Kenya gets its first plug-in hybrid pickup, the BYD Shark 6, backed by NCBA Bank

The Kenyan auto market just got a serious jolt of electricity. CFAO Mobility Kenya, the local distributor for BYD, has officially launched the BYD Shark 6, the country’s first-ever plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) double-cabin pickup truck. But the bigger story might be how they plan to sell it. In a move designed to tackle the high upfront cost of electric-capable vehicles, CFAO’s leasing arm, Loxea, has partnered with NCBA Bank to offer a dedicated financing package, a first of its kind for EVs in the country.

The partnership, announced on September 24th, aims to make vehicles like the Shark 6 more accessible. Customers can get up to 90% financing on the vehicle’s value, with a repayment plan that stretches up to five years (60 months). This directly addresses one of the biggest hurdles for potential EV and hybrid buyers: sticker shock.

“Our collaboration with Loxea is not just about financing cars but about creating pathways for a sustainable future,” noted Lennox Mugambi, NCBA’s Group Director of Asset Finance & Business Solutions, framing the deal as a critical step in promoting greener transportation.

So, what exactly is the BYD Shark 6?

BYD, a global giant in the “new energy vehicle” space, is bringing its considerable battery and electric motor expertise to the pickup segment. The Shark 6 is built on what the company calls its DMO (Dual-Motor Off-road) platform, which is designed to merge the ruggedness of a traditional pickup with the efficiency and tech of a modern hybrid.

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Under the hood, it pairs a 1.5-liter petrol engine with electric motors. The result is a vehicle that claims to deliver “supercar-like acceleration” while achieving remarkable fuel efficiency. According to BYD, the Shark 6 can run for 100 kilometers on just 2.0 liters of fuel when the battery is charged. For context, a typical modern diesel pickup averages around 8-10 liters per 100km. With a full tank and a full charge, the truck has a claimed total range of up to 650km.

BYD is also trying to build confidence in its battery technology by offering an eight-year or 200,000 km warranty on the battery pack, a crucial component for any hybrid or electric vehicle. The company says the truck offers SUV-like comfort and advanced tech, positioning it as a forward-thinking choice for buyers who want off-road capability without the traditional fuel penalty.

A Premium Price for a Greener Future

While the financing deal makes ownership more attainable, the Shark 6 is still positioned as a premium vehicle. Loxea announced a special introductory price of KES 10.7 million for the first five customers.

Jennifer Kinyoe, the Managing Director at Loxea, emphasized that the launch is about more than just a new truck. “The launch of the BYD Shark 6 in Kenya is a statement of our leadership in delivering innovative, sustainable mobility solutions,” she said. “This is about shaping the future of mobility in Kenya.”

This partnership signals a significant moment for the local market. While electric mobility has been growing in the motorcycle and small passenger car segments, the involvement of a major bank like NCBA in financing a high-profile hybrid pickup truck could be the catalyst needed to push electrification into the mainstream commercial and lifestyle vehicle space. For now, the BYD Shark 6 stands as a bold, tech-forward option for those ready to embrace a hybrid future, and thanks to this new financing deal, it’s a future that just became a little easier to buy into.