Foton to Launch Tunland V9 PHEV Bakkie
The plug-in hybrid bakkie is scheduled to go on sale in South Africa in early 2027, entering a segment led by the BYD Shark 6 Performance.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
Foton will launch the Tunland V9 PHEV plug-in hybrid bakkie in South Africa, with local sales scheduled for early 2027. The model enters the electrified bakkie segment against the BYD Shark 6 Performance.
Why it matters
The launch adds an electrified option to South Africa's bakkie market, a segment where plug-in hybrids are only beginning to appear. It gives buyers who rely on pickups for work and travel a choice that combines electric-only driving with a petrol engine for longer journeys.
The Tunland V9 PHEV pairs a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine and front and rear electric motors for a combined 350kW and 800Nm, drawing on a 32.8kWh battery. Foton claims 100km of electric-only range, 20km more than the Shark 6 Performance, though these figures are manufacturer claims.
The players
Foton
Foton is a Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer that sells Tunland bakkies in several international markets.
BYD
BYD is a Chinese automaker that has expanded rapidly in electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, including the Shark 6 Performance bakkie.
The details
The Tunland V9 PHEV uses a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine with electric motors on both axles, supported by a 32.8kWh battery. The bakkie measures 5,617mm long and 2,090mm wide, has a 500mm deep load bin, and includes a 14.6-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, and 220-volt vehicle-to-load capability.
Timeline
Early 2027: Tunland V9 PHEV scheduled to go on sale in South Africa.
Roadmap
The Tunland V9 PHEV follows the BYD Shark 6 Performance into the plug-in hybrid bakkie segment, which is a newer development than electric passenger cars. Foton's entry signals that Chinese manufacturers are extending electrification from passenger vehicles into the pickup market, where range and load capacity matter more to buyers.
Buyers who tow, haul or commute longer distances could use the electric-only range for daily driving and the petrol engine for longer trips. Local pricing and availability will determine how the model compares with the Shark 6 Performance once it reaches showrooms.
The takeaway
Plug-in hybrid bakkies offer a way to reduce fuel use for work vehicles without giving up long-distance capability. Prospective buyers should compare claimed ranges with real-world figures once pricing and specifications are confirmed.
Further reading
For more on the shift toward plug-in models, see Electric Vehicles coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TopGear South Africa.
