This essay is based on a conversation with Wayne Dopson, a project manager in Brisbane, Australia, about his experience owning a BYD Shark hybrid pickup truck. It has been edited for clarity and length.
I’ve always been involved in the property market, flipping houses and doing renovations. I own a small renovation business in Brisbane, focusing on kitchens, bathrooms, and decks. In 2015, I purchased a VW Amarok diesel-powered pickup. While I wanted to upgrade, nothing caught my interest until I discovered the BYD Shark hybrid.
In March, I bought the BYD Shark hybrid pickup for 64,000 Australian dollars (approximately $41,000 USD). Compared to competitors like Ford and Toyota, who charge up to 80,000 AUD for inferior vehicles, the Shark offers better value.
The Shark’s technology, power, and smoothness feel decades ahead of traditional combustion-engine trucks. Inside, the luxury is impressive for the price, comparable to premium cars like Audis and BMWs. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, driving more like a sports car than a truck.
For work and leisure, the Shark is cost-effective. With 30 solar panels on my roof, I charge the car for free during the day. Overnight charging costs me about two Australian dollars (around $1.03 USD), significantly less than the 13-14 dollars I’d spend daily on diesel for my previous vehicle.
The truck also features power outlets in the back, providing about six kilowatts of power, useful for powering tools on-site. Its extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) design includes two electric motors and a 1.5-liter petrol turbo engine acting as a generator, eliminating range anxiety.
My only concern is resale value. With rapid advancements in EV technology, newer models from Nissan, Ford, and Great Wall could render the Shark obsolete within five years. However, with a six-year warranty, I plan to keep it for that period.
Overall, the BYD Shark is a pleasure to drive, offering both efficiency and performance.
— new from Business Insider