Powerful Hybrid Truck with a Range of Over 1,000km

BYD, the Chinese automotive giant, has unveiled the first images of its upcoming electric pickup truck. Although the pictures are of a prototype still wrapped in camouflage, it is clear that this truck is set to compete with the likes of the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and VinFast VF Wild. With the electric pickup truck market gaining traction, including the Isuzu D-Max BEV set to launch in 2025, BYD’s entry is eagerly anticipated.

Exterior Design Inspired by the Ford F-150 Lightning

Based on leaked information and spy shots, the BYD pickup truck is believed to be based on the Bao Leopard 5, a 4×4 SUV showcased at the Bangkok Auto Show 2024, also known as the “Chinese Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.” The teaser images reveal some distinctive features of the truck, despite its camouflage. Notably, the front end showcases vertically stacked LED headlights, similar to the design language of the F-150 Lightning and Ranger. The headlights surround a large box-shaped grille with a prominent BYD logo. The truck also features a rugged front skid plate, wide wheel arches, and vertically positioned taillights reminiscent of the Volkswagen Amarok.

Interior Design Resembling the Off-Road SUV

The interior of the BYD pickup truck is equipped with the latest technology, comparable to the brand’s newly launched passenger cars. In leaked images from test drives in China, the interior shares similarities with the Bao Leopard 5. It features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display, a heads-up display, and dual-zone air conditioning vents on both sides of the dashboard. The cabin retains traditional mechanical buttons, including a button layout resembling piano keys.

PHEV and EV Powertrain Options

BYD has confirmed that the pickup truck belongs to the category of New Energy Vehicles (NEV), which refers to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and fully electric vehicles (EVs) in China. This means there will be no gasoline or mild hybrid variants. The teaser images suggest that the truck will initially be offered as a plug-in hybrid, featuring dual charging ports and a gas tank cap. The PHEV variant is expected to have a combined range of over 1,000km, with an all-electric range of 100km. Power is likely to come from a turbocharged 1.5L gasoline engine and two electric motors, providing all-wheel drive. If the specifications remain unchanged, the truck will have a power output of 191 horsepower and 273 Nm of torque from the gasoline engine, combined with the electric motors’ output of 677 horsepower and 760 Nm of torque.

An all-electric variant, similar to the PHEV model, is also expected, but without the gasoline engine and with a larger battery pack. Additionally, the truck may come equipped with an active suspension system.

Global Market Focus

Unlike the Chinese market, which does not encourage pickup truck sales, BYD is set to target the global market with its electric truck. The truck has been confirmed for release in Australia and is likely to penetrate markets in Asia and South America as well. Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, is expected to be a significant market, given its strong demand for pickup trucks.

For more news and updates on the latest developments in the world of business, visit Business Today.