LAHORE - Pakistan’s automotive landscape took a historic leap forward on July 25, 2025, as global new energy vehicle giant BYD officially launched the Shark 6, the country's first-ever plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) pickup truck. The highly anticipated vehicle was unveiled with a price tag of PKR 19.95 million, marking BYD's most ambitious entry into the Pakistani market and posing a direct and formidable challenge to the long-standing dominance of the Toyota Hilux.
The launch is a landmark event, signaling a significant shift in a market that has recently developed a strong appetite for modern, lifestyle-oriented pickup trucks. Following the recent debut of the all-electric Riddara RD6, the arrival of the BYD Shark 6 PHEV solidifies a new era of high-tech, eco-conscious utility vehicles in Pakistan.
The Technology: A Deep Dive into BYD's DM Hybrid Platform
The BYD Shark 6 is not just another hybrid; it is built on the company's advanced Dual Mode (DM) hybrid platform. This "electric-based" system prioritizes electric driving for maximum efficiency, using its high-powered front and rear electric motors for propulsion. The Xiaoyun 1.5L high-efficiency petrol engine primarily acts as a generator to recharge the battery.
At the heart of this system is BYD's industry-renowned Blade Battery. Famous for its exceptional safety, the Blade Battery uses a unique lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) chemistry that makes it far less susceptible to fire in case of damage compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
Performance and Power: Redefining the Segment
The performance figures of the BYD Shark 6 are revolutionary for the Pakistani pickup segment. The total system output is a staggering 321 kW (approximately 436 horsepower) and a massive 650 Nm of torque.
This immense power allows the Shark 6 to achieve a sports-car-like acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. The truck is also equipped with multiple terrain modes, including Mud, Snow, and Sand, ensuring it can adapt seamlessly to both urban roads and challenging off-road landscapes.
Efficiency and Range: The Best of Both Worlds
The Shark 6 PHEV is designed to eliminate "range anxiety." It offers a pure electric range of 100 km, more than enough for the average daily commute in cities. For longer journeys, the petrol engine kicks in to create a combined, worry-free range of up to 800 km.
The fuel efficiency is equally impressive, with BYD claiming up to 50 kilometers per liter, an outstanding figure for a vehicle of this size and power. This will lead to a drastic reduction in running costs compared to traditional diesel pickups.
BYD Shark 6 PHEV: Key Specifications at a Glance
This table provides a point-by-point look at the crucial specifications of the newly launched pickup truck.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.5L Turbo Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) |
| Battery Type | BYD Blade Battery |
| Battery Capacity | 29.58 kWh |
| Maximum Power | 321 kW (approx. 436 hp) |
| Maximum Torque | 650 Nm |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 5.7 seconds |
| Pure Electric Range | 100 km (NEDC) |
| Combined Range | 800 km |
A New Standard for Features, Luxury, and Safety
The BYD Shark 6 sets a new benchmark for features and safety in the pickup category in Pakistan, offering a level of equipment typically found in luxury SUVs.
Interior Luxury & Technology:
The cabin is dominated by a massive 12.6-inch intelligent rotating touchscreen and a 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster, offering wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. The experience is enhanced by a premium 12-speaker Dynaudio® sound system, a 50W wireless phone charger, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The front seats are heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable.
Advanced Safety Suite:
The Shark 6 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), including a 360° Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), and a full set of lane-keeping aids and monitoring systems like Blind Spot Detection.
Interior and Technology Highlights
The BYD Shark 6 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of modern technology and comfort features.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Infotainment Screen | 12.6 Inch Intelligent Rotating Touchscreen |
| Sound System | Dynaudio® Premium 12-Speaker System |
| Seats | Imitation Leather; Heated & Ventilated Front Seats |
| Wireless Charging | 50W Wireless Phone Charger |
| Safety - Cameras | 360° Camera System |
| Driver Aids | Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection & Head-Up Display |
Price, Booking, and Market Impact
The BYD Shark 6 PHEV has been launched at a price of PKR 19.95 million, with bookings now open for an initial amount of PKR 3.95 million. This positions it at the premium end of the market, targeting affluent urban buyers and tech enthusiasts.
Its arrival is a direct challenge to the status quo. The Shark 6, with its superior power, advanced technology, unparalleled safety features, and green credentials, represents the most serious competitor the Toyota Hilux has ever faced in Pakistan. The launch is expected to accelerate the shift towards cleaner, new-energy vehicles in the country.
Pricing and Booking Information
| Detail | Amount (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Full Vehicle Price | Rs. 19,950,000 (19.95 Million) |
| Booking Amount | Rs. 3,950,000 (3.95 Million) |
| Launch Date | July 25, 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) pickup truck?
A PHEV like the BYD Shark 6 combines a traditional petrol engine with powerful electric motors and a large battery that can be plugged in to charge. It prioritizes using electric power for daily driving (up to 100 km) for zero emissions and uses the petrol engine as a backup for longer journeys, offering the best of both electric and conventional vehicles.
2. How powerful is the BYD Shark 6?
The BYD Shark 6 is exceptionally powerful. Its hybrid system produces a combined total of 436 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque. This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, making it one of the fastest pickup trucks available in Pakistan.
3. What is the total driving range of the Shark 6?
The Shark 6 offers a dual-range capability. It can travel up to 100 km on pure electric power, which is ideal for city commuting. When the petrol engine is used in combination with the battery, the total combined range is up to 800 km, eliminating any range anxiety for long trips.
4. What is the price of the BYD Shark 6 in Pakistan?
The official launch price for the BYD Shark 6 PHEV is PKR 19.95 million (1 crore 99 lakh 50 thousand rupees). The booking amount is set at PKR 3.95 million.
5. How does the BYD Shark 6 compare to the Toyota Hilux?
The BYD Shark 6 is positioned as a high-tech, premium alternative to the Toyota Hilux. It is vastly more powerful (436 hp vs. ~201 hp), significantly more fuel-efficient, and comes with a far more extensive list of modern luxury and advanced safety features. The Hilux's main advantages are its long-standing reputation for rugged reliability and a more established maintenance network in Pakistan.