BYD Shark 6 Smart Charging: How to Schedule Off-Peak Charging

The BYD Shark 6 lets you schedule charging to run during cheaper off-peak hours using its Smart Charging feature. Go to the infotainment touchscreen, then Energy, then Charging and Discharging, then Smart Charging. Toggle scheduled charging on, set your charging start and end times to match your off-peak window, choose a repeat cycle, and save. Important: scheduled charging works on AC charging only. DC fast charging ignores the schedule and begins immediately.

Smart Charging Quick Reference

Measurement	Detail
Access path	Touchscreen, Energy, Charging and Discharging, Smart Charging
Voice command	"Hi BYD, start smart charging"
Factory default	Charge immediately (scheduling off)
What you set	Charge start time, end time, repeat cycle
Works with	AC charging only (BYD-certified equipment)
DC charging	Ignores schedule, charges immediately

Why Scheduled Charging Saves Money on a PHEV

Most electricity plans charge more during peak evening hours and far less overnight. Scheduling your Shark 6 to charge during that off-peak window means every kilowatt-hour costs less.

For a plug-in hybrid like the Shark 6, this matters because you charge often to keep the battery topped up for daily electric running. Shifting that routine charging to off-peak rates adds up to real savings over a year. The full battery and charging details are in our guide to every Shark 6 specification from the manual.

Accessing the Charging Timer in the Infotainment

There are two ways to reach the Smart Charging screen:

• Touchscreen: Tap the menu, then Energy, then Charging and Discharging, then Smart Charging
• Voice: Say "Hi BYD, start smart charging" or "Hi BYD, I want to make scheduled charging"

On the Smart Charging screen you will find the scheduled charging switch, the charging start and end time settings, the repeat cycle options, and a settings icon. By default, the car is set to charge immediately, so scheduling is off until you turn it on.

Setting Departure Time vs Charge-Start Time

The Shark 6 schedules charging by a start and end time, not by a departure target. This is the charge-window method, and it is simple to align with your tariff.

• Charge start time: Set this to when your off-peak rate begins, for example 10:00 pm
• Charge end time: Set this to when your off-peak rate ends, for example 6:00 am
• Repeat cycle: Choose whether the schedule repeats daily or on selected days

The car will wait until the start time before drawing power, then charge within your chosen window. To save the schedule, toggle scheduled charging on, enter both times, set the repeat cycle, and save the settings.

Using the BYD App to Schedule Remotely

The BYD App lets you manage charging from your phone, so you do not have to sit in the car to set or adjust a schedule. From the app you can check charging status, start or stop charging, and adjust your charging preferences remotely.

This is handy for changing your schedule when your routine shifts, or confirming the car is charging as planned before you head out. The in-car timer and the app work together, so changes made in one are reflected in the other.

How the Car Handles Plug-In Before the Timer Starts

This is where many new owners get caught out. If you plug in before your scheduled start time, the Shark 6 will not begin charging straight away. Instead:

• You get a reminder: The touchscreen tells you scheduled charging is set when you connect the connector or power off the vehicle
• You can override: Tap to switch to instant charging if you need power now. This override applies to the current session only.
• Low battery protection: If the battery is very low, the car charges to a minimum safe level first, then waits for the scheduled window

To cancel all schedules permanently, toggle scheduled charging off on the settings screen rather than just choosing instant charging once.

Combining Scheduled Charging with Battery Limit Settings

You can pair scheduled charging with the AC charging current limit for extra control. To set the current limit, go to the touchscreen, then Energy, then Charging and Discharging.

• Lower the current if you share a circuit or want gentler charging on an older supply
• Set it to MAX to restore full-capacity charging, limited only by your supply
• The setting is remembered after restarting

One thing you do not need to worry about is a charge percentage limit. Because the Shark 6 uses an LFP Blade Battery, it can be charged to 100 percent daily without the degradation concerns of other battery types. Our guide on how the LFP Blade Battery handles daily charging explains why.

Tips for Apartment and Shared-Carpark Owners

Scheduled charging is especially useful if you charge in a shared or apartment carpark:

• Use a BYD-certified AC charger. The manual is clear that smart charging is designed for BYD AC equipment. Non-certified gear can cause scheduling to fail.
• Check public chargers support scheduling. If you use a shared facility, confirm it supports vehicle-terminal reservation, or the timer may not work.
• Lower the current limit if your building circuit is shared, to avoid tripping breakers during peak household use.
• Keep your cable tidy. A cable organiser to keep your Mode 2 lead off the carpark floor protects it from damage and grit.

Common Mistakes Shark 6 Owners Make

• Expecting DC chargers to follow the schedule. They do not. DC charging starts immediately regardless of your timer.
• Using non-BYD AC equipment with scheduling on. This can cause charging to fail and leave the battery low. Disable scheduling with uncertified gear.
• Choosing instant charging to cancel a schedule. That only cancels the current session. Toggle scheduling off to cancel it for good.
• Forgetting public chargers need reservation support. Not all public AC units accept vehicle-side scheduling.
• Trying to limit charge percentage. The LFP battery is happy at 100 percent daily, so there is no need.

Smart Charging is one of the easiest ways to cut running costs on the Shark 6. Set your charge start and end times to match your off-peak window, save the schedule, and let the car do the rest. Just remember it works on AC only, needs BYD-certified equipment, and that DC charging always starts immediately.

For cable storage, charging organisers, and Shark 6 specific accessories that make home and apartment charging tidier, bydaccessories.store has your ute covered.