BYD has introduced the BYD Shark hybrid pickup truck in Panama, marking its first hybrid vehicle in the Latin American market. This launch comes amid a significant rise in the pickup truck segment within the country, according to Eduardo López de Victoria, general manager of BYD Central America and the Caribbean.
“The pickup truck market has shown considerable growth in recent years,” said López de Victoria in a recent announcement. He emphasized that pickup models cater to both business and personal needs, highlighting that the BYD Shark is designed to meet the demand for an innovative mobility experience.
The Shark was first unveiled in Mexico on May 14, a strategic move that underscores BYD’s commitment to expanding its footprint in international markets. Notably, this model is yet to be introduced in China, potentially due to stringent regulations surrounding pickup trucks in various Chinese cities.
Built on BYD’s DMO platform—where “O” stands for off-road and “DM” signifies dual mode—the BYD Shark measures 5,457 mm in length, 1,971 mm in width, and 1,925 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,260 mm.
The vehicle is equipped with dual electric motors; the front motor delivers 170 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque, while the rear motor produces 150 kW and 340 Nm of torque. Together, the powertrain generates over 430 horsepower, enabling the Shark to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, with a top speed of 160 km/h.
The Shark features a blade battery with a capacity of 29.58 kWh, offering an NEDC battery range of 100 kilometers and a combined NEDC range of 840 kilometers.
