BYD’s plug-in hybrid pickup, already a proven performer in markets ranging from Australia to Brazil, is finally set to conquer its home turf, but it will do so bearing a different badge. A lightly camouflaged prototype recently spotted testing in China confirms that the domestic version of the pickup will be sold under the Fang Cheng Bao sub-brand, a strategic move that places it within BYD’s performance and off-road oriented lineup rather than its mainstream passenger vehicle portfolio. This sighting, captured by spy photographers and shared by industry watcher ThinkerCar, marks the clearest indication yet that BYD is preparing to launch its PHEV truck in the world’s largest auto market before the end of 2026.
Fang Cheng Bao Branding Signals a Domestic Shift for the Shark
The most significant change observed on the test mule is the replacement of the familiar BYD emblem with the Fang Cheng Bao logo, which translates roughly to “Formula Leopard.” Company officials had previously confirmed that the pickup would be distributed through the Fang Cheng Bao sales network, a sub-brand dedicated to more rugged, off-road capable vehicles. This decision distinguishes the pickup from BYD’s core lineup of sedans and SUVs and aligns it with the Bao 5 and Bao 8 models, which recently debuted in China with BYD’s advanced Flash Charging technology. The branding strategy makes clear that BYD views the pickup not as a utility vehicle for the masses but as a lifestyle and performance product for a more specific, adventurous buyer.
A Closer Look at the China-Market Pickup Prototype
The test vehicle, wearing minimal camouflage on its front and rear fascias, allows a detailed comparison with the global version known as the BYD Shark or Shark 6. Apart from the badges and potentially some minor trim adjustments, the domestic model retains the same rugged, boxy silhouette. The dimensions remain unchanged for the Chinese market, with the pickup measuring 5,457 mm in length, 1,971 mm in width, and 1,925 mm in height, riding on a 3,260 mm wheelbase. These proportions place it in direct competition with established global mid-size pickups like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, a segment that is relatively underdeveloped in China’s domestic electric vehicle landscape.
Powertrain and Performance: The DMO Super Hybrid System
Under the skin, the China-market Fang Cheng Bao pickup is expected to be mechanically identical to its global counterpart. Power comes from BYD’s DMO (Dual Mode Off-Road) Super Hybrid system, a plug-in hybrid architecture that combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors. The front motor contributes 228 hp (170 kW), while the rear motor adds 201 hp (150 kW), yielding a combined system output of 429 hp (320 kW). This powertrain provides standard all-wheel drive and is designed to deliver strong off-road capability alongside impressive on-road efficiency.
The hybrid system is paired with a 29.58 kWh battery pack, which provides a pure electric driving range of approximately 62 miles (100 km) under the NEDC testing cycle. This all-electric range is sufficient for most daily commutes and short-haul jobsite trips, allowing the pickup to operate as a zero-emission vehicle for a significant portion of its use while eliminating range anxiety for longer journeys through its gasoline engine.
Market Timing and Pricing for the China Launch
According to local automotive media, BYD is targeting a launch for the domestic Fang Cheng Bao pickup in the third quarter of 2026, with a possible slip into early the fourth quarter. Pricing is expected to fall between 200,000 and 300,000 yuan, which translates to roughly $29,500 to $44,000. This price range positions the pickup competitively against both imported trucks and high-end domestic SUVs, offering a unique plug-in hybrid powertrain that few rivals in China can currently match.
Why This Launch Matters for China’s Pickup Market
The introduction of a plug-in hybrid pickup under the Fang Cheng Bao banner is a significant milestone for the Chinese auto industry. While pickups have traditionally been viewed as work vehicles in China, with limited appeal in urban centers due to regulatory restrictions, a growing number of affluent buyers are embracing them as lifestyle vehicles. BYD’s entry into this segment with a sophisticated, electrified powertrain could help accelerate the shift toward more premium and capable pickup offerings in the domestic market. The decision to sell the vehicle through the Fang Cheng Bao network, rather than the main BYD channel, suggests a carefully crafted brand hierarchy that reserves the most rugged and performance-oriented products for a dedicated sub-brand.
Broader Implications for the Global Market
The China-market version of the pickup, while technically identical to the export model, represents a homecoming of sorts for a vehicle that has already proven itself abroad. BYD’s global rollout of the Shark has demonstrated demand for an affordable, well-equipped plug-in hybrid pickup, particularly in markets like Australia and Mexico where traditional truck brands dominate. Success in China could provide valuable additional scale for the vehicle’s production, potentially lowering costs and improving profitability. It also reinforces BYD’s strategy of creating global platforms that can be adapted to different markets with relatively minor branding and specification changes.
For now, the sight of a near-production-ready Fang Cheng Bao pickup testing on Chinese roads signals that the wait is nearly over. With its combination of off-road capability, hybrid efficiency, and distinctive sub-brand identity, BYD is positioning its pickup to challenge conventions in a segment where electrification has been slow to arrive. The final specification, driving impressions, and pricing details will soon be revealed, but the strategic direction is clear: BYD is bringing its global truck home, wrapped in the bold identity of Fang Cheng Bao.
