BYD Shark 6 towing concerns are being addressed

BYD is addressing concerns customers have over some aspects of towing, including weight limitations, of its Shark 6 hybrid ute.

Following the first customer deliveries in Australia, various owners noted that once a trailer plug is connected cruise control goes off line, and there’s a 110km/h maximum speed restriction. 

A BYD spokesperson told Drive that a team is conducting local testing and it may lead to an over-the-air update, likely within a couple of months.

Check out our first drive report of BYD Shark 6.

The Shark 6 goes into a ‘towing mode’ when any trailer plug connects to the vehicle and that includes bicycle carriers. That disables AEB, LKA, and BSM, according to the owner’s manual.

Adaptive cruise also becomes inactive, and the Shark 6 prompts drivers to perform an automatic trailer light check while parked.

Moreover, only the ‘Normal’ drive mode is available and the ECU orders the petrol engine to generate a higher battery state-of-charge. That then ensures its two electric motors don’t lose power when needed.

Most but not all rivals block active cruise control in towing mode. 

BYD Asia-Pacific general manager, Liu Xueliang, said the brand welcomes feedback from customers. It has already resulted in two significant changes to existing vehicles.

The BYD Shark 6 is rated to tow 2.5 tonnes braked in Australia. However, a forthcoming 2.0-litre turbopetrol model in development will be able to haul 3.5 tonne braked loads.

David Smitherman, the CEO of BYD’s Australian distributor, EVDirect, said since its announcement the brand had received 6000 orders for the Shark 6, with deliveries due soon.

As here, there is a single premium model on offer and no intention to introduce a lower spec or price variant based on the existing model.

He added “There’s one variant, three colours and that’s simple, right?”