BYD officially launched its Shark PHEV pickup truck in Brazil on October 19, marking its entry into the country’s competitive midsize pickup market. Priced at 379,800 reais ($66,700), the Shark is positioned to compete against well-established models like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, which currently dominate Brazil's market, where diesel and gasoline trucks are the preference. The launch event took place in Goiania, the agricultural heartland of Brazil, emphasizing the Shark’s appeal to the agribusiness sector.

Pre-sales for the Shark began on October 3, with the model quickly gaining traction—around 1,500 units were reserved within 20 days. BYD expects to sell between 10,000 and 15,000 units annually, potentially securing a place among the top five best-selling midsize pickups in Brazil. As an incentive for early buyers, BYD is offering a solar-charging kit, a portable charger, and a year of free insurance, further highlighting the vehicle’s eco-friendly approach.

The Shark PHEV is built on BYD’s DMO platform, which also supports the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5. This dedicated platform for PHEVs integrates BYD’s DM-i and DM-p technology, optimizing energy efficiency and enhancing off-road capabilities. The electric four-wheel-drive system allows for intelligent torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, ensuring quick responses in challenging conditions like ice or mud. The system’s energy center lock facilitates rapid torque adjustments, up to 30 times faster than traditional mechanical locks, giving it a significant advantage in tough terrain.

The Shark’s dimensions—5457 mm in length, 1971 mm in width, and 1925 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3260 mm—ensure a robust and capable truck. It has a payload capacity of 835 kg and a bed volume of 1,450 liters, along with a towing capacity of 2,500 kg. Under the hood, the Shark combines a 1.5T internal combustion engine (ICE) with electric motors, delivering a total system output of 320 kW and 650 Nm of torque. Its 29.58 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery provides a pure electric range of 100 km under NEDC conditions, and a combined range of up to 840 km with a full charge and fuel tank.

Following its success in Mexico, where it launched in May 2024 at a lower price of 899,980 Mexican pesos ($53,400), BYD is now extending the Shark's availability to other markets. The truck is set to launch in Australia on October 29, with deliveries expected by the end of the year. This expansion reflects BYD’s growing influence in global markets, particularly in emerging economies, with Brazil being a key focus given its explosive sales growth—up 700% in the first nine months of 2024.

With the Shark, BYD aims to solidify its position not only in Brazil but in the global automotive market, where it continues to challenge competitors like Toyota and Ford with its innovative hybrid technology and aggressive market strategies.