New BYD ute details drop: Chinese brand's bold plan for dual-cab dominance in Australia with plug-in hybrid power as it says "we don't fear the HiLux or Ranger"

BYD says it doesn't fear the Toyota HiLux or Ford Ranger, boldly saying its first dual cab will be the best ute in Australia.

The news comes from Luke Todd, head of EVDirect (Australia's BYD importer), who used the floor of the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo to detail just how the brand's first ute would shine in Australia.

And legacy is of no concern to the Chinese juggernaut, with Mr Todd saying that, while he respects his rivals, he doesn't fear them.

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"(HiLux and Ranger) have been around for a long time. We respect them, but we don't fear them," he says.

"Just look at the platforms that are being built (in China). Look at the Seal – this is better technology than anything that's coming out from any other automotive manufacturer in the world.

"It's why we've got so much confidence in the pick-up. It's the same thing – it's a ground-up platform that's been purposely built, same design team, and then we've had the Australian influence as well as some American influence as well because of their desire for pick-ups.

"So that's why we're confident for best-in-class."

Mr Todd also confirmed the brand's first ute will be equipped with a petrol-electric powertrain, with a full-electric model to follow around 12 months later.

First, though, will be a "best of both worlds" ute that can travel 100kms in pure electric mode, or around a 1000kms when the petrol tank and battery are combined.

"It's called DMI, or Dual Motor Intelligence. And it's not a hybrid as you know them," Mr Todd says.

"For Australia, in my opinion, I'm so happy that we ended up bringing this one first and not the pure electric, which will come probably a year or so later.

The same plug-in hybrid technology exists in a number of PHEV models already on the market, and the brand's U8 luxury SUV.

"It is the best of both worlds – 100kms range on pure electric, and then switch over to the dual-motor technology. So we're going to have a vehicle of circa-1000kms, if not more range, but when you're driving around the city you'll be fully electric."

The same plug-in hybrid technology exists in a number of PHEV models already on the market, and the brand's U8 luxury SUV - also confirmed for Australia - which is equipped with a mega powertrain. This pairs a small 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with four electric motors - one at each wheel - to deliver a staggering 880kW and 1280Nm.

That’s a lot of grunt, and it helps counter the U8’s 3.5-tonne weight, with the big SUV capable of clipping 100km/h in a performance-car rivalling 3.6 seconds.

That said, BYD is yet to confirm specifics of the ute's powertrain, though it has confirmed it will feature a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine.

Another clever party trick is the ability to drive on petrol power alone, allowing you to conserve the battery for when you arrive somewhere remote and off-grid, and use the battery to power your campsite goodies.

"We call it 'tradie mode' or 'fishing and camping mode'. You can set the vehicle that if you want to drive 600 kilometres off into the bush, you can set it up that you end up with a full charge when you get there," Mr Todd says.

"So you've got your own generator, and the big picture of driving to a work site and you set it that you keep your full battery capacity."