Tesla’s Cybertruck has a new competitor. It is a 4×4 electric vehicle prototyped by BYD, the Chinese car manufacturer. The company founded by Wang Chuanfu with the support of the Chinese state authorities has recently become the group that sells the most electric cars in the world, a success that Elon Musk himself has praised. BYD, which already markets some of its SUV models in Spain such as Dolphin, Atto 3, Seal, Han and Tang, is preparing the market launch of a truck that is reminiscent of the Ford Ranger and Ford F-150.
This is just one more of the triggers that threaten the empire created by Elon Musk. In fact, BYD sold 526,409 vehicles worldwide compared to Tesla’s 484,507 during the last quarter of 2023, ending the pioneer’s lead in electric car manufacturing. To this we must add the failures that Cybertruck users are continually reporting. Now, the Chinese manufacturer is testing this new electric pick-up on the roads of Australia, a strategic place for BYD before launching this product internationally.
In the images that have emerged so far, you can see a robust truck, with square headlights, a large bumper and the BYD insignia on the grill. This plug-in hybrid pick-up has five seats in a double cab, steps to get on and off and rows of LED lights. Inside, there is a 10.25-inch digital dashboard developed by Huawei and a 15.6-inch rotating touch screen compatible with Android Auto and Apple Car. Next to the gear lever, there is a button panel that would regulate everything. the traction system and the mechanical configuration.
This design is the work of Wolfgan Egger, formerly of Audi and Lamborghini, who has nevertheless created an American-style truck, which is reminiscent of the Ranger Raptor and moves away from the SUVs that BYD currently sells (and also from the futuristic appearance of the model of Tesla).
According to local media such as Car News China, BYD is preparing the launch of a plug-in hybrid version for the European market. Everything indicates that this pick-up will combine a 1.5 turbo gasoline engine and two electric engines, which would allow it to enjoy four-wheel drive, a power greater than 490 HP and more than 1,000 kilometers of autonomy. Although its commercial name is still unknown, it seems that the official presentation will take place in the first half of 2024 and, starting in 2025, a pure electric version will be available.
