BYD Prepares Its Plug-in Hybrid Pickup: The Direct Answer to the Santana 400 and Ford Ranger PHEV

The Chinese automaker is gearing up to enter the electrified pickup market with a model that promises to combine advanced technology, efficiency, and true off-road performance.

The plug-in hybrid pickup segment is heating up. Just a few days ago, Santana Motors, now operating under Chinese ownership, revealed its new Santana 400 — a model available with both diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains designed to rival the Ford Ranger PHEV. But from the other side of the globe, BYD is preparing its own antidote, a plug-in hybrid pickup that was recently spotted in China wearing camouflage and clearly aiming high in the global market.

Based on the BYD Song Plus — Built for Work and Adventure

According to leaked information, this new plug-in hybrid pickup appears to be based on the BYD Song Plus SUV, which is not yet sold in Spain. Images published by Motor1.com Brazil show a double-cab design with a large open grille for improved engine cooling and two-tone alloy wheels — details more common on stylish SUVs than on work-focused pickups. The vehicle also features roof rails and rugged cladding around the body, highlighting its adventurous spirit and practical nature.

BYD’s strategy with this model goes beyond simply creating another hybrid utility vehicle. The brand is seeking to consolidate its global leadership in electric and hybrid technology by offering products tailored to each market’s needs. A plug-in hybrid pickup would allow BYD to bridge the gap between full electrification and traditional powertrains — ideal for regions where charging infrastructure is still expanding. Moreover, it strengthens the company’s image as a brand capable of innovating across all vehicle segments, from compact EVs to high-performance SUVs and now, light-duty trucks.

When it comes to powertrain technology, BYD follows its well-proven plug-in hybrid configuration, where the electric motor drives the vehicle most of the time, while the gasoline engine primarily acts as a generator and provides extra power when needed. This setup — seen in other BYD models — ensures smooth, efficient driving with low emissions. The pickup is expected to be longer than the Song Plus, featuring a wheelbase close to three meters, improving both interior space and driving stability.

The interior design remains a mystery, but it will likely adopt the dashboard layout of the Song Plus, with unique adjustments to suit its utility-focused character. Rumors suggest the model could feature all-wheel drive powered by dual electric motors and even a low-range gearbox, giving it serious off-road credentials. If BYD decides to bring this pickup to Europe, it could prove to be a strategically smart move, entering a market that increasingly values versatility, electrification, and genuine off-road capability.