BYD Shark name confirmed for new hybrid ute

The upcoming plug-in hybrid BYD ute will be known as the Shark, the Chinese car giant has announced.

It confirms trademark filings discovered by Australian media in recent weeks, and fits in with BYD's preference for nautical names such as Dolphin, Seal, Sea Lion and Seagull.

The Shark – which will naturally be the largest model in the range – has been caught on camera extensively with and without disguise in Australia and overseas, ahead of an unveiling which could be imminent, given the Beijing motor show is this week.

It is confirmed to use long-range plug-in hybrid technology branded 'DMO' – short for Dual Mode Off-Road – with a small petrol engine aided by a larger battery pack and electric motors.

It may borrow heavily from the 'DMO' system in BYD's Fang Cheng Bao 5 off-road SUV, which combines 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with two electric motors for up to 500kW, a claimed electric-only driving range of 125km, and up to 1200km of total range in hybrid mode.

An electric version is expected to follow at a later date but it is yet to be locked in.

The BYD Shark ute is due in Australian showrooms by the end of this year, and orders locally could open as soon as the middle of this year.

It may be the first plug-in hybrid ute on sale in Australia, ahead of the Ford Ranger PHEV due in 2025, as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the new JAC T9 pick-up from China.