BYD’s Next Ute Spied Again, New Details Suggest It Could Be Electric

After the strong early success of the BYD Shark 6 in Australia, the Chinese automaker is wasting no time working on its next ute. New spy shots hint that this upcoming model might go beyond plug-in hybrid and possibly launch as a fully electric ute.

Shark 6's Strong Start in Australia

The BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid hit Australian shores in late October 2024 with a sharp price of $57,900. In just four months, it racked up more than 6,000 sales, making it one of the country’s top-selling light commercial vehicles for the start of 2025.

▶️MORE: BYD Shark Ute Revealed in Global Launch

The ute pairs a 29.58 kWh Blade Battery with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, delivering up to 100 km of pure electric range and a total range of 800 km. Add in 2.5 tonnes of braked towing, and it’s easy to see why it struck a chord with both tradies and families looking to ditch diesel.

A New Model Emerges With A Full EV Drivetrain?

Now, attention is turning to a second, sleeker ute from BYD. New spy photos out of China show a camouflaged ute being transported, and reports from CNC suggest it rides on a passenger car platform, unlike the off-road-focused Shark 6 which uses the DM-O architecture.

▶️MORE: What BYD electric cars are coming to Australia in 2025?

If BYD uses its DM-i hybrid system (found in the Sealion 6 SUV), it opens the door to a smoother ride, lower fuel use and potentially a fully electric version, since the same Sealion 6 is sold in Europe as the Seal U, a battery electric vehicle.

The prospect of an electric ute from BYD would be a significant move, especially with few competitors currently offering electric utes in Australia.

▶️MORE: 2025 BYD Atto 3 Price and Specs

Familiar Looks, Smarter Design

Design-wise, the new ute seems to blend elements of both utility and style:

• Rounded headlights reminiscent of the Mazda BT-50.
• Angled lighting similar to BYD’s compact Seagull EV.
• A more upright windscreen, which may improve interior comfort and boost aerodynamics for better range.

Compared to the Shark 6’s rugged look, this new model seems more geared towards on-road use, perhaps aimed at city-based tradies, courier fleets, or eco-conscious ute buyers.

▶️MORE: BYD's 5-Minute 400km EV Charging Breakthrough

Zecar's Take

Australia’s love for utes runs deep and until recently, that’s meant sticking with diesel. But the Shark 6 proved that local buyers are ready for something cleaner, as long as it still delivers on range and towing.

A fully electric ute from BYD could be a game-changer, especially if it arrives at an affordable price point like the Shark 6. With major brands still slow to bring EV utes Down Under, BYD could steal an early lead.

While no specs or release dates have been confirmed, BYD’s development pace suggests this new ute isn’t far off. Whether it launches as a plug-in hybrid or a full EV, it’s another strong sign that the future of Australia’s favourite vehicle segment is electric — and BYD is leading the charge.