The spectre of electric vehicles from China hitting our shoes has been of-topic lately, with the current American administration recently hiking tariffs on EVs from that country from 25 per cent to an eye-popping 100 per cent. Canadian officials have yet to do the same, but are said to be mulling over the possibility.
Now, numerous outlets south of the border have been sampling pickup trucks like the Shark, a plug-in hybrid hauler with an open bed manufactured by China’s BYD and set to compete with rigs like the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado. BYD launched the Shark recently at an event in Mexico City, notable as the first unveiling outside the brand’s home country, ahead of an expected announcement in which it will detail the location of a factory in Mexico.
Initial impressions from those who’ve gotten a look are generally positive, noting an 800ish-kilometre (500ish-mile) total driving range made possible by the truck’s 1.5L gasoline-powered engine, which tag-teams with two electric motors to make just over 400 horsepower. Electric-only range is said to be about 100 clicks (62 miles). Towing tops out at about 5,500 pounds, and payload is listed at 1,841 pounds, all numbers which are competitive with existing options in the midsize truck market.
The big question is: Will this truck, priced at the equivalent of US$53,440 at today’s exchange rates, make the American big time? Hard to say, especially since it is unclear to this author if those new EV tariffs also apply to PHEVs, or to vehicles assembled in Mexico.
Electric Motor:
Single or dual motor configurations, depending on the model and trim.
High-performance options with significant horsepower and torque.
Battery:
Blade Battery technology, known for its enhanced safety and long cycle life.
Capacities ranging from 50 kWh to 100 kWh, depending on the model.
Range:
NEDC range estimates often exceed 500 km (310 miles) for larger battery packs.
WLTP range estimates are generally lower but provide a more realistic measure of real-world range.
Charging:
Fast charging capabilities, with many models able to charge to 80% in about 30 minutes using DC fast chargers.
AC charging for overnight home charging.
Exterior Design
Modern Styling:
Aerodynamic designs with sleek, modern lines.
Full LED lighting systems with adaptive features.
Dimensions:
Vary depending on the vehicle class (compact, mid-size, SUV).
Interior Features
Cabin Design:
High-quality materials, including leather, soft-touch plastics, and metallic accents.
Spacious interiors with ergonomic seating and ample legroom.
Technology:
Large infotainment screens with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Advanced digital instrument clusters and customizable ambient lighting.
Comfort:
Dual-zone or tri-zone automatic climate control.
Premium sound systems and multiple USB ports for connectivity.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety Features:
Comprehensive suite of airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control.
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automated emergency braking.
Driver Assistance:
Parking assist systems with rearview cameras or 360-degree cameras.
Driver attention monitoring and traffic sign recognition.
Conclusion
While specific details about a "BYD Shark" are not available, it would likely follow BYD's trend of offering technologically advanced, high-performance electric vehicles with a focus on safety and efficiency. For the most accurate and current information on BYD's latest models and any new announcements, visiting BYD's official website or following reputable automotive news sources is recommended. If you have any specific details or context about the "BYD Shark," please let me know, and I can provide more targeted information.
Single or dual motor configurations, depending on the model and trim.
High-performance options with significant horsepower and torque.
Battery:
Blade Battery technology, known for its enhanced safety and long cycle life.
Capacities ranging from 50 kWh to 100 kWh, depending on the model.
Range:
NEDC range estimates often exceed 500 km (310 miles) for larger battery packs.
WLTP range estimates are generally lower but provide a more realistic measure of real-world range.
Charging:
Fast charging capabilities, with many models able to charge to 80% in about 30 minutes using DC fast chargers.
AC charging for overnight home charging.
Exterior Design
Modern Styling:
Aerodynamic designs with sleek, modern lines.
Full LED lighting systems with adaptive features.
Dimensions:
Vary depending on the vehicle class (compact, mid-size, SUV).
Interior Features
Cabin Design:
High-quality materials, including leather, soft-touch plastics, and metallic accents.
Spacious interiors with ergonomic seating and ample legroom.
Technology:
Large infotainment screens with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Advanced digital instr