Tesla’s biggest rival launching first electric bakkie for global market in 2024

Chinese electric vehicle juggernaut BYD Co. plans to launch its first electrified pickup truck for the global market later this year, throwing down the gauntlet to Toyota Motor Corp.’s popular Hilux, Ford Motor Co.’s Ranger and Isuzu Motors Ltd.’s D-Max.

Photos released by BYD show a boxy dual-cab truck daubed in orange and blue camouflage paint being road-tested in an unspecified location.

While the company didn’t release any details on the powertrain, performance specifications or pricing, it said the mid- to full-size truck will be its first “new energy” pickup.

While BYD vehicles aren’t available in the US, the automaker has been pushing into markets in Asia, Australia, Africa and South America, where pickups are popular.

For instance, Toyota’s Hilux, Isuzu’s D-Max and Ford’s Ranger pickups are the top three selling vehicles in Australia. Isuzu last month unveiled an electric version of the D-Max.

In February 2024, the Hilux and Ranger were also the top two most-sold models in South Africa, while the D-Max came in fifth place.

The pickup will add to BYD’s broad lineup of EVs, from the popular Seagull hatchback, which sells for 69,800 yuan (R180,164), all the way up to its Yangwang supercar that goes for 1.68 million yuan (R4.34 million).

That range, and an aggressive wave of price cuts, have helped BYD dominate China’s EV market — the world’s largest, with a 33% market share last year.

BYD launched its first EV in South Africa — the Atto 3 SUV — in mid-2023, priced from R768,000.

It also plans to roll out the more affordable Dolphin hatchback during the course of the year, with an expected price tag of R550,000.

While it remains to be confirmed, BYD’s cheapest model — the Seagull — could also make its local debut.

The company has registered a trademark for “Dolphin Mini” in South Africa. This is the name that the Seagull is sold under in markets outside of China.

Given the general popularity of bakkies in South Africa and BYD’s big plans for the market, adding its electric bakkie to the mix could make a lot of sense.

At least one Chinese manufacturer — SAIC — already offers an electric bakkie in South Africa, namely the Maxus T90, priced at R1.1 million.

JAC also plans to sell an electric version of its T9 bakkie in the country, with a potential launch in the second half of 2024.

Below are more photos of BYD’s first electric bakkie for the global market.

Compiled with Bloomberg.