BYD to launch first electric pickup truck to challenge Tesla and Ford as EV truck war rages on

The race for dominance in the electric vehicle (EV) truck market has officially kicked into high gear as China’s electric car giant BYD entered the electric pickup truck race. Just two months after BYD dethroned Tesla as the world’s largest electric car manufacturer, its now gearing up to roll out its first electric pickup truck later this year.

In a bold move unveiled on Thursday, BYD revealed plans to debut its first electric pickup truck, intensifying its rivalry with global auto titans like Ford and, notably, Tesla. The midsize-to-large pickup, tailored for global markets, marks BYD’s ambitious stride into the fiercely contested EV truck segment, the company announced in a press release.

BYD tantalized enthusiasts with glimpses of the truck cloaked in eye-catching orange and blue camouflage, leaving much to speculation regarding its interior and exterior features. The price tag for the vehicle remains undisclosed, heightening anticipation for its official launch.

Set to take on formidable contenders such as Tesla’s Cybertruck, Toyota’s esteemed HiLux, and Ford’s Ranger and F-150 Lightning, the BYD pickup aims to carve its niche in the electrified truck landscape.

This foray into the pickup truck arena supplements BYD’s existing vehicle lineup, ranging from the affordable Seagull, priced at 69,800 yuan (just under $10,000), to the luxurious 1.68 million yuan U9 supercar.

While BYD hasn’t penetrated the lucrative U.S. pickup truck market, its presence extends to other key regions, including Thailand, known for its appetite for such vehicles.

Despite clinching the top spot as the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer last year through aggressive pricing and global expansion, BYD faced a setback in the first quarter, relinquishing its title. The company grappled with the broader challenges confronting EV players, evidenced by a 43% decline in electric vehicle sales in the first quarter of this year compared to the previous quarter of 2023.

Meanwhile, its closest competitor, Tesla, experienced an 8.5% annual decline, delivering 386,810 vehicles to customers in the first quarter. As BYD revs up its electric pickup truck production, the showdown with Tesla promises to be one of the most riveting battles in the EV industry to date.

Founded in 1995 as “Build Your Dreams” (BYD), this influential Chinese conglomerate has gained prominence for its extensive portfolio across diverse industries. Beginning with a focus on rechargeable batteries, BYD swiftly rose to become a world leader in electric vehicle battery technology.

Today, the company’s pursuits have diversified to encompass electric vehicles, conventional automobiles, solar power solutions, and electronic components. BYD’s resolute dedication to sustainability and forward-looking innovation positions it as a trailblazer in the electric mobility domain, aiming not only to transform transportation but also to tackle environmental issues head-on.