer types.
Novated lease options for the BYD Shark
One of the key benefits of the BYD Shark is its affordability, which can be further enhanced with novated lease options. By choosing a novated lease, drivers can bundle the cost of the vehicle with their salary, which reduces taxable income and can lead to significant savings.
This makes it easier to afford the BYD Shark while getting to enjoy the advantages of this modern, eco-friendly vehicle.
Other BYD and electric vehicle options available through Easi
At Easi, we provide a wide range of vehicles suitable for personal or business use, including the BYD range. If you’re not quite sure if the Shark is the right fit for you, we offer other electric and hybrid vehicle options, including the BYD Dolphin and the BYD Atto 3.
Our team is always on hand to help you choose the best novated lease option to suit your lifestyle and financial needs.
Get ready for the BYD Shark with a novated lease
Excited about the new BYD Shark? You can get behind the wheel sooner than you think with a novated lease from Easi.
With this flexible finance option, you’ll enjoy reduced taxable income, affordable monthly payments, and the peace of mind that comes with driving a cutting-edge vehicle.
Contact us today to learn more about our novated lease options for the BYD Shark and other exciting new vehicles.
