Yet another example of the upcoming BYD electrified pickup has been spied ahead of its previously confirmed Australian launch in 2024.
These latest images, published by Sina, show a boxy prototype with less camouflage than previously spied examples.
This has allowed us to get a glimpse at the ute’s front fascia that definitely has some F-150 Raptor styling cues, with a grille spelling out BYD. It also looks similar to the latest Foton Tunland, which is no longer sold in Australia.
In China this BYD pickup will reportedly be available with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and all-electric powertrains. It’ll also reportedly come with rear- or all-wheel drive.
BYD in Australia has been purely EV-only to date and recently ruled out introducing the Frigate 07 PHEV SUV locally.
This as-yet unnamed BYD electric ute will compete against the likes of the LDV eT60, plus the incoming JAC T9 EV and (potentially) the Radar RD6 locally in 2024.
Luke Todd, managing director of local BYD distributor EVDirect, told CarExpert in December 2022 this electric pickup has been “designed around Australian conditions”, with both Chinese and Australian engineers working on the project.
Mr Todd described the BYD electric pickup as a “sports muscle ute” and said it’s slightly larger than the Toyota HiLux.
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Previous spied prototype
Further official details are still scarce, but the ute is expected to be fitted with BYD’s in-house ‘Blade’ lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries that are designed to handle a nail test without thermal runaway.
Overseas reports suggest the BYD electric pickup will be revealed as a near-production concept at this year’s Chengdu Auto Show in September, with a Chinese market launch around the fourth quarter of 2023.
‘New energy vehicle’ brand BYD is currently expanding at a rapid pace, rolling out its EVs in Europe, Japan, and Australia – where its Atto 3 small SUV is selling in strong numbers after a few launch speed bumps.
In fact, the Warren Buffet-back EV and battery supplier eclipsed three million EV and PHEV sales globally in November last year.
Speculation suggests the BYD pickup might be sold under the company’s so-called F sub-brand. An SUV from this sub-brand that’s reportedly based on the pickup was recently teased.
In addition to its premium spinoff Denza and the recently launched Yangwang brand, BYD plans to launch “another new brand” which will specialise in “professional and personalised identities, covering family cars and luxury cars”.
“The brand will harness the co-creation with users and warmly welcome all the franchised dealerships to join BYD for its promotion,” it added, suggesting the cars with higher degrees of personalisation.
MORE: China’s BYD readying plug-in hybrid, electric ute range
