2024 BYD plug-in hybrid ute teased ahead of official debut, Australian launch

BYD has released teaser images of its upcoming plug-in hybrid ute – due to arrive in Australia at the back end of this year.

The Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max rival is expected in Australian BYD showrooms with plug-in hybrid rather than fully-electric power in the second half of 2024.

An electric version is expected to follow at a later date.

The Chinese car maker's new teaser photos show the ute swathed in bright blue and orange camouflage. There is little camouflage under the wrap to hide the vehicle's design – though it has already been seen without disguise in patent images published here and overseas.

In the latest images – distributed by BYD to media outlets including CnEVPost – we can see a sports bar, side steps, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, dual ports for charging and refuelling, and roof racks.

The upcoming dual-cab has been seen testing on numerous occasions in recent months – including overseas with minimal disguise in January 2024, and as a left-hand-drive evaluation vehicle in Victoria in December 2023.

While BYD is yet to confirm local specifications for its first ute, overseas reports claim it will feature a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine paired with two electric motors to produce 365kW combined.

It will be BYD’s second plug-in hybrid in Australia, following the arrival of the Seal U mid-sized SUV due locally in the second quarter of this year (April to June).

Luke Todd, boss of BYD's Australian distributor EVDirect, has previously told Drive orders for the plug-in hybrid ute are due to open in the first half of 2024 ahead of first deliveries in the second half of the year.

Mr Todd has previously said the plug-in hybrid is estimated to cost less than $100,000 before on-road costs, though final prices are still yet to be confirmed.