'Best in class' BYD Ute detailed: Big power for China's Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger rival that's coming in 2024 - but don't call it a hybrid

China's BYD is looking to shake-up the established order when its all-new ute arrives in Australia by the end of 2024.

Speaking at the reveal of the brand's latest model, the Seal mid-size sedan, BYD's Australian distributor, Luke Todd, confirmed that the ute will arrive in the second half of next year. It will follow the launch of the brand's fourth model, a larger SUV that will launch in the first half and sit above the Atto 3.

However, both the ute and the new SUV will be a major departure for the brand's local efforts because instead of being all-electric they will have plug-in hybrid powertrains (PHEV). Todd confirmed that both models will use BYD's 'dual motor intelligence' (DM-i) powertrain. As previously reported by CarsGuide, the DM-i set-up combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with electric motors for both zero-emissions driving and long-range capability.

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Despite BYD being a new player in the ute space, Todd is confident that it will be "best-in-class" when it arrives.

"It's designed so well to be suitable for the Australian market, that's why we are making claims that we believe it will be best-in-class when it comes out," Todd said.

While Todd doesn't like to refer to the DM-i technology as a 'hybrid' BYD internally calls it "super hybrid" in its publicity materials. Whatever you call it, it could pack a punch and will help BYD's new ute make an impact even in the highly-competitive market segment, with the BYD-made Fang Cheng Bao 5 SUV using a DM-i powertrain making 500kW and 760Nm thanks to the engine and dual electric motors.

Todd didn't reveal any technical details but did indicate it will likely have a range of more than 1000km using both power sources, and based on the Fang Cheng Bao 5, the electric-only range could be as much as 100km - a big step up from most PHEVs.

Despite BYD being a new player in the ute space, Todd is confident that it will be “best-in-class” when it arrives.

"The first ute that we are bringing to Australia will have the DM-i technology, why this is so important is that the infrastructure across the country at the moment [doesn't cater to EVs]," Todd said.

While Todd hinted BYD could launch an all-electric ute by 2025, the initial model will utilise petrol-power to ensure it meets customer demand, but he's adamant that this ute has been designed as an electric vehicle first and foremost.

"Every other hybrid on the market at the moment is a petrol vehicle that has had a battery introduced," he explained. "This is a complete reverse around, so much so that we are working with government authorities to get our own category. This is tech that no one has ever seen before. It's an ultra-low emissions EV but with the best of both worlds as you have no range anxiety."

He added that another benefit of the DM-i technology, compared to going all-electric now, is cost saving.

"DM-i is another way to get cost affordability, having a smaller battery in the DM-i technology so you can bring the vehicles to the market more cost-effectively," he said.

Todd revealed to CarsGuide in late 2022 that members of the Australian operation have been involved with the development of the ute from the earliest days.

"We want vehicles that Australians can afford, we don't want to be pushing over $100,000. And the reality is that a full EV ute at the moment would be over that because of the battery size required to power the vehicle."

Todd revealed to CarsGuide in late 2022 that members of the Australian operation have been involved with the development of the ute from the earliest days to ensure it meets local requirements.

"I'd go so far as to say it is a co-developed vehicle," he said in December 2022. "It will be built for the world but have an Australian pulse."