- BYD’s Shark is a plug-in hybrid electric pickup.
- It’s on sale in Mexico for less than half the price of a Tesla Cybertruck.
- American reviewers from The Fast Lane EV put the Chinese truck to the test against the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T.
The BYD Shark is the Chinese automaker’s first-ever pickup truck, and it’s a pretty interesting one. It has two electric motors making approximately 430 horsepower and a high-voltage battery that packs around 29.5 kilowatt-hours of energy. But it also has a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood that acts as a generator.
It’s also on sale in North America right now for half the price of the American-made Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T. But there’s a catch.
The Shark is not sold in the United States, where the hiked import tariffs for Chinese-made EVs would likely make it much more expensive. In Mexico, however, a fully kitted-out Shark like the one in the Fast Lane EV video embedded at the top of this page comes out at $47,000–but that’s without the import tariffs that would have to be applied if the truck was sold in the U.S.
That said, how does it compare to the all-American Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T? For starters, the Shark is smaller than both of them, which means it has a smaller bed. Additionally, the towing capacity is just 5,500 pounds–half that of the Cybertruck.
The biggest takeaway from the video is that BYD’s PHEV truck has “exceptional build quality,” with a lot of switches inside, as opposed to the minimalist cabin of the Cybertruck.
The Shark comes with two screens and a head-up display, thus trumping even the R1T when it comes to the display count. It also has vehicle-to-load and the highest driving range out of the group thanks to that gas engine. On battery power alone, BYD says the Shark can cover about 62 miles on a full charge, with a total range of approximately 520 miles with a full tank of gas.
Gallery: BYD Shark
DC charging is possible, and while the peak rate is somewhere around 45 kW, it’s enough to go from 30% to 80% state of charge in about 20 minutes because the battery is much smaller than the Cybertruck and R1T.
In the bed, the Chinese-made EV comes with three 110-volt outlets for powering tools or appliances, and there’s also vehicle-to-load capability through an adapter that plugs into the charging port.
It’s not all good, though, with the reviewers pointing out that the ride is bouncy and the tow rating is significantly lower than its American-made all-electric counterparts.
China’s BYD Shark Vs. Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1S: ‘Exceptional Build Quality’
The electric vehicle (EV) market has been experiencing rapid growth in recent years, with companies like Tesla, Rivian, and BYD leading the charge in innovation and sustainability. As these companies continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the EV industry, comparisons between their flagship models have become inevitable. One such comparison that has been gaining attention in the automotive world is between China’s BYD Shark, Tesla’s Cybertruck, and Rivian’s R1S.
When it comes to build quality, all three companies have been praised for their attention to detail and commitment to producing vehicles that are not only environmentally friendly, but also durable and reliable. However, recent reviews have shown that the BYD Shark stands out as having exceptional build quality, rivaling that of other top EV manufacturers.
The BYD Shark, with its sleek design and cutting-edge technology, has been hailed as a game-changer in the electric vehicle market. The vehicle boasts an impressive range of over 600 miles on a single charge, making it one of the longest-range EVs on the market. Additionally, the BYD Shark features a luxurious interior that is both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, further highlighting the company’s commitment to excellence.
In contrast, Tesla’s Cybertruck has faced criticism for its unconventional design and perceived lack of build quality. While the Cybertruck boasts impressive performance and range, some reviewers have noted that the vehicle’s construction leaves something to be desired. Despite this, Tesla’s loyal fanbase and innovative approach to EV technology continue to drive sales and maintain the company’s position as a leader in the industry.
Rivian’s R1S, on the other hand, has been praised for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. The R1S features a range of over 300 miles and can tackle even the most challenging terrain with ease. While Rivian’s build quality has been commended by reviewers, the company still has a long way to go in terms of establishing itself as a true competitor to Tesla and BYD.
Overall, the comparison between China’s BYD Shark, Tesla’s Cybertruck, and Rivian’s R1S highlights the diverse range of options available to consumers in the electric vehicle market. While each company has its strengths and weaknesses, it is clear that exceptional build quality is a top priority for all three manufacturers. As the demand for EVs continues to grow, competition among companies will only intensify, driving further innovation and advancements in the industry.