The humble double-cab bakkie has come a long way in the last few years, but diesel has always remained the powertrain of choice. With recent fuel price increases, diesel has become something to be avoided, and petrol options were highly sought after, that is, until now, as battery technology and drivetrains have gotten exponentially better. We are starting to see double-cab bakkies with EV drivetrains.
Related: Changan Hunter vs Foton Tunland vs LDV T60: Which one has the lowest running costs?
Both the Changan Hunter REEV and the BYD Shark 6 are shaking up the traditional bakkie segment. While they both use NEV powertrains to bypass the usual diesel clatter, they sit at different price points and offer very different performance levels. Here is a breakdown of how the pricing and core specs compare.
BYD Shark 6 double cab Premium (2026) Review
Pricing Comparison
The Changan Hunter is positioned as the more affordable entry into electrified trucking, while the BYD Shark 6 commands a premium for its massive power and tech.
| Feature | Changan Hunter REEV | BYD Shark 6 (Premium AWD) |
| Retail Price | ~R799 900 | ~R969 900 – R989 900 |
| Powertrain | Range-Extender (REEV) | Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) |
| Warranty | 5-year/150 000 km | 6-year/150 000 km |
| Battery Warranty | 8-year/150 000 km | 8-year/160 000 km |
Performance & Capability
The price gap of roughly R170 000 to R190 000 is largely explained by the performance specs. The BYD Shark 6 is significantly more powerful, essentially competing with high-performance trucks like the Ford Ranger Raptor for acceleration.
Power & Speed:
BYD Shark 6: A powerhouse delivering 321 kW and 650 Nm. It hits 0–100 km/h in a staggering 5.7 seconds.
Changan Hunter: Offers a respectable 200 kW and 470 Nm. It’s plenty for daily utility, but it won't be winning many drag races against the BYD.
Driving Mechanics:
Hunter (REEV): The 2.0-litre petrol engine acts only as a generator. The wheels are 100% driven by electric motors at all times, providing a very smooth, EV-like feel.
Shark 6 (PHEV): Uses a DMO platform where both the 1.5-litre turbo engine and the electric motors can drive the wheels, allowing for higher peak performance.
Towing:
BYD Shark 6: 2 500 kg (braked).
Changan Hunter: Varies by market, but local testing suggests a slightly lower effective rating around 2 000 kg.
The Verdict
Choose the Changan Hunter REEV if you want the electric feel and fuel savings of a hybrid without spending a million Rand. It’s a value-focused tool that undercuts mainstream diesel 4x4s like the Hilux Legend or Isuzu V-Cross.
Choose the BYD Shark 6 if you want traffic-light bragging rights and a luxury-tier interior. It’s a tech showcase that happens to be a bakkie, offering nearly double the power of the Changan for the extra cost.
