By 2024, the trend of new energy pickups has gained global attention. Major companies like BYD and Ford are heavily investing in this area. Both have launched plug-in hybrid pickups: the BYD Shark and the Ford Ranger PHEV. The BYD Shark is already available in Mexico and will soon enter major markets like Australia and South Africa. The Ford Ranger PHEV is expected to launch globally early next year. These two pickups compete directly in overseas markets, yet they follow distinctly different technological paths.
Power System – BYD Shark First, the BYD Shark pickup uses the DMO platform. It features a 1.5T engine and dual motors. The front motor delivers 170 kW. The rear motor provides 150 kW. The total torque reaches 650 N·m. With high torque and linear output, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. This time surpasses most pickups on the market. The vehicle uses a continuously variable transmission and lacks a traditional gearbox. Note that the BYD Shark pickup does not have a driveshaft. It has a front and rear decoupled electric four-wheel drive. When the engine drives the wheels, power does not transfer to the rear axle. The top speed is about 160 km/h.
Power System – Ford Ranger PHEV The engine plays a key role in the Ford Ranger PHEV’s power system, unlike the BYD Shark. It features a 2.3T EcoBoost gasoline engine and a 75kW P2 motor. The combined torque reaches 690N·m. The traditional pickup layout includes a driveshaft, indicating that the motor mainly provides assistance. The Ranger PHEV uses a 10AT transmission.
Powertrain System – Review Both vehicles are plug-in hybrid pickups, but their technologies differ significantly. Each showcases its core strengths. BYD excels in electrification technology, making the Shark pickup primarily motor-driven. The engine mainly serves to recharge the battery. Ford leads in internal combustion engines, with its motor providing mainly support. For daily driving, each has its benefits. The BYD Shark offers a superior on-road experience. Its continuous variable transmission eliminates jolts and enhances acceleration. The Ford Ranger PHEV shines in off-road scenarios like climbing and recovery.
BYD Shark Range The BYD Shark pickup features a 29.6 kWh battery. This provides a pure electric range of 100 km. This advantage helps reduce operating costs for a plug-in hybrid pickup. When driving in hybrid mode, the total range reaches 800 km. The BYD Shark supports DC fast charging. It can charge from 20% to 80% in 30 minutes. It also features regenerative braking. On long downhill stretches, it can even recover energy.
Range – Ford Ranger PHEV The Ford Ranger’s electric range falls short compared to the BYD Shark. Its 11.8 kWh battery provides only 45 km of electric range and lacks DC fast charging. However, Ford’s research shows that 48% of Ranger users drive less than 40 km daily. Thus, the 45 km electric range covers most commuting needs and supports regenerative braking. Ford has not yet revealed the Ranger PHEV’s maximum range, but it likely reaches around 800 km. In terms of key electric range for plug-in hybrids, the Ford Ranger PHEV trails behind the BYD Shark.
BYD Shark Body and Payload The BYD Shark measures 5457x1971x1925mm, with a wheelbase of 3260mm. It falls into the mid-large pickup category. The wide body enhances passenger comfort. The rear seat backrest tilts to 27 degrees. It offers 880.4mm of legroom, providing good rear seating comfort for a pickup. The Shark supports an effective payload of 853kg. This figure ranks well among domestic pickups. However, its independent front and rear double wishbone suspension limits its maximum load capacity compared to traditional leaf spring pickups. The Shark can tow 2.5 tons, which is average for its class.
Ford Ranger PHEV: Body and Payload The Ford Ranger maintains standard mid-size pickup dimensions. The PHEV version measures 5370x1918x1880mm, with a wheelbase of 3270mm. Interior space likely falls short compared to the BYD Shark. However, the Ford Ranger PHEV excels in payload capacity, reaching 1 ton. Its towing capacity hits 3.5 tons, clearly surpassing the BYD Shark. Towing capability is crucial in the Australian market. Many people tow caravans or jet skis for leisure. In this aspect, the Ford Ranger PHEV holds a product advantage.
Interior – BYD Shark The BYD Shark shares its design language with the Fangcheng Leopard 5. It features a large LCD instrument panel and a big central touchscreen. These displays handle most vehicle settings. The central armrest retains some physical buttons for hybrid mode and air conditioning controls. Overall, it offers excellent technology and luxury.
Interior – Ford Ranger PHEV The Ford Ranger PHEV continues the interior design of the current Ford Ranger. It features a vertical central control screen and physical buttons below. These elements handle most vehicle settings. The drive mode switch remains on the center console. Overall, the interior design of the Ford Ranger PHEV has a more traditional style. It appears simpler and more efficient. Each design has its advantages.
In overseas media reports, BYD Shark and Ford Ranger PHEV often compete. They use two completely different technologies. Each has its advantages. BYD Shark accelerates faster in the initial phase. It also offers a better driving experience on highways. Its electric range is longer, and it provides more interior space. Ford Ranger PHEV features a larger engine displacement. It has more power reserves in the later stages. Its towing and payload capacities are superior. Both vehicles support external power output, making them suitable for outdoor use. Buyers can choose based on their needs and preferences. We look forward to their early launch in the domestic market.