'We're trailblazers': One key area 2025 BYD Shark 6 has the new Ford Ranger PHEV beat - and it's not price

BYD said the Shark 6 has the Ford Ranger PHEV licked in one key area, also suggesting the Chinese brand isn't concerned about a towing disparity between the two models.

And that area, said BYD, is all-electric driving range, with the 29.58kW battery in the Shark 6 ($57,900 before on-road costs) delivering a claimed engine-free range of 100km.

The Ford Ranger, for the record, promises to deliver 'over 45km' of EV-only range from its 11.8kWh battery.

Read More About BYD Shark 6

2025 BYD Shark 6 sales scrutinised as rival Kia Tasman ute and plug-in hybrid Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha launches loom Shark 6 takeover! BYD details huge sales promise which would see the Chinese plug-in dual-cab knock off Mitsubishi Triton, Mazda BT-50, Nissan Navara and more 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV ute price and specs detailed: can it compete with the plug-in hybrid BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha?

"I'm very respectful of the competitors, but I think we've always thought that the growth has got to be in PHEV, right? And I feel as though for who the owner is and the ute buyer is, they're looking for a bit further on the range piece, and comfort and those kind of things," said BYD importer EVDirect's CEO, David Smitherman.

"We've packaged the vehicle exactly for that. And I feel as though we are essentially trailblazers in that piece. We're very happy with where our product."

Where the Ford Ranger reclaims spec-sheet bragging rights is towing, with the Blue Oval's plug-in ute rated to tow 3.5 tonnes, compared to the Shark 6's 2.5 tonnes.

But even that, said Smitherman, isn't seen as a hindrance, with the executive suggesting that a big towing number is "not what every Australian wants".

"We've been very upfront about, two-and-a-half-tonne towing and feedback's been great. I don't feel as though that's what every Australian wants."

Now it's fair to say Ford disagrees with that viewpoint, with the brand leaning into towing as its ute's point of difference. In confirming pricing for the four-model Ford Ranger PHEV range ($71,990 - $86,990 before on-road costs), the brand was quick to point out that its ute didn't require "sacrificing any of the core capability".

“The addition of PHEV to the Ranger lineup marks the first time in history that Australia’s best-selling nameplate has been offered with an electrified plug-in hybrid option, with the backing of an extensive nationwide dealer network. We can’t wait for our customers to get behind the wheel,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia in a statement.

“Our Aussie engineering and design team have created a plug-in hybrid that allows diesel ute buyers to begin their electrification journey without sacrificing any of the core capability that they need from a truck – whether they use it for work or play."