Electric Performance Vehicles: BYD Shark 6 Bakkie and JAECOO J5 BEV

BYD’s Shark 6 Performance bakkie, launched in South Africa, combines a 2.0‑litre turbo‑petrol engine with twin electric motors for a total output of 350 kW (700 Nm). It accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, can travel up to 80 km on electric power alone, and is priced at R1,149,000.

JAECOO’s J5 BEV, marketed as an “outdoor travel companion,” delivers 150 kW of power and covers 0–100 km/h in 7.7 seconds. It houses a 60.4 kWh battery with a WLTP range of 420 km and can charge from 30 % to 80 % in 28 minutes. Off‑road capability is highlighted with a 20° approach angle, 29.8° departure angle, 174 mm ground clearance and 450 mm wading depth, plus a 3.3 kW V2L function for external power use.