Since its launch on October 29, this groundbreaking vehicle has made a splash with close to 4,000 orders placed. A true testament of the appetite for Australia’s first PHEV ute.

With the first fleet of SHARK 6’s on their migration to Australian shores set to arrive this December. SHARK is expected to dock in January with customer deliveries slated for late January. Now’s the time for prospective SHARK 6 owners to register their request for a test drive in select BYD Experience Centres. Those that have already purchased their BYD SHARK 6 will be some of the first to test the car on Australian roads.

Initial orders exceed expectations

David Smitherman, CEO of EVDirect explains, “We knew there was a very strong appetite for SHARK in Australia, but the response has been nothing short of exceptional,”

“We’re excited to welcome customers into our Experience Centres. Where they can test drive and experience the full capabilities of the SHARK 6 for themselves. We’re seeing the true impact of this momentum both in sales and enquiries. And are confident the SHARK will be a staple on Aussie roads as of next year,” says Smitherman.

Customers can expect to experience the best of both worlds with Australia’s first PHEV Ute. Powered by BYD’s world-leading DM-O (dual-mode off-road) technology. Making it a world-leader in fuel efficiency. The designers built it for Australian demands with its spacious interior and sporty drive. Showcasing versatility to suit adventurers, tradies, and of course families.

SHARK 6 comes with a competitive price of $57,900 plus on-road costs. And is ready to hit the road and redefine the driving experience. It’s here and hungry for adventure.

BYD Shark 6 Specifications PDF

SHARK 6 – SPECS

October 2024 Update

BYD and  EVDirect – has officially launch of the BYD SHARK 6.

In a significant and hotly anticipated moment. Australia’s first electric-platform hybrid ute was unveiled at an iconically Australian location.  Mount Gipps Station, near Broken Hill.

The event was live streamed online, both in Australia and internationally. And directly to BYD stores across the country. Where more than a thousand people gathered for a first look – and to order – Australia’s new ute.

At Mount Gipps Station, guests were treated to a taste of the Aussie outback under the stars. As BYD revealed pricing which will shake up the entire industry.

Pricing

That price – $57,900 (excluding on-road costs) – offers incredible value because of features. Like BYD’s pioneering DM-O (Dual-Mode Off-road) technology. While 650Nm of torque ensures the BYD SHARK 6 can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds.

The evening’s formalities were delivered by EVDirect Executive Chairman and Managing Director Luke Todd, Chief Executive Officer David Smitherman, and BYD Asia-Pacific General Manager Mr Liu Xueliang, who together emphasised the game-changing nature of the vehicle.

“The Australian car industry has been changed forever,” EVDirect Executive Chairman and Managing Director Luke Todd said.

“Australians love utes, and they love their SUVs. What we’ve delivered is a rugged Aussie-ready ute, with the comfort of an SUV, that drives like a sports car on-road.”

Boasting BYD’s extremely safe Blade Battery – which at 29.58kWh provides 100 kilometres of pure electric range. The BYD SHARK 6 also delivers a combined total driving range of 800 kilometres offering drivers outstanding fuel efficiency.

Designed by renowned European designer Wolfgang Egger, with the support of thousands of engineers from around the world. Including the former head engineer of the Australian-built Commodore. The BYD SHARK 6 has been built specifically for Australian conditions.

“No-one is left behind with the BYD SHARK 6. There is no need for all of the fuss people might have heard about EVs. With this vehicle, simply plug it into your normal wall socket overnight and you’re driving electric. But doing so without any range anxiety,” Mr Todd added.

Flash Outback launch

In fitting with BYD SHARK’s strong connection to Australia, the evening was headlined by music icon Darryl Braithwaite. Who performed a special rendition of the hit song ‘The Horses’.

Guests in attendance at Mount Gipps Station included

• Dom Littrich,
• Bill King and Liam Moore of The Inspired Unemployed,
• surfer Shyama Buttonshaw,
• BMX rider Caroline Buchanan,
• AFL Player Liam Baker,
• Planet Ark founder Jon Dee, social personalities Jett Kenny and partner Lily Brown, and
• media personality Elle Baillieu.

The BYD SHARK 6 is now on sale.

Available colours include: Great White, Deep Sea Blue, and Tidal Black.

EVDirect has also partnered with Australian company Ironman 4×4 to design a wide range of ute additions that buyers can add at the point of purchase, allowing them to modify the SHARK 6 to be their own.

BYD SHARK 6 update September 2024 

BYD SHARK 6 – The world’s fastest-growing new energy automotive brand, BYD. In partnership with its exclusive Australian distributor EVDirect. 

In the most hotly anticipated launch of the year, Australia’s first electric platform hybrid Ute will be available for orders locally from October 29, 2024.

As the latest expansion of BYD’s Ocean Series, BYD powers the SHARK 6, an electric-first vehicle. With its world-leading DM-O (dual-mode off-road) technology, making it a world-leader in fuel efficiency.

Further representing BYD’s commitment to Australian drivers. Engineers extensively tested the SHARK 6 in Australia for the past six months. AnAd refined it to suit the varied terrains Australia has to offer.

“The SHARK 6 marks a really exciting moment for the brand as Australia’s first plug-in hybrid Ute. They specifically made and tested that on our roads, for our roads. They built it for Australian demands with its spacious interior and sporty drive. Showcasing versatility to suit adventurers, tradies and of course families,” EVDirect CEO David Smitherman said.

“We believe it’s a true category creator with its luxury design and full suite of custom accessories. Importantly, it has incredibly low ongoing running costs. As it toggles between pure EV and Hybrid formats. Which in today’s economic climate is a genuine consideration for
customers,” Smitherman adds.’

SHARK 6 is an electric-first vehicle

Power comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. Aided by two electric motors– 170kW/310Nm on the front axle, and 150kW/340Nm on the rear axle. For a combined power output of 320kW and a combined range of approximately 800km.

The BYD SHARK6 will be available for purchase online at bydautomotive.com.au. Or through BYD’s growing number of Australian stores from October 29, 2024.

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• New HiLux range touches down in Australia with new styling and technology
• V-Active technology improves fuel consumption, powertrain smoothness
• New HiLux range available from $26,475 plus on-road costs

Pricing for the new HiLux range starts from $26,475 plus on-road costs for the entry-level 4×2 WorkMate single-cab chassis, while V-Active technology is available starting with the 4×4 SR double-cab chassis from $54,130 plus on-roads.

Along with other specification upgrades, the addition of V-Active technology comes with a price premium of as little as $590, providing excellent value for customers.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the enhanced HiLux range brought welcome enhancements to the range that ensure it remains a popular choice for tradespeople and adventure-focused customers alike.

“Rugged reliability and incredible capability have ensured the Toyota HiLux has been a favourite choice for a vast range of customers needing a quality pick-up for work or play,” Mr Hanley said.

V-Active for a small price premium

“The addition of V-Active for a small price premium, along with other valuable specification and styling improvements ensure the HiLux is more desirable than it has ever been.”

Available on select 4×4 double-cab SR, SR5 grades as well as the luxurious Rogue, V-Active technology adds a motor generator, 48-volt battery and DC/DC converter to the tried-and-true 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder powertrain and six-speed automatic transmission, bringing benefits to fuel economy, powertrain smoothness and off-road ability.

The addition of V-Active technology allows for the fitment of a stop-start system to the turbo-diesel engine which plays a role in helping reduce fuel consumption by up to approximately 10 per cent compared to 2.8-litre engines without V-Active technology.

The 48-volt system makes the stop-start system impressively smooth and seamless, with a significant reduction in vibrations when restarting the engine compared to an engine not fitted with V-Active technology. The speed of the engine restart is also noticeably short, adding to the smooth nature of the start-stop system.

Fitting a 48-volt system also allows the engine to be switched off for longer than a typical internal-combustion engine when stopped in traffic, with owners able to choose from either a ‘Normal’ or ‘Long’ setting which increases the time the engine is switched off while the air conditioning is running.

Engine idling speed is reduced in V-Active technology grades, reduced from 720rpm to 600rpm.

Braking energy is recovered by the motor generator when decelerating, which contributes to a natural braking feeling to make driving easier. When accelerating, the motor generator can contribute power assistance in areas of lower engine efficiency to increase responsiveness and make acceleration smoother.

Multi-Terrain Select

HiLux variants equipped with V-Active technology add Multi-Terrain Select, which includes six selectable modes that enhance wheel traction in a range of road surfaces.

When in high range, MTS can be set to Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud and Deep Snow, while low range offers Auto, Sand, Mud and Rock modes to optimally deploy power and maximise traction.

The motor generator unit has been positioned high in the engine bay to ensure the V-Active technology system retains the excellent off-road ability of the HiLux.

All core HiLux grades with the exception of the WorkMate and SR single-cab and petrol variants gain a new front-end visual refresh which includes new front bumpers and a honeycomb mesh grille.

At the rear, WorkMate, SR, SR5 and GR Sport pick-ups offer a gloss black rear bumper while the Rogue sports a unique dark grey finish.

SR5 grades add dark-finished LED headlamps, gloss black exterior mirrors, door handles, tailgate handle and powder-coated sports bar for pick-up body styles.

Additional convenience is provided for all pick-up grades with the fitment of a tailgate damper with lift assist, which consists of a gas strut and steel cable. SR double-cab pick-ups with automatic transmissions add front and rear parking sensors.

Double-cab automatic SR5 grades gain a wireless charger which is also applied to the Rogue and GR Sport flagship along with two rear USB-C ports for greater charging capability.

2024 Toyota HiLux pricing MLP*

Options

Premium interior (SR5 only): $2,500
Premium paint: $675
Two-tone paint (GR Sport only): $1,000

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges). Pricing is from Redbook as at date of article or from the manufacturer’s website.

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• Ford will introduce Plug-in Hybrid technology to the mid-size truck segment. With its first-ever Ranger Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle in early 2025
• Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will offer zero-tailpipe emission driving. This is in addition to the essential Ranger towing, off-road, and payload capabilities, and more torque than any other Ranger
• Pro Power Onboard¹ means customers can leave the generator at home and free up cargo space; with enough energy to power remote camp or worksites

Ford Ranger PHEV more details

Ford will offer customers a plug-in hybrid version of Australia’s favourite 4×4 pick-up from early 2025. Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will provide electric driving capability. Combined with the adventure-ready versatility and work-ready dependability customers have come to expect from Ranger.

The first-ever Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will mark a significant step forward in Ford’s plans to offer a wide range of powertrain options for customers in the mid-sized pick-up segment.

“The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid is a best-of-both-worlds solution for work, play, and family. Offering customers zero-tailpipe emissions EV driving for short trips, or hybrid performance that delivers incredible on- and off-road performance,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand.

“Ranger Plug-In Hybrid will bring all of the towing and payload capability our Australian customers expect of Ranger, and with Pro Power Onboard for the first time, Ranger owners will have power for both work and play.”

Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will deliver more torque than any other Ranger, thanks to a 2.3-litre Ford EcoBoost turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor and rechargeable battery system. It can be driven in pure electric mode for more than 45 kilometres² without using a drop of fuel or producing tailpipe emissions, helping customers save at the pump.

This EV-only capability will be extremely useful for Australian Ranger customers, with more than half travelling 40km or less per day³.

The targeted maximum braked towing capacity of the Ranger Plug-In Hybrid is 3,500 kg⁴ – the same as the rest of the Ranger line-up.

Ranger PHEV – Pro Power Onboard

Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will also feature Pro Power Onboard, enabling customers to power their tools and appliances on a worksite or remote campsite by plugging them into power outlets embedded in both the cargo bed and the cabin. That means noisy, bulky, heavy generators can be left at home, leaving more space in the cargo bed for other gear and equipment.

In addition to having on-demand electricity, Ranger Plug-in Hybrid’s EV drive modes will give customers more flexibility in deciding how and when to use the EV battery power.

Ranger Plug-In Hybrid also comes equipped with Ranger’s proven four-wheel-drive capability, selectable drive modes and advanced driver safety and driver assist features⁵.

“The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will help our customers move into an electrified future, with the confidence and capability that only Ranger can provide. Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will join the Ford Australia line-up as our fifth electrified vehicle alongside Mach-E, E-Transit, E-Transit Custom and Puma BEV,” Birkic concluded.

Notes

1. Pro Power Onboard may vary between models and markets and is subject to regulatory approvals. Electrical outputs to be published closer to the on-sale date.
2. Officially homologated energy efficiency figures including driving range will be published closer to the on-sale date for Australia using ADR 81/02 certification. Over 45km is the targeted range based on manufacturer-tested values and calculations according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Actual range varies with conditions such as external elements, driving behaviour, vehicle maintenance, payload, towing, battery age and state of health.
3. Next-Generation Ranger connected vehicle data, 1 June 2022 – 5 September 2023.
4. Maximum towing capacity-braked using a Genuine Ford tow pack. Subject to State and Territory regulations. To comply with these limits, occupants and/or luggage may need to be restricted to not exceed the GCM and GVM limits. For further details regarding passenger and luggage restrictions, please consult your authorized Ford Dealer and/or refer to the Owner’s Manual.
5. Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. May not operate at certain speeds, or in certain driving, road, or weather conditions.

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