Chinese automaker BYD made a significant move into the North American market with the unveiling of its new mid-size hybrid-electric pickup truck, the Shark, in Mexico on Tuesday. This launch marks the first time the world’s largest electric-vehicle (EV) maker has introduced a new product outside of China.
Stella Li, Chief of Americas at BYD, highlighted Mexico’s rapid growth in pickup truck demand as a key factor in selecting the country for the Shark’s debut. She emphasized that the Shark addresses common drawbacks of traditional pickups, such as high fuel consumption, poor handling, and control.
The Shark, exclusively available in Mexico, is positioned to compete directly with popular models like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger. Despite its focus on Mexico, the Shark’s size and features align closely with vehicles offered in the United States, a market BYD did not mention in its presentation.
BYD’s brochure indicates that the Shark can travel up to 100 km in EV mode before needing a recharge and boasts a total range of up to 840 km using both electric and combustion methods. The pickup is designed to consume 7.5 liters of fuel per 100 km traveled.
The launch of the Shark comes at a time when the EV market is gaining traction globally. However, the company’s decision to debut its new product in Mexico instead of the United States may be influenced by recent trade tensions. On the same day as the Shark’s unveiling, U.S. President Joe Biden announced new tariffs on Chinese products, including a 100% duty on Chinese EVs.
