BYD Provides First Look At Shark Pickup Truck Ahead Of Imminent Debut

Chinese automaker BYD (Build Your Dreams) has unveiled the first official images of the Shark, an electrified truck that will be sold globally. Without camouflage, we finally get to see the truck in all its glory. Three teaser images show us a lot of the styling, which appears to have taken inspiration from several Western pickup trucks.

For a start, the headlights appear very similar to those found on the Ford F-150 Lightning, while the rear end shares a resemblance with the first-generation Volkswagen Amarok. A lightbar, which stretches across the tailgate, links the rear lights with each other. Unfortunately, BYD has only shared three images, none of which showcase the front fascia.

Expected To Debut On May 14

The interior remains a mystery, but we shouldn’t have to wait much longer, as a reveal is expected on May 14. Elsewhere, we can see the Shark sports black plastic cladding around the wheel arches and the lower bits of the doors. Diamond-cut alloy wheels, wrapped in all-season tires, are also visible. Lastly, the Shark wears a sports bar, which will likely be offered as an optional extra.

BYD hasn’t revealed much information regarding the Shark but describes its off-roading abilities as “robust” and notes that it will boast DMO technology. This Dual Mode Off-road Super Hybrid technology enables superior range and impressive performance. First applied to the Fangchengbao Bao 5 SUV, the architecture uses Cell to Chassis (CTC) technology. This integrates the battery pack into the chassis, reducing weight and improving vehicle safety.

Adopting A Plug-In Hybrid Setup

Initially thought to be a fully electric pickup truck like the Rivian R1T, the Shark will adopt a hybrid setup (presumably plug-in) better suited to a workhorse. While electric trucks are good to drive and efficient, their range remains a hindrance, particularly when venturing into remote areas or towing a heavy load.

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Reports suggest the Shark will use a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. A combined range of around 745 miles is expected, although this was likely calculated on the optimistic CLTC cycle. BYD has no plans to enter the American market, but we’d expect lower EPA estimates if it did. When it arrives, it will rival the Ford Ranger PHEV and the upcoming Gladiator 4XE, which Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa confirmed is coming in 2025.