by Chinese automaker BYD is preparing a new competitor for models like the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Chevrolet Silverado. This “oversized” pickup is being developed in response to significant customer demand in Australia. Additionally, the company is also considering the possibility of creating a full-fledged electric vehicle based on the Shark 6 model.
Moving to the Next Level
BYD is not limiting itself to competing only with the Ford Ranger. China’s most successful automaker already aims to move into the heavier class to challenge the Ford F-150. However, this step is not about the US market, as the larger model is being developed specifically with Australia in mind.
BYD’s first pickup in Australia, the Shark 6, debuted in late 2024 with a design inspired by the F-150. With a length of 5,457 mm, it slightly exceeds the typical dimensions of mid-size pickups and is equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The Shark 6 was a resounding success, becoming the best-selling hybrid pickup in Australia in 2025 with 18,073 units sold. For 2026, BYD strengthened its position by introducing a more powerful Performance version, as well as a commercial cab-chassis version created in response to customer requests.
Responding to Market Demands
However, Australians are asking for an even larger model. BYD Asia Pacific Managing Director Liu Xueliang stated:
Some customers have asked for a full-size Shark 6, similar in size to the Ford F-150. We are already working on achieving this.
Rumors about this program first emerged in early 2025 when then-CEO of EVDirect David Smitherman stated that a full-size BYD pickup was “definitely in development.” Since then, information about the timeline has gone quiet, but the model is expected to possibly appear in 2027 if everything goes according to plan.
According to experts, the real pressure is not coming from private buyers who want something bigger. It’s coming from fleet operators, particularly mining companies, who are demanding a larger and more powerful electric-drive truck “out of the box.”
A Niche with High Potential
In Australia, the full-size pickup segment currently includes the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado, and Toyota Tundra. With combined sales of 8,763 units in 2025, full-size trucks are a niche compared to the mid-size segment, as the Ford Ranger alone sold 56,555 units, becoming Australia’s best-selling vehicle for the third consecutive year. However, the profit margin in this segment is significantly higher, which explains BYD’s interest.
Factory conversions of full-size pickups to right-hand drive are expensive, and in Australia they can easily exceed 150,000 Australian dollars. The F-150 starts at just over 122,000 Australian dollars for the XLT version and rises to over 152,000 Australian dollars for the Lariat version, both with a 3.5L engine. BYD sees an opportunity here. If you build the truck correctly from the start with right-hand drive, set a reasonable price, add a tech-filled cabin and electric drive, then those inflated conversion costs start to look like a problem of the past.
Expanding the Lineup
This move into the premium segment is not happening in isolation. Liu Xueliang has already hinted that a full-fledged electric vehicle counterpart to the Shark 6 is under development, aimed directly at industries that no longer want to use diesel on their sites. The obvious direction is the mining industry. If it appears as expected, it will enter direct competition with electric workhorses, including the Toyota Hilux BEV, the upcoming Isuzu D-Max BEV, and the LDV eTerron 9.
At the other end of the spectrum, BYD is also planning something smaller. A compact pickup is being developed, expected to use a unibody platform and a hybrid powertrain. This model is not aimed at construction sites. It is designed for buyers who want the look and versatility of a pickup without choosing something too large or serious.
BYD’s strategy in Australia demonstrates a deep understanding of local market specifics. Instead of simply exporting global models, the company responds to specific demands, such as the need for large trucks for the mining industry. Their approach, combining factory-correct steering, competitive pricing, and advanced electric vehicle technology, could truly disrupt the established rules of the full-size pickup market, traditionally controlled by American brands. The success of the Shark 6 has already proven that BYD can quickly gain consumer trust, and now the company is preparing for an even more ambitious market breakthrough.
