- BYD’s Fangchengbao will launch the China-spec Shark pickup in Q4, shifting branding and interiors to local tastes while keeping rugged global styling and PHEV hardware.
- The Shark uses a 1.5T plug-in hybrid with dual permanent magnet motors (front 170 kW, rear 150 kW, engine 135 kW) and MIIT dimensions: 5,457×1,971×1,925mm, 3,260mm wheelbase.
- Targets mid-to-large new-energy pickup buyers against expanding domestic demand; execution risks include timing uncertainty, domestic market size, manufacturing scale-up and potential margin pressure from competitive pricing.
BYD’s Fangchengbao brand today released official images of the China-spec version of its new energy pickup truck, the Shark. BYD has previously confirmed that the model will join the Fangchengbao lineup and enter the Chinese market later this year.
The China-spec version retains the rugged styling of the global model with no major exterior changes. The biggest difference lies in the branding. The overseas version features the BYD logo on the front fascia, while the China-spec model adopts the Fangchengbao logo. The BYD badge on the tailgate has also been replaced with the “Shark” lettering.
The interior has received several China-specific updates. The local version adopts a redesigned steering wheel, while the column-mounted shifter used overseas has been replaced by a center-console gear selector. The shifter itself uses the same aircraft-style design found on Fangchengbao’s Bao lineup.
The center console also retains multiple physical buttons and adds crystal-style controls similar to those seen in Fangchengbao’s other models.
Under the hood, the China-spec Shark continues with a plug-in hybrid system featuring a 1.5T engine and dual permanent magnet synchronous motors on the front and rear axles. The engine delivers a maximum net output of 135 kW, while the front and rear motors produce peak outputs of 170 kW and 150 kW, respectively.
In terms of dimensions, the China-spec model remains identical to the global version. According to regulatory filings from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the Shark measures 5,457 mm in length, 1,971 mm in width and 1,925 mm in height, with a 3,260 mm wheelbase.
Its cargo bed measures 1,520 mm in length, 1,530 mm in width and 515 mm in height, positioning it as a mid-to-large-size pickup truck.
The Shark has already gained traction in overseas markets before entering China. BYD unveiled the model globally in Mexico in May 2024, followed by launches in markets including Australia, Brazil, Mexico and Ecuador.
Australia has been one of the most notable markets for the pickup. The Shark 6 starts at AUD 57,900 ($38.4K) and became the country’s best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle in 2025.
BYD previously held back from bringing the Shark to China due to the relatively limited size of the domestic new energy pickup market. However, the segment has gradually expanded over the past two years.
Data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) showed that China’s pickup truck sales totaled 343,000 units in the first half of this year, up 11.9% year over year. New energy pickup sales reached around 9,000 units in June, up 18% YoY, while first-half sales totaled 45,000 units, representing an 8% YoY increase.
The market expansion has created new opportunities for the Shark’s domestic launch. For BYD, the pickup — which has already been validated in overseas markets — will further complete Fangchengbao’s product portfolio after entering China.
Fangchengbao has yet to announce a specific launch date for the Shark. However, based on previous MIIT filings and industry reports, the model is expected to hit the Chinese market in Q4 this year, with pricing likely positioned around the RMB 300K ($44.7K) range.
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