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Home » Blog » BYD Shark Ute – Plug-in Hybrid & Full of Surprises
BYD Shark Ute - Plug-in Hybrid & Full of Surprises

BYD Shark Ute – Plug-in Hybrid & Full of Surprises

By Lance Manins | Driveline | 27 February 2025 | Posted in BYD, Reviews

BYD Shark ute launched in Oz with 2,000 pre-orders before test drives even started! It’s winning over traditional ute drivers in NZ too…

Up until recently Dave [not his real name] drove a Ford Ranger FX4. Here’s a txt he recently sent me…

“Hey Lance, I’m going to get a Shark as I still can’t get the build quality and driving experience out of my head. This Shark on paper will save me over $10k a year on fuel and road user charges. Win-win already. My running cost for my Ranger is $13k per year. I will keep you posted on how it goes.”

After Dave had a couple of weeks and a couple of thousand kilometres under his belt he sent me this follow-up message…

“Ok. After nearly 2 weeks and over 2k of mileage, I’m impressed. It’s a rocket and very nice to drive.”

And he attached a photo of his BYD Shark ute’s display showing his cumulative average energy consumption since he started driving it. Here are the stats…

  • Mileage: 2,067 km
  • Petrol Consumption: 2.1 L/100 km !!!
  • Electricity Consumption: 21.8 kWh/100 km

And here’s the proof…

Photo of the digital dash in Dave's Shark showing cumulative average energy consumption after 2,067 km.
Photo of the digital dash in Dave’s Shark showing cumulative average energy consumption after 2,067 km.

What happens when you pit a Shark against a Raptor?

When Dave said, “It’s a rocket,” he wasn’t lying. CarExpert in Australia did a drag race between a BYD Shark ute and a Ford Ranger Raptor twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol V6.

The Shark ate the Raptor!

1/4 mile
BYD Shark ute: 13.8s @ 157km/h
Ranger Raptor: 14.3s @ 157km/h

0-100km/h
BYD Shark ute: 5.7s
Ranger Raptor: 5.8s

80-120km/h
BYD Shark ute: 3.8s
Ranger Raptor: 3.8s

This is especially impressive when you consider that the Raptor, being 235 kg lighter, has a significant weight advantage.

BYD Shark Ute Accessories

BYD Shark ute with Artemis canopy & rack by M2 Overland.
BYD Shark ute with Artemis canopy & rack by M2 Overland.

BYD NZ has a full range of accessories including canopies, roof racks, seat covers and more.

M2 Overland have a great looking canopy and rack system that in my opinion really elevates the Shark. Sort of turns it into a shark in work horse clothing 😂

BYD Shark ute with Artemis canopy & rack by M2 Overland.
BYD Shark ute with Artemis canopy & rack by M2 Overland.

Use Cases

I have identified two use cases that benefit strongly from the BYD Shark ute.

1. Carbon Footprint Reduction

Many companies, organisations and Trusts have programs to reduce their carbon footprint, with some aiming for net-zero.

If you have utes in your vehicle fleet, BYD Shark ute is a perfect way to reduce carbon emissions.

Here’s a comparison of fuel usage for the two most popular makes and BYD Shark to prove my point…

  • Toyota Hilux utes range from 6.9 to 11.1 L/100 km depending on the model and engine type.
  • Ford Ranger utes range from 6.9 to 11.5 L/100 km depending on the model and engine type.
  • BYD Shark ute fuel usage of 2.1 L/100 km, as evidenced by Dave above.

BYD quotes fuel consumption of 2.0L/100 km (when charged) with CO2 emissions only 46g/km, and hybrid-mode fuel consumption of 7.9L/100 km.

The Shark should therefore be charged as often as possible to achieve the lowest possible tailpipe emissions. Charging stations at work will help achieve that.

2. Lower Running Costs = Big Savings

Dave is a perfect example here. When you run your own business and you want to reduce your running expenses, the BYD Shark ute is super impressive.

Dave says he was spending $13,000 a year on running costs on his Ranger, and expects to save $10,000 a year with his Shark. I’m looking forward to his 12-month update to confirm those numbers.

However, what we do know for sure is that BYD quotes fuel consumption at 2.0L/100 km (when charged) with CO2 emissions of only 46g/km.

They also quote hybrid-mode fuel consumption at 7.9L/100 km, so the Shark should be charged as often as possible to achieve the best possible fuel economy.

Charging at work will allow for frequent charging. For companies wanting to achieve maximum carbon footprint reduction, this shouldn’t be a problem. But for tradies, I can imagine you plugging in on-site rather than at home, aye 😉

Roundup of 5 BYD Shark Ute Reviews

I’ve done the hard yakka so you don’t have to. I spent too much time reading and summarising 5 recent comprehensive reviews of the BYD Shark ute and compiled them into one summary here…

BYD Shark 6: Not Your Average Ute

What Makes BYD Shark Ute So Special?

Have you ever seen a ute zoom past sports cars? That’s what the BYD Shark ute can do! This new ute is shaking up the market with its plug-in hybrid technology, incredible performance, and cool features. I’ve looked at 5 different reviews to give you the full picture of what makes this ute stand out.

Power That Will Make You Say “Wow!”

The Shark 6’s engine setup is impressive! It combines a 1.5 litre petrol engine with two electric motors. Together, they produce 321kW of power and 650Nm of torque.

In simple terms? This ute is FAST. It can go from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.7 seconds! That’s quicker than many sports cars.

The reviews all mention how smooth the driving feels. The electric motors give you instant acceleration, and the petrol engine kicks in quietly to add extra drive when needed.

Save Money at the Pump

One thing I love about hybrid vehicles is saving on fuel, and the BYD Shark ute doesn’t disappoint. BYD claims it uses just 2.0L/100km when the battery is charged and 7.9L/100km in hybrid mode. That’s super efficient for a ute this size.

The battery lets you drive up to 100 km on electric power alone, and up to 800 km in hybrid mode. Imagine doing all your short-haul trips and daily errands without using a drop of petrol! Your wallet (and the planet) will thank you.

Luxury Inside? You Bet!

Luxury accommodation!
Luxury accommodation!

When you climb inside the Shark 6, you might forget you’re in a ute. Reviewers were amazed at how spacious, comfortable, and premium the interior feels. With leather and fancy materials everywhere, it feels more like a luxury car than a rugged work truck.

Impressive tech inside the BYD Shark ute.
Impressive tech inside the Shark.

The tech inside is just as impressive. You get a huge touchscreen, digital dashboard, and lots of driver-assist features. As one reviewer put it, this interior might be “too nice” for a pickup truck – but I say, why not enjoy some comfort while you work?

Off-Road Adventures: Proceed with Caution

BYD Shark ute handles "normal" off-road duty very well.
BYD Shark ute handles “normal” off-road duty very well.

While the Shark 6 is a star on paved and gravel roads, it’s not quite as tough in the bush as some other utes. It comes with road tires and also sits a little bit lower than off-road champions like the Ford Ranger Wildtrak.

That said, reviewers who took it on gravel roads and light trails said it handled well, especially with its special off-road driving modes. For weekend camping, fishing or hunting trips, you should be just fine!

How Much Can It Carry and Tow?

The truck bed is huge! One reviewer called it “enormous.” However, because the truck itself is heavy, it can’t carry as much weight as some competitors.

It can tow up to 2500kg, which is 1000kg less than some other utes trucks can handle. This limit comes from licensing rules, not because the truck isn’t strong enough. For most people’s needs, though, this towing capacity is plenty.

Want to tow a box trailer or jet ski or tinnie? No problem! Want to tow a big boat? Err, maybe this isn’t the ute for you.

Is It Worth The Money?

At $69,990, the BYD Shark ute is priced competitively. When you compare it to similar utes like the Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Toyota Hilux GR Sport, you’re getting a lot for your money. And a superior interior too.

I’m particularly impressed by the combination of speed, fuel savings, and features at this price point. If you’re shopping for a new ute, the value here is hard to ignore.

BYD Shark Ute – Final Thoughts

The Shark 6 is changing what we expect from utes. It’s fast like a sports car, efficient like a hybrid car, and comfortable like a luxury vehicle – all while still being able to do ute things!

While it might not be the best choice for serious off-roading, it’s perfect for everyday driving and occasional adventures. The price is right, the features are impressive, and the fuel savings are real.

When I look at all these reviews together, I can see why the BYD Shark ute is turning heads. It shows that utes don’t have to guzzle gas or feel rough to be useful.

Whether you need a work ute that won’t break the bank (or the planet) when you fill up, or a comfortable family vehicle with some zip, the Shark 6 deserves a spot on your test-drive list.

BYD Shark ute in white.
BYD Shark ute in white.
BYD Shark ute in deep sea blue.
BYD Shark ute in deep sea blue.
BYD Shark ute in tidal black.
BYD Shark ute in tidal black.
BYD Shark Ute - Grunt Without The Guilt.
BYD Shark 6 – Grunt Without The Guilt.

BYD Shark Ute 2025 Monthly Payment Plan

Get into a new BYD Shark ute and get a discounted monthly payment.

  • Normally from $1,245 +gst per month
  • Special from only $1,195 +gst per month
  • Offer valid until 31 March 2025, or while stocks last.
  • See our BYD Shark 6 page for details and full T&Cs.

•   •   •

Get in touch to learn more about our BYD Shark Ute 2025 Monthly Payment Plan…

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About Lance Manins | Driveline

Lance Manins is Managing Director at Driveline Fleet Ltd and has over 25 years of experience in the vehicle leasing and finance industry. He is often invited to speak at conferences and seminars and is regularly quoted in the media as an industry expert. To discuss your requirements feel free to contact Lance.

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