BYD Shark 6 getting another rival as new cut-price PHEV ute firms for Australia

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Foton Tunland dual-cab ute appears to be nearing a local launch, with Australian Design Rule (ADR) certification documents appearing online.

While Foton Australia has yet to officially confirm the model for this market, a spokesperson told CarExpert: “We’re very much interested in expanding the Foton product portfolio, so stay tuned for now.”

For now, the ADR documents – which list the name as the Tunland P4 PHEV – have been left largely blank. However, Foton has confirmed specifications for its PHEV ute overseas.

Revealed in September, the Tunland V9 PHEV uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated with two electric motors (one a generator, the other a drive motor), plus a four-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission and a 32.85kWh battery.

Total system outputs are 350kW of power and 800Nm of torque.

Foton claims an electric range of 87km on the WLTP cycle, and total combined range of up to 1000km. The battery can be charged on DC power at up to 32kW, allowing a 30-80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.

It matches the BYD Shark 6 Performance, Ford Ranger Hybrid and GWM Cannon PHEV and Cannon Alpha PHEV dual-cabs with a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.

Ground clearance is 250mm, with a maximum wading depth of 800mm.

Should the Tunland V9 PHEV arrive in Australia, it’ll join a growing contingent of PHEV utes.

The Shark 6, Ranger Hybrid and Cannon Alpha PHEV were the first PHEV utes offered here, in 2025.

They were followed this year by the GWM Cannon PHEV and the JAC Hunter PHEV, with the Chery Stockman arriving here early in 2027 with the segment’s first diesel PHEV powertrain.

Foton returned to the Australian ute market late in 2025 under the custodianship of Subaru distributor Inchcape, offering the Tunland V7 and Tunland V9 utes. These come with a 48V mild-hybrid powertrain comprising a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 120kW and 450Nm, mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

To the end of October, Foton has delivered 1222 Tunlands this year, with the ute range now outpacing fellow Chinese utes like the JAC T9 (663) and LDV Terron 9 (1155), and closing in on the MG U9 (1292).

MORE: Explore the Foton Tunland showroom