Toyota's BYD Shark 6 smashing plans exposed: Patents for plug-in hybrid utes exposed as potential new set-up for Toyota HiLux and Tundra to rival BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha & Ford Ranger PHEV

A plug-in hybrid ute from Toyota might be in the works as the brand looks to expand its electrified ute line-up.

According to a report by CarBuzz, Toyota has recently filed two patents of a plug-in hybrid ute in the United States.

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One of the key details exposed by the patents is that the battery pack will be stored under the tub, which is the same as on the Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid. 

This differs from the set-up on the BYD Shark 6, which has the batteries integrated into the chassis.

The patents show batteries underneath the rear seats as well as under the tray for bigger ute models. 

Beyond these patents, there are no further details on which models would receive a PHEV set-up or when it might come to fruition.

Toyota has already been taking big steps to electrify its range, including its ute models in Australia.

Toyota will bring in a fully electric version of its HiLux this year, which will be a first from the Japanese brand. 

It has faced criticism for the electric HiLux’s driving range of 240km (WLTP) and its lower towing capacity compared to diesel-only rivals. Toyota claims this model will be targeted at fleets and mining companies rather than private buyers.

A hybrid-only V6 Tundra full-size pick-up is also available Down Under.

A PHEV HiLux might give Toyota the best of both worlds, and the capacity lean into the success of other brands that have introduced the powertrain.

The BYD Shark 6 is the most notable example of this, having achieved a bumper year of sales since its Australia launch.

It could ensure Toyota's ute has strong towing and load carrying capacity, while adding electrification.

A potential route for Toyota could be a plug-in hybrid diesel engine for its HiLux ute, similar to what Chinese brand Chery is launching in Australia this year. 

It might also solve the increasingly prevalent issue of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which will soon impact the diesel HiLux.