The BYD bakkie is currently in development and some official spy shots have emerged, giving us a preview of what’s to come.
Electric car giant BYD is working on a double-cab bakkie. The BYD bakkie range will comprise a plug-in hybrid model and then a fully electric derivative. Initial reports suggest a reveal and launch in selected markets will take place in 2024.
The double-cab market has started entering the electric era, with the Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid slated for production in South Africa in 2024, the Toyota Hilux mild hybrid sales have begun and Isuzu has confirmed a fully-electric D-Max.
What you see here is BYD’s colour camouflage, aimed at hiding some of the more intricate design details. There are vertically-aligned LED headlights and a bold grille, while the taillamps look suspiciously like those from the new-generation Volkswagen Amarok. Of course, the initial design has already been previewed via the patent office.
In terms of powertrains, the plug-in hybrid is predicted to have a range of over 1 000 km and a pure electric range of around 100 km. Based on BYD’s engine portfolio, it’s rumoured that a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors will be on duty.
BYD Bakkie in South Africa?
While we’re still in the development phase, it’s not unreasonable to assume this vehicle will come to our shores. BYD South Africa does have a small dealership footprint already and is surely aware of our market’s appetite for double-cab bakkies. Currently BYD SA sells the Atto 3 crossover and while there’s been no official confirmation, MyBroadband reports the brand is about to introduce its Dolphin hatchback locally, positioned as SA’s cheapest EV.
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