BYD's upcoming pickup truck will be a PHEV with 480 HP

Remember when we reported about BYD testing what looked to be an electrified pickup truck? Based on the initial pictures and details, the rumored midsize pickup will supposedly be available with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain as well as electric hardware which will follow at a later date.

Fast forward several months later and BYD has released the first (official) teaser images of the mystery pickup truck. Wearing a rather colorful camouflage livery, the upcoming vehicle is set to make its debut this year and will first be offered with a PHEV powertrain. Moreover, the BYD pickup is set to compete against the likes of the Isuzu D-Max, Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Mitsubishi Triton.

Starting with the electrified hardware, the PHEV will benefit from a 4WD system and will generate around 487 PS. BYD has yet to reveal what lies under the hood but it could consist of a turbocharged gasoline engine that’s assisted by a pair of electric motors. It will then have a lithium-iron phosphate battery pack which will give it a total range of up to 1,000 km. As for its pure electric range, it will be around 100 km which is impressive.

As for its size, the dual-cab pickup truck from BYD will come in at 5457mm long, 1971mm wide, and will have a 3260mm wheelbase (height was not revealed). This means BYD’s midsize truck will be longer than its aforementioned contemporaries and could be as long as the GWM Cannon pickup.

As much as BYD tries to hide what it looks like, the previous spy photos have already given us a good look at what to expect. The front fascia looks to be inspired by the Ford F-150 with its distinct grille, vertical LED headlights, and clamshell hood. It will also have a sizable bed at the back, diamond-cut alloy wheels, and what looks to be a sports bar for added appeal.

With the midsize truck becoming an interesting segment for Chinese automakers, it’s no wonder BYD is joining in on the action. The new pickup truck will reportedly first hit the Australian and Mexican markets before making its way to other countries. With that, we might have to wait for its arrival here in the coming years.