KATHMANDU: Chinese new energy vehicle giant BYD has officially started sales of its first hybrid model in the Nepali market.
Authorized distributor Cimex Inc. Pvt. Ltd., which had so far been selling only battery-electric vehicles, has now introduced the BYD Shark hybrid pickup.
The Shark pickup was first showcased during Cimex’s Hi-Tech Week event in Kathmandu and is now available for purchase. It is a double-cab pickup with strong off-road capability, offered with a 4×4 drivetrain.
The BYD Shark is built on the brand’s DMO platform, where “O” stands for off-road and “DM” refers to a dual-motor setup. In terms of size, the pickup measures 5,457 mm in length, 1,971 mm in width, and 1,925 mm in height, with a 3,260 mm wheelbase.
Power comes from a dual electric motor setup, where the front motor produces 170 kW and 310 Nm, while the rear motor delivers 150 kW and 340 Nm of torque. As a hybrid, it also features a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. The combined output of the electric motors and engine is 430 horsepower, with the petrol engine driving the front wheels.
BYD claims the Shark can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, with a top speed of 160 km/h.
The pickup is equipped with a 29.58 kWh BYD Blade Battery, offering up to 100 km of electric-only range (NEDC). The claimed combined driving range is 840 km. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.5 liters per 100 km, according to the company.
On the feature side, the BYD Shark includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other highlights include a digital key, voice control, remote vehicle management, 360-degree camera, wireless phone charger, and head-up display.
The 4WD system comes with three drive modes; Sand, Mud, and Snow. It also features an independent rear suspension with coil springs. The pickup offers a payload capacity of 835 kg and a towing capacity of up to 2,500 kg.
Although the official price has not been announced, Cimex estimates that buyers will need to pay around Rs 15 million to purchase the BYD Shark hybrid pickup in Nepal.
