Ford has debuted its new Ranger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute, confirming the highly anticipated electric version of 2023’s best-selling vehicle will go on sale in Australia next year.
2024 BYD Shark 6 ute: price, specs, release date in Australia
Fast-growing Chinese brand BYD has announced the Shark 6 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute will launch in Australia in October in a 4x4 ute segment dominated by the best-selling Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.
Pipping the upcoming 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV to sale, the BYD Shark 6 will be the first plug-in hybrid ute to launch in Australia. While official specs will be unveiled closer to launch, the BYD Shark 6 is expected to offer an electric only range of around 80km from its 29.58Wh battery.
The BYD Shark 6 is a significant addition to the Chinese brand's Ocean Series, boasting DM-O (dual-mode off-road) technology for both fuel efficiency and travel off the beaten track with a total mileage of around 800km from the hybrid system.
Following six months of testing on Australian roads, BYD and its distributor EVDirect say the Shark 6 ute is ready to meet the demands of demanding ute buyers, and help the brand compete against Australia's best-selling cars: Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.
The BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute has been tested for Australian conditions
How much will the BYD Shark 6 cost in Australia?
Pricing is yet to be confirmed for the BYD Shark 6 but it is anticipated to launch with a Premium model priced at around $60,000, with a more affordable variant to arrive in 2025.
That pricing positions the BYD Shark 6 towards the top end of the Mitsubishi Triton range and around the same price as the Ford Ranger XLT, but it's worth noting that the BYD Shark Ute PHEV has a reduced towing capacity of 2500kg compared to the aforementioned utes.
Specifications are also not yet available but initial media images show a BYD Shark 6 cabin with a large colour touchscreen as seen in the BYD Sealion 6 and BYD Seal, and a neatly trimmed upholstery in synthetic leather with a light coloured headliner. A handy step features at the tailgate to allow easy access to the tray bed, while technology inclusions allow the BYD Shark 6 to be unlocked with a tap of the phone on the wing mirror.
More: 2025 Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid preview
When does the BYD Shark 6 go on sale in Australia?
BYD and EVDirect say that orders for the Shark 6 will open on October 29 via the brand's Australian website and dealership network.
The BYD Shark 6 ute features a step in the tailgate
What is the range of the new BYD Shark 6 PHEV Ute?
The BYD Shark 6 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine working in conjunction with an electric motor on each axle - 170kW/310Nm on the front axle and 150kW/340Nm on the rear axle. This configuration delivers a combined power output of 320kW/650Nm and a total combined range of approximately 800km from the 29.58kWh battery and on board fuel tank.
It is based on the plug-in hybrid system (DM-i) used in the BYD Sealion 6 PHEV medium SUV which launched earlier this year. The BYD hybrid system operates in electric first mode, with the petrol engine effectively operating as a generator to put charge through the battery. In the BYD Sealion 6, that sees the system achieve an impressive 1.1L/100km consumption when operating at optimum cycle.
What is BYD Automotive?
BYD Automotive launched in Australia two years ago with the mid-size Atto 3 electric SUV. It now offers the BYD Seal medium electric passenger car, BYD Dolphin small car (one of Australia's most affordable electric cars) and the Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid.
In 2023 BYD sold more new energy vehicles (EVs and Hybrids), worldwide than Tesla. BYD vehicles are sold in Australia via EVDirect which is building a network of dealerships to support the company's sales, which have grown by 67 per cent so far in 2024 according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.
The BYD Shark 6 offers work and play opportunities for those wanting an electric ute
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