BYD Shark 6 with 3.5-tonne towing coming soon

A more capable version of the 2024 BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid pick-up is currently under development and set to offer the all-important 3500kg braked towing capacity expected of a dual-cab ute.

Local executives of the Chinese brand have thus far suggested testing will start “very soon”, however the tougher and more capable Shark is expected to lob until 2026.

“I can disclose with you guys actually very soon, we will have a new version which can support stronger towing, we cannot disclose when, but it is underway,” BYD Asia Pacific auto sales division general manager Liu Xueliang said at the recent Shark media launch.

The current Shark 6 Premium is only rated to tow a maximum of 2500kg (braked) despite lurking in a segment where the class average is 3500kg and can lug up to 790kg in its tub – vs ~1000kg for the segment favourites.

EV Direct chief executive David Smitherman defended the Shark 6’s figure, citing internal research that suggested the 2500kg capacity would suit most Aussie buyers, many of which are “weekend warriors”.

He also claimed tradies would “absolutely” be drawn to the first PHEV ute to hit the market.

“I think it comes down to what the people want the vehicle for,” Smitherman told carsales.

“I think those that tow a lot, well it probably won’t be the right vehicle for them, but we surveyed over 1000 people to ask who they are and what they want.

“We had a really interesting result. There was a lot of weekend warriors I guess you’d call them, people using them for commuting and absolutely there was a lot of tradies in there too. A lot of fleet activity as well.

“There’s a massive amount of interest from either government organisations and listed organisations that have corporate, social responsibilities.”

Smitherman also revealed more than 1000 Aussies had already ordered a Shark 6 online and that the BYD Australia website crashed within two hours of the pricing announcement ($57,900) last night – something he declared a “good thing”.

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