Think BYD's first ute won't compete with the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger? Mega plug-in hybrid powertrain could pump out a massive 500kW and 760Nm to silence any Chinese dual-cab doubters in Australia

BYD's first-ever ute could also be among Australia's most powerful – if not at the top of that pile – with the plug-in hybrid dual-cab to use a powertrain that produces a mammoth 500kW and 760Nm in the brand's other applications.

Sure, a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid powertrain might not set hearts aflutter on paper, but it's worth remembering that a similar set up exists in BYD's Toyota LandCruiser Prado, Nissan Patrol and Ford Everest-fighting Fang Cheng Bao 5, so we have a fair idea of what's possible.

In that SUV – which has just been approved for sale in China – the 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine pairs with twin electric motors (one at each axle) to deliver a potent 500kW and 760Nm.

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And because it's a plug-in hybrid, it's fitted with a bigger (31.4kWh) battery than a typical hybrid, delivering a 120km all-electric driving range, as well as a 1200km total driving range when the fuel tank and battery are combined.

A similar battery is expected to appear in BYD's ute, with the brand's local importer Luke Todd having hinted at a 100km all-electric range for its dual-cab.

Better still, the ladder-frame ute is also expected to share its powertrain with the Fang Cheng Bao 5, with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid now all-but confirmed for the ute.

It's not immediately clear, however, whether it will be the exact same powertrain - with the same twin electric motors and outputs - as the Fang Cheng Bao 5, but the signs are positive.

If it does, it will be enough to out-shine even the Ford Ranger Raptor, which is equipped with a twin-turbo V6 good for 292kW and 583Nm, as well as the new Toyota HiLux GR Sport, which produces 165kW and 550m from its 2.8-litre turbo-diesel.

The band also says the new ute will be able to compete with the likes of the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, whether on the road or off it.

BYD is also on record saying that it will be testing the new ute in Australia this year, ahead of an on-sale date in 2024, so we won't have long to wait to find out.