In 2025, BYD plans to introduce many new models in South Africa, one of which is the Shark plug-in hybrid pickup truck.
In 2023, BYD made its debut in South Africa with the Atto 3 (Yuan Plus). The Chinese automaker debuted its Seal and Dolphin electric vehicles on the market last year. There are three electric models in its current model line. Customers in South Africa, however, favour PHEVs and HEVs over BEVs. Therefore, BYD plans to introduce other models, such as plug-in hybrids, to the market. The Shark pickup truck, which was made for international markets, is one of them.
BYD Shark will enter South Africa
According to Bitauto, a Chinese media outlet, BYD plans to launch the Shark pickup vehicle in South Africa in early 2025. Later this year, this model—also referred to as the BYD Shark 6—will be launched.
In 2024, the BYD Shark pickup truck made its debut in the Mexican market. Later, this PHEV made its way into Australia, Brazil, and Cambodia, among other nations.
The BYD Shark pickup truck has a wheelbase of 3260 mm and substantial measurements of 5457/1971/1925 mm. The towing capacity of this PHEV is 2500 kg. The DMO platform is where the Shark is located. It has two electric motors and a 1.5-liter internal combustion engine. The system’s total power output is 320 kW (429 hp) and 650 Nm. It takes the Shark 5.7 seconds to reach 100 km/h.
The 29.6 kWh LFP battery, which can provide 100 km of NEDC electric range, is another highlight of the BYD Shark. With a gasoline consumption rate of 7.5 litres per 100 km (NEDC), this PHEV has a mixed range of 840 kilometres. Regarding the BYD Shark’s price in South Africa, nothing is known. For clarity, the starting prices are 379,800 real (60,800 USD) in Brazil, 57,900 AUD (36,250 USD) in Australia, and 899,980 pesos (43,800 USD) in Mexico.
Other new BYD models in South Africa
The source explained that BYD plans to introduce many models in South Africa. The vehicles that would be available for purchase were not revealed. The business is attempting to introduce an EV in the local market, nevertheless, with a price range of 300,000 to 350,000 South African rand (16,150 to 18,850 USD), according to Steve Chang, general manager of BYD South Africa. CarNewsChina anticipates that it will be the BYD Seagull (Dolphin Mini), the company’s most affordable vehicle at the now.
Since PHEVs are more popular in South Africa than pure EVs, BYD is probably going to introduce more PHEV models there. By the end of the next year, it intends to have 25 dealerships. Since Golden Arrow placed an order for 120 buses with the company in October 2024, it also hopes to expand its commercial vehicle business.
