Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD will launch its first pickup truck
The Chinese manufacturer BYD has been on the rise for several years. As proof, it overtook Tesla in the last quarter of 2023. It has in fact sold more electric vehicles than its Californian competitor and threatens to take away the title of the largest electric vehicle manufacturer in the world.
BYD is definitely a player to watch for major manufacturers; it is gradually establishing itself in several new global markets, and North America will not escape it.
The manufacturer has just revealed images of a first mid-size van. It is a plug-in hybrid model the size of the Toyota Hilux, our equivalent of the Tacoma, designed for the global market. BYD therefore intends to enter a very lucrative new market. According to published information, this van would first be marketed in Australia and South Africa.
In the images shown, the BYD van is covered in blue and orange camouflage, but it is possible to clearly identify its distinctive dual-lens headlights which recall the number “8”. The BYD pickup truck maintains rugged styling with wide wheel arches, a high hood line and large side mirrors. We notice supports on the roof and a short body.
A plug-in hybrid engine
The manufacturer has not revealed more details on the engine and dimensions of its van, but it has mentioned that its format will be very similar to that of the Toyota Hilux. It would be equipped with a plug-in hybrid engine which gives it a total range of 1,000 kilometers, including an electric range of 100 kilometers in electric mode, which would be very interesting.
It seems obvious that BYD wants to market its first van outside China since this type of vehicle faces significant restrictions in China. According to previous information, the main overseas markets targeted by the manufacturer are Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The model will go on sale later in 2024 and will compete with the likes of the Ford Ranger and the Nissan Frontier.
Our opinion
We do not believe that a BYD van will be on Canadian roads in the short term, especially with the protectionist measures applied by our neighbors to the South towards Chinese manufacturers. However, many manufacturers told us that, sooner or later, we will have to face Chinese brands.
