- 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’
China’s BYD Shark electric truck has been creating waves in the automotive industry with its exceptional build quality, putting it in direct competition with the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1S. The electric truck market is heating up, with several major players vying for the top spot in terms of technology, design, and build quality.
BYD, a leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has been making headlines with its latest electric truck, the Shark. The Shark boasts a sleek and futuristic design, reminiscent of a shark gliding through the water. Its aerodynamic shape not only looks impressive but also improves the truck’s overall efficiency by reducing drag.
In terms of build quality, the Shark has been praised for its robust construction and attention to detail. The interior is well-crafted, with high-quality materials and a modern design that rivals some of the best luxury vehicles on the market. The truck’s performance is equally impressive, with a range of over 300 miles on a single charge and a top speed of 120 mph.
On the other hand, Tesla’s Cybertruck has been a polarizing figure in the electric truck market. Its angular and futuristic design has divided opinions, with some praising its boldness and innovation, while others criticize its unconventional looks. Despite the mixed reviews, the Cybertruck has garnered a large following and has been praised for its cutting-edge technology and performance.
Rivian, a relatively new player in the electric vehicle market, has also been making waves with its R1S electric truck. The R1S stands out for its rugged design and off-road capabilities, making it a favorite among adventure enthusiasts. The build quality of the R1S has also been praised, with a strong focus on durability and reliability.
Overall, the electric truck market is becoming increasingly crowded, with each manufacturer vying for the top spot. While the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1S have been the frontrunners in terms of popularity, the BYD Shark is quickly gaining ground with its exceptional build quality and performance. As consumers continue to shift towards electric vehicles, competition in this space is only going to intensify, pushing manufacturers to innovate and improve their offerings.