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A shipment of BYD’s plug-in hybrid cab-chassis ute has been spied in transit in Melbourne.
The first addition to the BYD Shark 6 ute range since the model launched in late 2024 is ready to hit Australian dealerships.
Details of a factory-prepared cab-chassis version of the BYD Shark 6 have started to filter through, with a car carrier loaded with three examples spotted by a Drive reader in Melbourne.
The Shark 6 uses the same kind of ladder-frame chassis as other popular cab-chassis utes, but has so far only be sold equipped with a ute tub, rather than as a cab-chassis model.
Despite a separate tub that’s not a part of the main cabin, the aftermarket has so far been hesitant to convert the existing Shark 6, with some firms claiming the plug-in hybrid’s high-voltage electrical system complicates the process.
The vehicles being shipped appear to keep major components from the tub-bodied models in place, with the fuel filler mounted above the chassis rails on the vehicle’s left, and a charge port ahead of the right-rear wheel.
As is the case for all hybrid vehicles, high-voltage wiring is identified by orange insulation.
Additional cabling appears to be looped behind the charge port, suggesting that tray body builders may have some ability to relocate the charge port within a limited range.
The high-mounted fuel filler on the other side appears less suitable for use without modification, as it is positioned above where the floor of a flat-bed tray would sit, while rectangular LED tail-lights and what appears to be a rear camera module are also visible.
The rear electric motor is placed inline with the rear axle, below chassis height, and the high-voltage battery and fuel tank are mounted beneath the cabin floor, meaning no major changes to the Shark 6’s structure have been required.
The spare tyre carrier also retains its position behind the rear axle and motor.
Leaked pricing and specification data reveals that the Shark 6 cab-chassis will be officially sold as a ‘Dymanic’ trim level, while the ute version will continue to be known as the Shark 6 Premium.
The two are identical mechanically, with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, dual electric motors, 321kW/650Nm combined output, and mechanically independent all-wheel drive system.
Equipment changes appear to be limited to the deletion of auto wipers, a driver’s head-up display, front seat heating and ventilation, privacy tint, and a handful of other minor changes on the cab-chassis Shark 6 Dynamic.
Specification data published by industry data aggregator, RedBook, points to a 2600kg kerb weight, 110kg less than ute-body equipped versions, with a 900kg payload before adding a tub, again a 110kg difference compared to the Shark 6 Premium ute.
A 2500kg braked towing capacity also remains.
Fuel consumption is stated at the same 2.0-L/100l, official rating, with the electric-only driving range rating also matching the 100km (NEDC) range of the ute version.
The Shark 6 cab-chassis, already on sale in New Zealand, also uses a smaller 12.8-inch infotainment screen, instead of the 15.6-inch version currently fitted, and has a lower 40kW DC charging speed, instead of 55kW of the Shark 6 Premium.
Official timing for the launch of the Shark 6 cab-chassis has not yet been announced, but as the ute sales accelerate ahead of the end of the financial year, the new variant is expected to go on sale soon.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
