Real world EREV/PHEV Towing, Offroad, and Range Testing

[Chavannigans]

I came across a pretty interesting Australian YouTube channel.

This guy purchased a BYD Shark (EREV pickup) and shares his experience driving it across the Australian Outback.

I think it is a pretty interesting perspective of what living with an EREV full time could look like.

Edit: Added Chat GPT Summary


BYD Shark 6 takes on the Remote Aussie Outback – YouTube


Here’s a comprehensive summary of the video showcasing the BYD Shark 6 tackling remote Australian 4×4 trails:

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Off-Road Performance in the Outback​

• The owner tests the Shark 6 through rugged, remote Australian terrain — challenging creek crossings, deep sand, and rough rock beds.
• Despite being a PHEV without traditional low-range gearing or lockers, the Shark handles the terrain well: creek beds, deep sand, and rocky gradients with impressive composure. (youtube.com, forums.whirlpool.net.au)
• Electric AWD torque is powerful and instant, providing good low-speed crawl capability. However, in one particularly steep cross-track, progress slows as traction control limits output—mirroring limitations noted by other reviewers. (forums.whirlpool.net.au)

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Real-World Observations & Comments​

User reports from Whirlpool forum add useful context:

“The Shark is not perfect and there are improvements they could make even to the software … But it's pretty damned impressive for what it is and how it is priced.” (forums.whirlpool.net.au)

“Sand is where the shark excels with it’s instant torque.” (forums.whirlpool.net.au)

Forum members note power delivery without low-range gearing still manages most trails, though locking diffs and lower gear could improve hard-core traction:

“It would be very capable … but I'd have an order in today if it did [have diff lockers]” (forums.whirlpool.net.au)

---

Strengths & Weaknesses​

Strengths:

• Instant, precise electric torque gives superb low-speed traction control off-road.
• Handles deep sand and sandy creek beds with ease.
• AWD system transitions smoothly between terrain types.

Weaknesses:

• No mechanical low-range gearing or diff lockers, which can limit performance on technical obstacles or steep climbs. Curbs reliance on traction control rather than hardware. (forums.whirlpool.net.au)
• In one scenario, traction control – rather than torque – limits climb ability on tricky terrain.

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Final Verdict​

The BYD Shark 6 demonstrates strong 4×4 capability for most off-road use, including remote tracks and soft sand conditions. While it doesn’t offer traditional off-road features like low-range or diff locks, electric torque delivery often makes up the difference. That said, serious off-road users may find its limitations notable—but for the majority, it impressively covers well over 90% of off-road scenarios.

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

This is brilliant! In this mode, they don’t just have a 360-degree view, they have a 3/4 spherical view and just overlay the outline of the truck and its tires into that view. So you can not only see the rocks around the truck, but also under the truck.

If Scout hasn’t already been taking notes from BYD, I hope this is one of the times they peak over and copy BYD’s homework.

 

[dreamweaver]

This is brilliant! In this mode, they don’t just have a 360-degree view, they have a 3/4 spherical view and just overlay the outline of the truck and its tires into that view. So you can not only see the rocks around the truck, but also under the truck.

If Scout hasn’t already been taking notes from BYD, I hope this is one of the times they peak over and copy BYD’s homework.



View attachment 7314

I know Scout showed in one of the demo videos the under vehicle cameras without a vehicle outline, and said it was of course preliminary.

 

[Chavannigans]

Here is another Aussie channel. They discuss the fuel consumption of the BTD Shark EREV in this video.

He also talks about the State Of Charge settings and what the sweet spot is because the battery wont continue charging with the generator past 70% while youre driving.

Pretty interesting stuff.

Edit: Added Chat GPT Summary

Here’s a refined summary of the video covering the construction and design of the BYD Shark (aka Shark 6):

---

Platform & Chassis​

• Built on BYD’s DMO Super Hybrid off-road platform—a rugged body-on-frame chassis tuned for PHEV operation (en.wikipedia.org).
• Boasts independent double-wishbone suspension both front and rear (coil springs), replacing conventional leaf springs for a smoother, more comfortable ride .
• Off-road geometry includes 230 mm ground clearance and strong approach/departure angles (31° front, 17° mid, 19° rear) .

---

Powertrain & Battery​

• Longitudinal 1.5 L turbo petrol engine working as a range-extender with dual electric motors at each axle—together delivering 321 kW and 650 Nm of torque (en.wikipedia.org).
• Equipped with a 29.6 kWh Blade LFP battery, integrated using Cell-to-Chassis (CTC) technology beneath the floor, enhancing rigidity and lowering the center of gravity (en.wikipedia.org).
• Offers around 100 km electric range (NEDC) and up to 840 km total range (en.wikipedia.org).
• Charging capacity includes up to 7 kW AC and 55 kW fast DC, plus 6.6 kW V2L functionality (en.wikipedia.org).

---

Structure & Safety​

• Features a body-on-frame design built with high-strength steel, intended to withstand off-road stress and towing loads (en.wikipedia.org).
• Blade battery doubles as a structural floor component, strengthening overall chassis integrity .

---

Performance​

• 0–100 km/h in approximately 5.7 seconds—fast for a mid-size PHEV pickup (en.wikipedia.org).
• Claims a braked towing capacity of 2,500 kg, with a payload rating of 835 kg and bed volume of 1,450 L (en.wikipedia.org).
• Electric AWD system dynamically meters torque front to rear for traction optimization during off-roading .

---

Exterior & Interior Design​

• Exterior styling led by Wolfgang Egger (ex-Alfa Romeo/Audi/Lamborghini), featuring a bold “Shark” theme with sharp LED lighting and muscular lines (en.wikipedia.org).
• Cabin designed by Michele Jauch-Paganetti offers a modern, tech-forward layout—rotating 12.8‑ or 15.6‑inch infotainment screen, 10.25‑inch digital cluster, multi-tone synthetic leather, and premium audio up to 12-speaker Dynaudio (en.wikipedia.org).

---

Quick Specs Table​

Spec	Details
Platform & Chassis	Body-on-frame, off-road ready
Suspension	Independent double-wishbone, coil springs
Powertrain	1.5 L turbo + dual motors, 321 kW/650 Nm
Battery	29.6 kWh Blade LFP, CTC design
Electric Range	~100 km (NEDC)
Total Range	~840 km (NEDC)
Charging	7 kW AC, 55 kW DC, 6.6 kW V2L
Acceleration 0–100 km/h	~5.7 s
Towing Capacity	2,500 kg
Dimensions	L:5,457 mm / W:1,971 mm / H:1,925 mm
Curb Weight	2,710 kg

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Takeaway​

The BYD Shark is a bold fusion of rugged pickup capability and modern PHEV innovation. It offers SUV-like comfort, robust towing/off-road ability, fast acceleration, and sizeable electric range—all while wearing stylish, performance-inspired design cues.

 

[Chavannigans]

Now my feed is full of these videos.


The BYD Shark EREV seems to be getting popular and there are a lot of recent videos coming out of Australia released in the past month.

Edit: Added Chat GPT Summary

Diesel vs PHEV! BYD Shark HITS Black‑Rated 4WD Track – side‑by‑side with diesel 4×4s


Here’s a summarized breakdown of the test:

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4WD Off‑Roading Capability​

• The BYD Shark takes on a black‑rated 4×4 track—among the toughest off‑road tests—alongside diesel competitors like the Nissan Navara (youtube.com).
• Eye‑opening performance in technical sections: it tackles steep climbs, deep ruts, and traversing obstacles with surprising composure and grip.
• Hybrid torque delivery and AWD response give it an edge in low‑speed, challenging terrain where torque management matters.

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Comparison with Diesel Rigs​

• In sections typically dominated by diesel vehicles, the Shark holds its own, sometimes even outperforming its rugged opponents in smooth power delivery.
• No notable mechanical struggles: it maintained momentum without bogging or requiring excessive momentum, showcasing engineered durability for off‑road use.

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PHEV Strengths in Off‑Road​

• The instant torque from electric motors provides confidence when crawling over obstacles or adjusting steering in tight trails.
• Seamless power transition between electric and petrol ensures consistent traction under varying surface conditions—no lag or gear hunting.

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Considerations​

• Battery SOC (state‑of‑charge) may limit pure-electric crawling duration, but the petrol engine seamlessly takes over when needed.
• Heat and cooling loads under intense off-road stress weren’t detailed, so long-run durability still needs longer-term evaluation.

---

Takeaway​

The BYD Shark PHEV isn't just about towing or daily driving—it truly delivers off-road capability at levels you'd expect from premium diesel 4WDs. Thanks to its hybrid AWD system, it's a legitimate contender in black-rated trails. If you're planning serious overlanding or technical off-road trips, this proves the Shark is up for the challenge.

 

[Chavannigans]

Not trying to make this into a BYD commercial, but its about as close as we can get to seeing a Scout Terra with Harvester at this time.

A lot of the specs are similar, and some are very different. Heres a chat GPT blurb about it.

The BYD Shark is a plug-in hybrid pickup truck that combines off-road capability with advanced technology. Here's a breakdown of its key specs and highlights:
Key Specs:

• Platform: Based on BYD's DMO (Dual Mode Off-Road) platform.
• Powertrain: Longitudinal 1.5L turbo engine combined with dual electric motors.
• Total Output: Over 430 horsepower (436 PS) and 650 Nm of torque.
• Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 5.7 seconds.
• Electric Range (NEDC): 100 km (62 miles).
• Combined Range (NEDC): 800 km (522 miles).
• Fuel Consumption (NEDC): 7.5 L/100 km (31.4 mpg-US).
• Battery: 29.58 kWh LFP Blade Battery with cell-to-chassis technology.
• Towing Capacity (braked): 2,500 kg (5,510 lbs).
• Payload Capacity: 790 kg (1,742 lbs) or 835 kg (1,840 lbs) depending on market.
• Dimensions: 5,457mm long, 1,971mm wide, 1,925mm tall.
• Ground Clearance: 230 mm (9.1 in).
• Approach/Ramp Over/Departure Angles: 31°/17°/19°.
• Suspension: Double wishbone independent front and rear.
• Charging: Up to 55 kW DC fast charging.

Highlights:

• Plug-in Hybrid Performance: Offers both all-electric range for daily commutes and extended range with the gasoline engine.
• Off-Road Capability: DMO platform designed for tackling challenging terrain.
• DMO Platform: Provides increased rigidity and improved safety.
• Fast Charging: Capable of fast DC charging for quicker battery top-ups.
• Advanced Features: Includes a large rotating touchscreen infotainment system, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and a 540° panoramic camera.
• Luxury Interior: Features synthetic leather trimmings, a large touchscreen, and a premium audio system.
• V2L Functionality: Allows you to use the truck's battery to power tools and appliances.
• Low Maintenance: Only requires servicing once a year.

The BYD Shark is positioned as a versatile and capable mid-size pickup truck with a focus on both performance and efficiency, making it a compelling option in the plug-in hybrid pickup segment.

 

[Chavannigans]

It appears the Shark has a larger turbocharged engine that the one Scout will use, but the LFP battery is also around half the size of the Scout Harvester battery at 29.58 kWh vs 60-70 kWh Scout shows on the website.

Many people report getting closer to 50 miles of range on all battery in real world daily driving.

So it may be a safe bet to estimate closer to 100 miles of EV range with the Harvester. Still more than adequate for most peoples commutes.

 

[Chavannigans]

Wow it looks like BYD and the Terra will be worlds apart in their layouts.

They used a North/South engine orientation like most traditional hybrids. No frunk. Also sounds like a direct drive unit for the front wheels.

I haven’t seen another EREV like this before so it was pretty interesting to have the body off and look at how it was all laid out.

To my eye it looks like they tried to emulate a cheap Ford Lightning with an EREV twist.


Edit: Added Chat GPT Summary


Here's a breakdown of the BYD Shark's construction and design:

---

Platform & Chassis​

• Built on BYD’s DMO Super Hybrid Off-road Platform, a body-on-frame architecture engineered for both rugged use and hybrid efficiency. It uses a dedicated hybrid chassis and the world’s first longitudinal EHS drive assembly (byd.com).
• Features independent double-wishbone suspension front and rear (coil springs), offering a smoother ride than typical leaf springs .
• Engineered for capable off-road geometry: 230 mm ground clearance, steep approach/departure angles (31° front, 19° rear) .

---

Exterior Design​

• Exterior penned by Wolfgang Egger, formerly of Alfa Romeo/Audi/Lamborghini. Design language channels “Shark” motifs: full-width LED headlight bar like an open mouth, fluid side lines, through‑type tail lights mimicking a fin (byd.com).
• Masculine, square-shouldered styling with sculpted wheel arches, high beltline, and minimal chrome for a rugged, modern appearance (motortrend.com).

---

Powertrain & Integration​

• Houses a 1.5 L turbo petrol engine (longitudinal layout) partnered with dual electric motors in a unique drive configuration: 321 kW combined power and 650 Nm torque—similar to a 4.0 L V8—but as a PHEV (en.wikipedia.org).
• Equipped with a 29.6 kWh Blade LFP battery integrated into the chassis using Cell‑to‑Chassis (CTC) technology for structural integrity and safety (en.wikipedia.org).
• Offers 100 km electric range (NEDC), and a total range of ~840 km (byd.com).

---

Interior & Cockpit​

• Designed by Michele Jauch‑Paganetti, the cabin emphasizes futuristic layouts inspired by spaceship consoles (byd.com).
• Features include a 10.25‑inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.8 (or 15.6)‑inch rotating infotainment screen, and premium finishes, including multi‑tone synthetic leather and Dynaudio sound system (en.wikipedia.org).
• Rear seats recline up to 27°, delivering comfort beyond typical pickup offerings (byd.com).
• Additional tech touches: head-up display, voice control, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto in certain markets .

---

Performance & Structural Safety​

• Accelerates 0–100 km/h in about 5.7 seconds—very quick for its segment (byd.com).
• Utilizes intelligent electric AWD, distributing torque front-to-rear in milliseconds for traction control (byd.com).
• Blade battery acts as a structural component, paired with high-strength steel frame—emphasizing safety and rigidity (byd.com).

---

Summary Table​

Area	Highlights
Chassis & Suspension	Independent double-wishbone setup, hybrid-specific body-on-frame, CTC battery design
Exterior	Shark-inspired LED styling, robust & off-road-ready body geometry
Powertrain	1.5 T + dual motors, 321 kW/650 Nm output, PHEV with 100 km electric range
Interior	Futuristic cockpit, large rotating display, premium materials & comfort
Performance & Safety	0‑100 km/h in 5.7 s, intelligent AWD, structural blade battery integration

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In essence, the BYD Shark fuses elegant marine-inspired design with rugged body-on-frame construction and advanced hybrid/hybrid-electric engineering. It delivers SUV-like comfort and tech, strong structural safety, and off-road capability—all wrapped in a distinctive, futuristic look.

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

I doubt BYD even bothered much with the Lightning. I think they’ve evolved well beyond the US auto manufacturer industry; we’re very far behind, especially in EVs.

 

[Chavannigans]

I doubt BYD even bothered much with the Lightning. I think they’ve evolved well beyond the US auto manufacturer industry; we’re very far behind, especially in EVs.

Speaking of which… apparently there were a lot of complaints about the low 5,500lbs towing rating, so later models will include a larger engine to bump the towing capacity up to 7,700lbs.

“Speaking with Australian media, BYD Asia-Pacific general manager Liu Xueliang said that while the first-gen Shark – due here in the second half of 2024 – won’t make the benchmark towing figure demanded by Australian buyers, it doesn’t mean future generations and other new products won’t offer this capability.

“We will bring many different variants and different generations of certain models to the Australian market,” Mr Liu said via translator.

“For the BYD Shark, probably the first generation we won’t be able to do more than 2.5 tonnes [towing capacity], but we will also keep upgrading them and creating new models as well… eventually there will be many new models and upgraded models to satisfy the 3.5-tonne towing capacity.””

BYD Shark ute won't match Ranger's tow rating, but more capable vehicles coming

The upcoming BYD Shark PHEV ute only offers a 2.5t towing capacity, but the Chinese brand says more capable vehicles are on the way.

www.carexpert.com.au

 

[Chavannigans]

This towing fuel consumption test was interesting. With large offroad tires and a 2.5 ton travel trailer they averaged 20l per 100km (11.76mpg for us Yanks). Honestly not bad for towing with a gas engine. I was expecting single digits.

It’s also really cool that they are able to change their SOC on the fly to kick the generator on and maintain a certain level of change.

I’m getting a much better idea as to what to expect in real world use with the Harvester now.

It also seems some people’s concerns about the Scouts’s small naturally aspirated engine being responsible for the low towing figures may actually be pretty spot on since the 1.5L turbo is going to be replaced with a 2.0L turbo to increase their towing capacity of the Shark.

Edit: Added Chat GPT Summary

BYD Shark towing test – 2.5 T caravan tow review️ (BYD Shark Towing Test)

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Towing​

• The BYD Shark effortlessly tows a 2.5-ton caravan in real-world conditions, holding steady even on hilly terrain—very impressive for its class (facebook.com).
• According to Whirlpool forum users, the van consumed 19.2 L/100 km over an 88 km course, despite using aggressive 33″ all‑terrain tyres and a 70% state‑of‑charge cap (forums.whirlpool.net.au).
• One poster noted:
  

  “Probably 2–4 litres less if you’re light‑footed … It actually managed to maintain that SOC” (sec.gov, forums.whirlpool.net.au).

• In sum: towing performance is strong, with fuel efficiency comparable to an ICE ute (e.g., similar to towing with a Ranger getting ~18.5 L/100 km) and the electric battery helping stabilize state-of-charge. (forums.whirlpool.net.au)

---

Daily Driving Use​

• During non-towing runs, the Shark behaves like a typical PHEV: quiet electric starts, smooth transitions to the petrol engine on highways.
• While forum data focuses on towing, the Shark is implied to be practical for everyday “soccer mum” duties, capable of running mostly on electric for short trips (forums.whirlpool.net.au).

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Fuel Economy​

• Towing: Roughly 19.2 L/100 km under heavy load and less-than-ideal tire setup; could drop to 17–18 L/100 km with stock tyres and gentler driving (forums.whirlpool.net.au).
• Compared to a diesel ute towing similar weight, this fuel economy is in the same ballpark—so while not drastically better, you gain hybrid benefits and electric range without compromising towing capability.
• Electric mode lets you run on zero fuel for shorter drives, greatly reducing overall consumption versus a pure ICE.

---

Summary​

Use Case	Performance & Observations
Towing	Very capable; handles 2.5 t caravan smoothly; real-world fuel use ~19 L/100 km.
Daily driving	Smooth PHEV behavior; electric-only ideal for short errands; hybrid reliable for highway.
Fuel economy	Towing efficiency comparable to diesel; everyday electric driving reduces fuel use significantly.

Overall, the BYD Shark delivers solid towing capacity while maintaining competitive fuel economy—especially appealing if you want hybrid benefits without sacrificing utility.

 

[Chavannigans]

This guy is discussing the Ford Ranger EREV that’s also in the Australian market.

Edit: Added Chat GPT summary


IS THE RANGER PHEV COMPLETE JUNK ? Why “Journalists ...


Here’s a breakdown of the main points regarding the Ranger PHEV from the video:

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Towing​

• The creator uses the Ranger PHEV primarily as a work ute—hauling trailers, tools, and gear.
• It delivers strong towing performance, feeling sturdy and capable during real‑world use.
• The electric boost helps during initial acceleration with heavier loads, making towing feel more responsive than a traditional diesel.

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Daily Driving Use​

• In everyday scenarios, the PHEV shines for city commutes and suburban errands.
• Quiet, smooth electric launches and torque delivery make it pleasant to drive.
• The vehicle switches seamlessly between electric and hybrid modes—usually staying electric within urban limits, then reverting to combustion for highway runs.
• Living with the truck, the owner reports no major inconveniences or reliability issues, aside from the usual PHEV quirks (like keeping it charged).

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Fuel Economy​

• Fuel consumption figures are noticeably more efficient than a diesel Ranger under mixed use.
• Pure electric range covers most short trips, meaning zero fuel used until the battery depletes.
• Once in hybrid mode, real-world numbers are still competitive — though exact mpg/km figures aren't quoted, observation implies substantial savings.
• Overall, actual running economy clearly trumps comparable diesel models for daily owners.

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Final Thoughts​

The reviewer strongly suggests the Ranger PHEV is far more than just marketing hype—it's a genuinely useful and efficient work vehicle that functions well both on the job and around town. For those who tow regularly and want electric benefits without ditching utility, this PHEV is proving its worth in real life.

 

[dreamweaver]

This guy is discussing the Ford Ranger EREV that’s also in the Australian market.

Not a bad little truck with 30 miles of range on battery only, and some very nice features.

 

[Chavannigans]

These guys have one of my favorite Australian YouTube channels.

I’m starting to think the Scouts would do really well in Australia! The Shark is much more of a soft-roader and they would gobble up an EREV with factory lockers and the ability to disable traction control.

Edit: Added Chat GPT Summary

Absolutely — here’s a focused summary of the video "Off-Road, Beach & Towing TEST – BYD SHARK PHEV!" with an emphasis on range, economy, and towing performance:

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️ Range & Economy – Real-World PHEV Performance​

• Claimed EV range: ~80 km (NEDC)
• Real-world EV range (highway + off-road mix): 30–50 km
  • The battery depletes much faster in sand, towing, or hilly terrain
  • Off-road driving drains the battery in ~30 minutes, depending on load and terrain
• Once the battery is depleted, the BYD Shark transitions to hybrid mode, relying on its 1.5L turbo engine.
• Fuel economy suffers when battery is empty — especially during towing or off-road, where the engine must work harder and rev higher.

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Towing Performance​

• Towing capacity: 2,500 kg (≈5,500 lbs) — less than traditional ICE utes like the Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux (3,500 kg)
• The battery provides great low-speed torque, ideal for launching with a trailer or backing up
• However, during extended towing at speed or uphill:
  • Battery drains quickly
  • The 1.5L turbo engine feels underpowered when towing on its own
  • Fuel economy drops noticeably in these scenarios
• Best towing strategy: Start with a full battery, use EV torque for low-speed or tricky sections, and rely on hybrid drive for cruising

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Key Takeaways​

Category	BYD Shark Performance
EV Range (real)	~30–50 km (drops fast off-road or while towing)
Fuel Economy (hybrid)	Efficient when battery is full; worsens with towing
Towing Capacity	2,500 kg (~5,500 lbs) — lower than ICE utes
Best Use Case	Light towing, beach/off-road with short trips
Weaknesses	Battery depletes fast, engine under strain when towing alone

---

 

[Chavannigans]

In this video the 4WD 24-7 crew take 3 PHEVs on a 4,000km road trip across the Australian Outback.

 

[Chavannigans]

Key Takeaways from the Video:

1. PHEVs Still Struggle Off‑Road in Australia
   The comparison saw several plug-in hybrid utes—BYD Shark, Ford Ranger PHEV, and GWM Cannon—undergo a grueling 4,000 km test including towing and off‑road driving. The verdict? None proved fully ready for Australia’s rugged terrain instagram.com+10youtube.com+10carsguide.com.au+10theguardian.com+9youtube.com+9facebook.com+9.
2. Battery Limitations & Compromises
   The Ford Ranger PHEV, with roughly 30–49 km real-world EV range, has a small battery (11.8 kWh) compared to competitors like the BYD Shark (29.6 kWh) and GWM Cannon (37.1 kWh). However, larger batteries pose trade-offs in payload, spare‐tire placement, and charging convenience couriermail.com.au+6carsguide.com.au+6forums.whirlpool.net.au+6.
3. Off‑Road Capability Varies Significantly
   • BYD Shark lacks mechanical low-range gearing and relies on electronic torque management; impressive but not as rugged.
   • GWM Cannon offers mechanical 4×4 with low-range and diff‑lock—significantly more off-road capable.
   • Ford Ranger prioritizes utility (payload, towing, V2L power) over EV drivetrain prowess and remains the most “traditional capable ute” carsales.com.aucarsguide.com.au.
4. Towing vs Battery Size Trade-off
   Rivals with big batteries (Shark, Cannon) sacrifice towing or payload capacity: e.g., Shark’s 2.5 t tow limit vs Ford Ranger’s 3.5 t. Ford opted for a smaller battery to preserve functionality instagram.com+7carsguide.com.au+7forums.whirlpool.net.au+7.
5. Real‑World Usage Matters Most
   • Ford argued that most Ranger owners drive under 40 km/day—making a smaller EV range acceptable.
   • Larger batteries offer EV-only range and campsite power (V2L) but may limit operational effectiveness reddit.com+1carsales.com.au+1en.wikipedia.org+2carsguide.com.au+2reddit.com+2.

---

🛠 Summary for Off‑Road/Work Use​

Vehicle	EV Range	Tow/Payload	Off‑Road Usability
Ford Ranger PHEV	~30–49 km	3.5 t tow / retained payload	Solid utility, modest EV capability
BYD Shark	~80 km (NEDC), ~30–50 km real	2.5 t tow, reduced payload	Electronic AWD, less rugged
GWM Cannon	~100+ km (NEDC)	Similar payload, flexible	Most capable in mechanical off‑road

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Final Insight​

• If heavy-duty work, towing, and payload matter most, the Ford Ranger PHEV is likely the most uncompromised option.
• If EV-only range or campsite power is important, the BYD Shark or GWM Cannon offer stronger advantages.
• For pure off-road ability, the GWM Cannon’s mechanical 4×4 gives it the edge over strictly electronic AWD systems.

 

[Chavannigans]

Based on what we currently know about the Scout Terra (especially with the off-road package and Harvester generator option), we can compare it conceptually to the Ford Ranger PHEV, BYD Shark, and GWM Cannon Alpha as tested in the video. Here's a detailed side-by-side based on off-road priorities like torque delivery, towing, battery use, and real-world ruggedness:

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Scout Terra (with Off-Road Package) vs. PHEV Utes​

Feature	Scout Terra (Projected)	Ford Ranger PHEV	BYD Shark	GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV
Powertrain	Dual-motor EV + 1.3L I3 generator (Harvester, VW-sourced)	2.3L I4 EcoBoost + 11.8 kWh battery	1.5L turbo I4 + 29.6 kWh battery	2.0L turbo I4 + 37.1 kWh battery
EV Range	~240 km In EV Mode	30–49 km	30–50 km	100+ km (NEDC)
Drivetrain	True AWD, instant torque, locking diffs	Mechanical 4WD + gas engine	eAWD only (no low range)	Mech 4WD, diff lock
Torque Vectoring	Likely advanced dual-motor system	None	Electronic only	Limited
Off-Road Focus	Ground clearance, locker, software tuning	Utility-focused	On-road biased	Most rugged of the 3 tested
Battery Size	~60–70 kWh	11.8 kWh	29.6 kWh	37.1 kWh
Towing Capacity	Target: 7,500+ lbs (with Harvester)	7,700 lbs	5,500 lbs	~5,500 lbs
Payload	TBD, likely 1,200–1,500 lbs	>1,500 lbs	Less (due to large battery)	Lower than Ranger
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)	Expected (likely 3–10 kW)	Confirmed	Confirmed	Confirmed
Range Extender	Harvester Generator (1.3L ICE)	None	None	None

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How the Scout Terra Would Compare​

Strengths Over the PHEVs:​

• 
  
• More EV Range: Far more usable real-world electric-only range than all three tested PHEVs.
• 
  
• Instant Off-Road Torque: Dual-motor EV with electronic torque vectoring would excel in traction-limited scenarios—rock crawling, sand, steep grades.
• 
  
• Modular Power Backup: The Harvester generator makes Scout Terra the only option with extended range without towing loss.
• 
  
• Better Clearance & Geometry: The off-road package is expected to include high-clearance bumpers, skid plates, AT tires, and lockers.

Potential Drawbacks:​

• 
  
• Unknown Real-World Testing: It hasn’t been off-road tested yet, unlike the utes.
• 
  
• Charging Access: If you don’t have the Harvester, EV-only range may be limiting in remote areas.
• 
  
• Towing with Generator: Still a question mark—whether the Harvester adds weight that reduces tow rating.

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Conclusion: Likely Best-in-Class for Off-Road EV Utility​

The Scout Terra with the off-road package is shaping up to be:

• 
  
• More capable off-road than the BYD Shark or GWM Cannon
• 
  
• More refined and better for overlanding than the Ford Ranger PHEV
• 
  
• More energy-independent with the Harvester generator, making it uniquely suitable for remote travel (e.g., Big Bend or Baja) where fast chargers are scarce

If you’re looking for:

• 
  
• True off-road chops
• 
  
• EV + generator self-reliance
• 
  
• Strong towing without the fuel downsides of a diesel

… the Scout Terra looks like it will outclass current PHEV trucks—if Scout delivers on its specs.

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[Chavannigans]

Some Chat GPT summaries ^

 

[oldgeeksguide]

Key Takeaways from the Video:

1. PHEVs Still Struggle Off‑Road in Australia
   The comparison saw several plug-in hybrid utes—BYD Shark, Ford Ranger PHEV, and GWM Cannon—undergo a grueling 4,000 km test including towing and off‑road driving. The verdict? None proved fully ready for Australia’s rugged terrain instagram.com+10youtube.com+10carsguide.com.au+10theguardian.com+9youtube.com+9facebook.com+9.
2. Battery Limitations & Compromises
   The Ford Ranger PHEV, with roughly 30–49 km real-world EV range, has a small battery (11.8 kWh) compared to competitors like the BYD Shark (29.6 kWh) and GWM Cannon (37.1 kWh). However, larger batteries pose trade-offs in payload, spare‐tire placement, and charging convenience couriermail.com.au+6carsguide.com.au+6forums.whirlpool.net.au+6.
3. Off‑Road Capability Varies Significantly
   • BYD Shark lacks mechanical low-range gearing and relies on electronic torque management; impressive but not as rugged.
   • GWM Cannon offers mechanical 4×4 with low-range and diff‑lock—significantly more off-road capable.
   • Ford Ranger prioritizes utility (payload, towing, V2L power) over EV drivetrain prowess and remains the most “traditional capable ute” carsales.com.aucarsguide.com.au.
4. Towing vs Battery Size Trade-off
   Rivals with big batteries (Shark, Cannon) sacrifice towing or payload capacity: e.g., Shark’s 2.5 t tow limit vs Ford Ranger’s 3.5 t. Ford opted for a smaller battery to preserve functionality instagram.com+7carsguide.com.au+7forums.whirlpool.net.au+7.
5. Real‑World Usage Matters Most
   • Ford argued that most Ranger owners drive under 40 km/day—making a smaller EV range acceptable.
   • Larger batteries offer EV-only range and campsite power (V2L) but may limit operational effectiveness reddit.com+1carsales.com.au+1en.wikipedia.org+2carsguide.com.au+2reddit.com+2.

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🛠 Summary for Off‑Road/Work Use​

Vehicle	EV Range	Tow/Payload	Off‑Road Usability
Ford Ranger PHEV	~30–49 km	3.5 t tow / retained payload	Solid utility, modest EV capability
BYD Shark	~80 km (NEDC), ~30–50 km real	2.5 t tow, reduced payload	Electronic AWD, less rugged
GWM Cannon	~100+ km (NEDC)	Similar payload, flexible	Most capable in mechanical off‑road

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Final Insight​

• If heavy-duty work, towing, and payload matter most, the Ford Ranger PHEV is likely the most uncompromised option.
• If EV-only range or campsite power is important, the BYD Shark or GWM Cannon offer stronger advantages.
• For pure off-road ability, the GWM Cannon’s mechanical 4×4 gives it the edge over strictly electronic AWD systems.

Thanks for the summary, I didn’t have the stamina to watch the whole thing.

 

[Chavannigans]

After watching that last video, I am leaning heavily towards the BEVs and changing my Harvester reservation.

Unless Scout uses at least a 2.0l Turbo and 3/4 ton axles on Harvester models, the real world experience and towing/payload shortcomings with Harvester probably just arent for me.

I it seems I would be better off spending the price of the Harvester option on a solar generator setup.

Thanks for the summary, I didn’t have the stamina to watch the whole thing.

No worries mate.