2025 BYD plug-in hybrid ute teased ahead of Oz launch

The first official images of the all-new 2025 BYD dual-cab ute have emerged overseas ahead of its Australian launch late this year.

Already spotted testing multiple times, BYD’s first ute has been co-developed by a team of Australian engineers and partly developed Down Under to ensure it stacks up against the top-selling Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.

It won’t be diesel-powered, but instead the BYD ute will rely on an advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a small 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with a big electric motor.

No outputs have been confirmed, but it’s rumoured the BYD ute will produce around 365kW – much more than the high-performance, V6-powered Ford Ranger Raptor (292kW).

The ute should also be capable of covering up to 1000km on a full tank and fully-charged battery, the latter also enabling a pure-electric range of more than 100km.

That could slash running costs for tradies who typically work within town and cover only short distances between jobs.

As seen in an earlier patent leak, the BYD ute’s styling is clearly inspired by the latest Ford Ranger, brandishing a pair of large C-shaped LED headlight clusters and a blocky US-style grille complete with ‘BYD’ lettering.

The prototype shown in orange and blue camo also highlights the production pick-up’s wide arches and the rugged and boxy overall look.

It’s also worth mentioning the dual-cab gets a wide sports bar that appears to suggest a relatively short bed.

For refuelling and charging, there’s a fuel flap on the rear fender and a charging port in the rear axle.

When it comes to physical dimensions, expect the BYD to mirror other popular dual-cab 4x4 utes and measure in at roughly 5.4 metres long and 1.9 metres wide.

New tech destined for the BYD ute includes a new augmented reality head-up display and trick active suspension tech, the latter combining with a multi-link rear suspension to enhance both comfort and agility.

Down the track, BYD is expected to introduce an all-electric version that will rival the incoming Isuzu D-MAX EV and battery-powered JAC T9 EV and the next-generation LDV eT60.

Although best known in Australia for its EVs, BYD is the world’s biggest electrified vehicle brand and will soon launch the BYD Seal U mid-size SUV here with a plug-in hybrid powertrain only.

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