BYD electric ute spied in China again, Australian launch due in 2024

Chinese electric-car specialist BYD’s first battery-powered ute appears to be as big as Australia’s best-selling dual-cabs – and it’s expected to take on the local competition next year.

Chinese electric-car specialist BYD’s ute has been spied again, providing a more detailed look at the battery-powered dual-cab.

The as-yet unnamed BYD ute was first spied in November 2022, albeit from a far distance – but now we have a closer look at the camouflaged dual-cab thanks to Car News China.

Images uploaded by the Chinese publication show the BYD ute’s size compared to the other vehicles for the first time, appearing to be as large as a Toyota HiLux or Ford Ranger – backed up by reports of it measuring at less than five metres.

The images also show the ute’s cabin is separate from the tray, indicating it is underpinned by a ladder-frame chassis – similar to Australia’s top-selling diesel dual-cabs and the electric LDV eT60, which is based on the diesel LDV T60.

While the camouflage masks the ute’s exterior features, its front and rear bumpers incorporate rounded edges, contrasting the boxy cabin section.

Inside, BYD has equipped the ute with a digital dash – complete with a power readout and speedometer – as well as a large infotainment screen.

According to Car News China, BYD’s first-ever dual-cab ute will be offered as both a fully-electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid, with the latter mating a hybrid system with one or two electric motors to a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

As reported in January 2023, the managing director of BYD’s local distributor EVDirect, Luke Todd, has told Drive the new ute is due in Australian showrooms in 2024 – pending any delays.

However, details about the new model – including its name, driving range, towing and payload ratings, and price – are yet to be confirmed.

Chinese-car specialist website ChinaPEV has reported it may be priced between 400,000 and 600,000 yuan in its home market – which, if accurate, would translate to a price in Australia in excess of $120,000 drive-away.

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