BYD made a bold promise when they introduced the Shark 6 DMO PHEV, promising to revolutionize the industry by combining electrified power, premium comfort, and rugged capability into a single package. But promises are one thing, and actual performance is another. How would it perform in real-world conditions? To find out, we joined a two-day drive that traversed almost 500 kilometers from the bustling streets of Quezon City to raw lands in Pampanga to the stunning sights of Pangasinan. It was a mix of highway cruising, off-road trails, a bit of climbing, and a wee bit of water crossing. Nothing hardcore, really. But quite a lot of driving and a whole lot of fun.
Rolling Out in a Shiver of Sharks
The journey began at SEDA Hotel in Quezon City, where the shiver of over twenty BYD Shark 6 DMO pickups waited for us to hit the road. The first leg of the drive would take us nearly 100 kilometers to Alviera Country Club, an upscale estate nestled in Porac, Pampanga.
As we pulled out of the hotel parking lot and merged onto the highway, we immediately appreciated how much torque our pickup had to offer. With a combined output of 435 PS and 659 Nm of torque, the Shark 6 DMO delivered instant, effortless acceleration. Even in pure EV mode, the pickup felt punchy and responsive, making overtaking effortless. The ride was pleasant, even if there were four of us sharing vehicle number 4. The ride (and drive) is comparable to an SUV’s, with the comfy seats and roomy interiors.
On NLEX, we were instructed to go to hybrid mode, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was smooth and barely perceptible. The 9-speed automatic transmission consistently delivered power, ensuring an exceptionally quiet ride with minimal road noise and vibration. The cabin’s soundproofing was also notable, making conversations easy and music crisp—even at high speeds.
Upon arrival at Alviera Country Club, we took a short breather before heading to the next challenge: an outdoor trail that cut across the still undeveloped parts of the Alviera estate. The trail was a mix of loose gravel, dirt paths, and mud, the perfect setting to test Shark.
While traversing the varied terrain, we cycled through the different driving settings to see how well the Shark adapted. On rocky sections, traction remained solid, with the intelligent 4WD system distributing power effectively to maintain grip. On looser dirt paths, the ride quality remained stable and composed, with the suspension soaking up the bumps and ruts effortlessly.
Through every twist, dip, and incline, the Shark 6 DMO felt confident and planted. There was no excessive body roll, no unsettling jolts—just a smooth and comfortable ride, even in conditions where traditional pickups might struggle. It didn’t feel like we were driving a truck—and more like an SUV—thanks to the Shark’s front and rear double wishbone suspension.
We waited for our turn on the trail at the designated waiting area. But this wasn’t just any ordinary rest stop—it was a campsite fully powered by the Shark 6 DMO’s V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) technology.
From coffee machines to cooling fans and even a small refrigerator, everything ran seamlessly off the pickup’s 28-kilowatt power output—the equivalent of 97 solar panels. It was an impressive display of real-world utility, proving that the Shark wasn’t just built for off-road adventure but also as a practical power source for remote locations, camping trips, and work sites.
Recharging at Clark
As the sun began to set, we headed to Widus Hotel in Clark for the night. While we rested our heads, two units of AC Mobility’s Power on Wheels silently went to work, recharging the entire convoy for the next leg of our trip.
This mobile charging solution reinforced just how practical and scalable BYD’s hybrid technology paired with ACMobility’s EV charging network can be.
After breakfast, we headed northward towards Mangatarem, Pangasinan, our next destination. This leg of the drive took us through scenic highways and winding provincial roads, giving us another chance to appreciate the Shark’s smooth handling and plush ride quality.
We weren’t prepared for the view that greeted us upon reaching Daang Kalikasan. The rolling hills and lush greenery were breathtaking. The 30 minutes allotted for our stay at the peak was definitely not enough to take in the grand view. Ang ganda ng Pilipinas! (The Shark wasn’t bad, either. Haha)
After soaking in the views, we descended toward the Mangatarem River Park, where a full production of hospitality tents was waiting for us for lunch. This was not just any picnic setup; it was a complete experience, featuring cooking tents and trailers, dining tents with fans and cooling systems, and lounging tents equipped with portable air conditioners, all powered by the Shark 6 DMO’s V2L system. We can see how even the most amateur campers can elevate their trips if they travel with a Shark. You don’t even need specialized equipment because you can actually bring your house fans (if you really wanted to), and the Shark can power them up easily.
As we sat down for a hearty lunch, we discussed how convenient it would be to have a truck like the Shark 6 DMO. It was so much more than just a capable enough overlander or a high-tech pickup; it was a vehicle designed for modern lifestyles, adventure seekers, and everything in between.
Back to the Concrete Jungle
With full tummies and newfound respect for the vehicle we were driving, we began the final leg of our drive back to Manila. The drive was uneventful as the truck made little work of the expressway—using the pickup’s full-speed adaptive cruise control to stay within the speed limits, of course.
We ended our long day literally under the stars with drinks to celebrate the successful event, life, and, well, Sharks.
