BYD Shark 6 Fuel Guide: PHEV Refuelling, Fuel Type & Economy Tips

 The BYD Shark 6 uses unleaded petrol meeting Australian standards (91 RON or higher). To refuel, switch the vehicle off, press the cabin pressure-relief switch, wait for the cluster to confirm the cap has unlocked, then open the fuel door and fill. The manual lists fuel use at 7.9 L/100km when the battery is depleted, and real-world figures are far lower if you charge regularly.

Quick stats

• Engine: 1.5L BYD476ZQF, direct-injection petrol, 135 kW / 260 Nm
• Manual fuel-use figure (depleted battery, HEV): 7.9 L/100km
• Recommended fuel: Unleaded meeting local standards
• Engine oil: 0W-20, SP specification, 5.0 L initial fill
• Fuel filter first service: 18 months or 13,500 km
• Refuelling: cabin pressure-relief switch (not a manual flap)

What Fuel Does the BYD Shark 6 Use?

The Shark 6 runs on unleaded petrol meeting Australian standards, which covers regular 91 RON or higher pump fuel. The user manual is explicit on this and warns specifically against leaded fuel, which destroys the three-way catalytic converter.

The engine is a 1.5L four-cylinder direct-injection unit (BYD476ZQF) producing 135 kW and 260 Nm. Using low-grade or inferior petrol shortens engine life, and damage from improper fuel is not covered under BYD's warranty.

Owner question: "Should I splurge on 95 or 98 for my Shark 6?" The engine is tuned for 91 unleaded. Premium grades won't damage it, but you're unlikely to see a meaningful economy gain to justify the price difference.

Refuelling Procedure: Step-by-Step

Unlike a conventional ute, the Shark 6's fuel door does not open with a simple latch. The system has to release tank pressure first.

1. Park with the left side of the vehicle close to the bowser. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Press the driver-side pressure-relief switch.
3. Wait 1 to 15 seconds. The instrument cluster confirms when the cap has unlocked.
4. Push the fuel door to open it.
5. Rotate the cap anti-clockwise and place it on the bracket inside the fuel door.
6. Insert the nozzle and fill. Stop when the bowser auto-cuts off.
7. Refit the cap clockwise, then close the door.

Complete refuelling within 15 minutes of opening the door. If you wait longer, close it and start again, otherwise pressurised back-spray can occur.

 Low Fuel Warning Light: How Much Range Remains?

The amber low-fuel warning lights up on the instrument cluster when the tank is nearly empty. BYD notes the light may come on earlier than expected on hills or curves because fuel sloshes away from the sensor.

Owner question: "How far can I go after the Shark 6 fuel light comes on?" BYD does not publish an exact buffer. Plan to refuel within the next 30 to 50 km of city driving. Running the tank fully dry causes the engine to repeatedly start and stop as it draws air, which is rough on the fuel system.

 How HEV Mode Burns Fuel Efficiently

In HEV mode the Shark 6 chooses the most efficient power source automatically. When the battery has charge and demand is low, it prioritises electric drive and keeps the engine off.

When demand is high or the state-of-charge drops, the engine starts. It can drive the wheels directly, generate electricity to charge the battery, or do both. At medium-to-high speeds the engine operates in parallel with the motors for best efficiency.

This is why a Shark 6 driven from a fully charged battery uses far less than 7.9 L/100km in real-world conditions. That manual figure assumes the high-voltage battery is depleted.

 Fuel Economy in Different Driving Modes

Drive Mode	Engine Behaviour	Best For	Fuel Impact
EV-ECO	Off (until SOC low)	Daily commuting	Zero while charged
EV-NORMAL	Off (until SOC low)	Balanced city driving	Zero while charged
HEV-ECO	Optimised for efficiency	Long highway trips	Lowest in HEV
HEV-NORMAL	Balanced	Mixed driving	Moderate
HEV-SPORT	Maximum output	Towing, performance	Highest
MAX EV	Off, output limited	Quiet zones, indoor sites	Zero
Measurement note: The manual figure of 7.9 L/100km is the HEV-mode test value with a depleted battery. Owners who plug in nightly typically see daily averages well under 3 L/100km because most kilometres come from grid electricity.

For a deeper breakdown of mode selection, see our Shark 6 driving modes guide.

 Tips for Saving Fuel and Extending EV Range

• Charge nightly so short trips run on grid power instead of petrol.
• Default to ECO mode whenever conditions allow.
• Check tyre pressures twice a month. Specified pressure is 2.5 bar front and rear unloaded. Under-inflation lifts fuel use.
• Drive predictively. Lift early to let regen do the braking instead of stamping the pedal.
• Use climate control sensibly. Heating draws meaningful energy from the pack.
• Strip unused load such as roof racks and gear you don't need that day.
• Keep up with scheduled servicing.

 Fuel Filter: Service Interval and DIY Check

The Shark 6 uses a non-integrated fuel filter. BYD's official schedule from the manual:

• First check and replace: 18 months or 13,500 km, whichever comes first
• Subsequent replacements: every 24 months or 20,000 km

Symptoms of a clogged filter include hesitation under load, hard starting and reduced power. Filter replacement is best left to a BYD-authorised service centre because of fuel-line pressure and emissions calibration. Pair the service with an OTA update check while the truck is in the workshop.

Storing the Shark 6 Long-Term: Fuel Precautions

If the Shark 6 will sit unused for weeks or months, the manual recommends:

• Charge the high-voltage battery fully, then discharge it to between 40% and 60% before storage.
• Every three months, repeat: fully charge, discharge, then settle at 40% to 60%.
• Avoid leaving the vehicle outdoors in temperature extremes.
• The smart-charging function maintains the 12V battery, so disconnecting it is not necessary.

If you drive the Shark 6 in EV mode for very long periods, the engine will start itself for maintenance and the cluster will display a notice. This is normal and protects fuel-system seals and oil distribution. For more on heat and cold management, see our battery temperature guide.

Common Mistakes Owners Make

• Trying to lever the fuel door open before pressing the pressure-relief switch.
• Walking off before the cluster confirms the cap has unlocked.
• Topping up after the auto-cutoff, which risks overfill and reverse-spray on a hot day.
• Letting the tank run to fumes, which causes repeated start-stop and air ingestion.
• Skipping the first fuel-filter service at 13,500 km.
• Storing the vehicle outdoors at 100% charge through a hot Australian summer.
• Leaving the fuel door open for over 15 minutes between filling attempts.