Winching With the BYD Shark
Winching With the BYD Shark: What You Need to Know Before You Hit the Tracks
The BYD Shark has quickly become a standout in Australia’s fast-growing hybrid 4x4 market — tough styling, smart tech, and impressive electric-assisted performance. But when it comes to running a 12V recovery winch, this PHEV platform introduces some important limitations every owner should understand.
At Brixton 4x4, we’re all about helping you build a Shark that’s safe, capable, and adventure-ready. Here’s the truth about winching with a BYD Shark — and the setup you must have before you spool out that cable.
Why the BYD Shark Can’t Run a Winch Off the Factory Electrical System
The Shark’s plug-in hybrid system uses a high-voltage battery paired with a relatively small 12V system designed only for accessories, not heavy-draw recovery gear.
A typical 12V winch pulls 300–400 amps under load, which is far beyond what the Shark’s standard 12V battery and electrical architecture are built to handle.
Running a winch from the factory system risks:
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Overloading or damaging the 12V battery
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Stressing sensitive electrical components within the PHEV system
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Unexpected electrical shutdowns right when you need recovery power most
In short: the Shark’s OEM electrics cannot safely support a traditional winch.
The Correct Way to Power a Winch on a BYD Shark
If you want reliable, safe winching capability, the solution is simple:
👉 A dedicated secondary (dual) battery system
A properly installed auxiliary battery isolates the winch from the Shark’s primary electrics, giving you:
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Stable, high-amp power delivery
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Protection for the vehicle’s hybrid power system
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Consistent winch performance in real recovery situations
Our Brixton 4x4 bull bars are fully winch-compatible, but the power system must be upgraded before any winch can be used.
Never connect a winch directly to the BYD Shark’s factory electrical system.
Do We Supply Dual Battery Systems?
At this time, Brixton 4x4 does not supply dual battery systems.However, we strongly recommend fitting a quality dual battery setup through a reputable auto-electrical specialist before installing or operating any winch on your Shark.
Build Your Shark the Right Way
A winch is one of the most valuable recovery tools you can have — but only when powered correctly.
If you’re upgrading your BYD Shark with a bull bar or planning a full off-road build, our team can help point you in the right direction and ensure every accessory is fitted safely.
Need guidance choosing the right bar or planning your setup?
Brixton 4x4 is here to help you build a Shark that’s tough, capable, and adventure-ready.
