BYD Shark 6 payload, towing upgrades on the way… if owners want them
BYD is reaching out to Australian owners of the Shark 6 to gather feedback about potential upgrades to the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute’s hauling and carrying capabilities.
In an email to Australian Shark 6 buyers, BYD said it’s “exploring a potential factory backed upgrade” for its ute, which would increase its payload and towing capacity.
“Your feedback will help shape the future of this powerhouse vehicle,” the email reads.
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At present, the BYD Shark 6 is one of just three PHEV dual-cab utes available to order in Australia, alongside the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV (due in showrooms next month) and the Ford Ranger PHEV (set to arrive mid-year).
BYD quotes a 790kg payload capacity for the Shark 6, which is more than the 685kg figure of the Cannon Alpha PHEV, but up to 180kg less than some variants of the Ranger PHEV, which will carry between 808kg and 973kg.
It also can’t match the circa-1000kg payload capacity of the turbo-diesel Ranger, while a number of other dual-cab utes available in Australia can also carry up to one tonne of passengers and gear.
It’s worth noting that the Shark 6 has a 2710kg kerb weight, with its 790kg payload accounting for all of its remaining 3500kg gross vehicle mass (GVM).
So to be able to increase its payload capacity, BYD would either need to reduce its kerb weight – a tricky task given its complex electrical systems – or increase its GVM beyond 3.5 tonnes.
However, an increase for the Shark 6’s 2500kg braked towing capacity appears to be more straightforward, and would help bridge the gap to its PHEV and turbo-diesel rivals.
Both the Cannon Alpha PHEV and Ranger PHEV boast 3500kg towing capacities, which is the limit of what you can haul with a 50mm tow ball in Australia.
The majority of dual-cab utes can also legally tow 3.5 tonnes, with the list of those that can’t being shorter than those that can.
At the Shark 6’s launch in October, BYD’s Asia Pacific sales division, Liu Xueliang, told Australian media: “Very soon we’re going to have another version of the ute which can support stronger towing.”
“We cannot disclose the specific date, but it’s on the way. It can tow up to 3.5 tonnes.”
It’s understood this upgrade won’t roll out until 2026 at the earliest.
BYD is also working on a cab/chassis version of the Shark 6, having recently told owners they’re strictly prohibited from removing the factory tub.
“The BYD Shark 6 tub is not designed to be removed. High-voltage cables, EVAP system, leak detection pump, vehicle-to-load [V2L] 230V cables, and other critical systems are permanently fixed to the well-side,” the company said.
“These can only be removed by a BYD factory-certified technician with the correct safety equipment. There is a serious risk of injury, electrocution, or even worse should a non-approved person attempt to remove the well-side. Removal of the well-side will also void the vehicle’s warranty.”
In the more immediate future, BYD is also set to roll out an update which enables cruise control to operate while towing, after owners took to online forums to share their disappointment that it current doesn’t do so.
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