Pakistan’s roads are going to be greener with the official launch of the BYD Shark 6! This plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) – meaning it runs on both fuel and electricity. This is the very first hybrid pickup truck in Pakistan. For years, diesel and petrol pickups ruled this segment. Now, the innovation BYD Shark 6 is shaking things up, proving Pakistan’s electric vehicle revolution is accelerating fast.

But how good is this newcomer? We’re putting the BYD Shark 6 head-to-head against its major global rival: the well-known GWM Canon Alpha, another hybrid powerhouse popular worldwide. While you can’t buy the GWM Canon Alpha in Pakistan just yet, GWM recently displayed it at the New Wheel Expo, signaling it might arrive soon. Let’s compare these two hybrid contenders to see which one truly offers the best mix of muscle, efficiency, and smart technology for drivers.

Engine

GWM Canon Alpha: Traditional Muscle

The Canon Alpha uses a conventional hybrid setup. It pairs its engine with a single electric helper motor and a conventional 9-speed automatic gearbox. This hybrid truck relies on proven hardware for serious tasks, including strong towing. Its AWD system is mechanical: driveshafts physically link the front and rear wheels. For maximum grip off-road, it even features special locking differentials (gears that force both wheels on an axle to turn together) and a low-range transfer case (a lower gearset for climbing steep hills or crawling through deep mud).

BYD Shark 6: Smart Electric Power

BYD takes a more innovative path with its Shark 6. Instead of a standard gearbox, it uses a unique system called Longitudinal EHS. This cleverly combines the engine and two electric motors to act like a single, super-smooth transmission. Power reaches all four wheels intelligently. An electric motor drives the rear wheels directly, while smart software manages the front wheels. Crucially, there’s no physical driveshaft connecting the front and rear axles – the hybrid truck’s brain electronically controls where the power goes moment-by-moment.

FeatureGWM Canon AlphaBYD Shark 6
Engine Type2.0T Gasoline, turbo, hybridHybrid: 1.5T + Dual Electric Motors
Combined System Max Power (HP)402430
Combined System Max Torque (Nm)750650
Transmission9-speed automaticLongitudinal EHS System
DrivetrainAWDAWD
0-100 km/h Acceleration (s)N/A6
Battery Capacity37.1KWh29.58 kWh
Electric Range110 Km (NEDC Standard)100 km (NEDC Standard)
Combined Range880 Km (NEDC Standard)800 km (ADR 81/02 Standard)
Fuel Economy58 Km/l50 Kmpl (when battery = 25%-100%)
Towing Capacity (kg)3,500 (with brakes), 750 (without)2,500 (with brakes), 750 (without)

Dimensions

At first glance, these two vehicles look incredibly similar in size and how they appear on the road. You’ll notice the Canon model has a slightly longer distance between its front and rear wheels (wheelbase). It also boasts a deeper water-wading ability, sitting 100 mm higher than the Shark 6. However, the Shark 6 matches the Canon almost exactly in its overall weight and all other key measurements. This means there’s very little practical difference in their road presence or footprint.

FeatureGWM Canon AlphaBYD Shark 6
Length (mm)5,4455,457
Width (mm)1,9911,971
Height (mm)1,9241,925
Wheelbase (mm)3,3503,260
Ground Clearance (mm)224230
Wading Depth (mm)800700
Turning Radius (m)77
Kerb Weight (kg)2,5262,710
Gross Vehicle Mass (kg)3,3103,500

Interior Features

Both trucks pamper you with comfy power seats you can adjust easily, wireless charging for your phone, and awesome entertainment systems packed with features. The BYD does give you two extra speakers for even better sound, though. Where they really differ is the seat material. Inside the Canon Alpha, only some parts of the seats use leather. The Shark 6, however, wraps you in full leather throughout the entire cabin for a more premium feel everywhere you sit.

FeatureGWM Canon AlphaBYD Shark 6
UpholsteryPartial LeatherArtificial Leather
Driver’s Seat Adjustment8-way electric, with lumbar8-way electric, with lumbar
Passenger Seat Adjustment6-way electric4-way electric
Seats ComfortMassage, VentilationVentilation, Heated
Infotainment Screen14.3-inch15.6-inch rotating
Speakers10 Infinity Speakers12 Dynaudio Premium
Digital Instrument Cluster12.3”10.25”
Wireless ChargerYesYes
Rear USB/PowerYesYes
AC ZonesDual zone, rear ventsDual zone, rear vents
Keyless Entry/StartYesYes

Exterior Features

Both vehicles boast full exterior lighting packages and power-adjustments side mirrors, plus matching wheels sizes. However, the Canon model pulls ahead specifically for its front headlamps with automatic high-beam adjustment.

FeatureGWM Canon AlphaBYD Shark 6
HeadlampsIntelligent LED, auto high-lowLED, manual height adjust
DRL, Tail Lamps, Fog LampsLEDLED
WipersRain sensingRain sensing
Side MirrorsElectric, heated, retractableElectric, heated, retractable
Roof RailsYesYes
Power TailgateYesNot stated
Wheels18” alloy18” alloy
Tyre Size265/60 R18265/65 R18

Safety Features

Both trucks come packed with top protective technology like automatic emergency braking (AEB), 360 degree camera view, and lane assist. You’ll find these complete safety features standard on both pick-ups, just as expected from higher-priced vehicles.

FeatureGWM Canon AlphaBYD Shark 6
Airbags6 Airbags6 Airbags
ISOFIX Child SeatsYesYes
360° CameraYesYes
Parking SensorsFront/rearFront/rear
Adaptive Cruise ControlYesYes
Lane Keep/Lane DepartureYesYes
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)/ Front Collision Warning (FCW)YesYes
Blind Spot MonitoringYesYes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert/BrakeYesYes
Driver Fatigue MonitorYesYes
TPMSYesYes
Hill Descent/Hill Start AssistYesYes
Electronic Stability/TractionYesYes

Both the GWM Canon Alpha and BYD Shark 6 offer truly impressive technology, safety, and comfort. While the GWM Canon Alpha isn’t available for sale in Pakistan for now, it is displayed at the New Wheel Expo suggests it might arrive later. Meanwhile, the BYD Shark 6 has officially arrived, making waves as Pakistan’s first-ever plug-in hybrid pickup truck – a battery-powered hybrid you can plug in to charge.

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