Chery to Launch World’s First Diesel Plug-in Hybrid Pickup in Australia
Chery Automobile has announced plans to launch what it describes as the world’s first diesel-powered plug-in hybrid electric pickup truck in Australia during the fourth quarter of this year.
The upcoming model, currently identified by the codename Chery KP31, is expected to play an important role in the company’s broader global expansion strategy.
Previously revealed in China as the Rely P3X, the new pickup combines a 2.5-litre diesel engine with plug-in hybrid technology. Beyond its electrified setup, the truck is also engineered with serious utility in mind, boasting a payload capacity of up to one tonne a figure that could make it a strong rival in the commercial pickup market.
Chery Automobile entered the pickup market after launching the Rely R08 in China last year. The truck has since expanded to markets in Latin America and the Middle East. In some countries, it is sold as the Chery Himla.
Chery also plans to grow the Rely brand into a full pickup truck lineup with more variants and alternative-energy powertrains in the future.
EXTERIOR
The Chery KP31 concept was recently displayed in Australia, with production of the final version expected to begin in late 2026. The vehicle is a large double-cab pickup measuring approximately 5,610 mm in length.
Its exterior styling emphasizes a rugged, off-road-oriented character, featuring a boxy body shape, circular headlights, pronounced bumpers, and black wheel-arch cladding. While the design shares some similarities with the bold styling approach used by Jeep’s off-road pickups, it adopts softer and more modern design elements.
POWERTRAIN
One of the most notable aspects of the Chery KP31 is its unusual diesel plug-in hybrid setup a configuration rarely seen in the pickup segment. The truck uses a 2.5-litre diesel engine, although Chery Automobile has not yet revealed full details about the electric motor or battery system.
Earlier demonstrations in China suggested the platform will support four-wheel drive, while the battery pack appears to be mounted toward the rear, helping optimize packaging and capability.
PAYLOAD
Chery Automobile says the Chery KP31 is being engineered to combine serious work capability with improved refinement. The truck is claimed to handle payloads of up to one tonne and tow as much as 3.5 tonnes, putting it directly into competition with established midsize pickups.
Chery also promises a more refined driving experience, claiming roughly 30% less vibration and around 10% lower fuel consumption compared with traditional diesel pickups. Further technical specifications are expected to be revealed closer to the official launch.
Breaking into Australia’s pickup market will be no easy task for Chery Automobile, given the country’s reputation as one of the world’s toughest and most competitive ute markets. Brands like BYD and Great Wall Motor have already established a presence with electrified pickup offerings.
Chery believes the Chery KP31 can stand apart thanks to its diesel plug-in hybrid setup, a configuration that could combine the torque and long-distance practicality of diesel power with the efficiency and low-emission benefits of electrification.
In the future, Chery Automobile plans to launch gasoline plug-in hybrid pickup models starting in 2027, giving customers more choices.
The Chery KP31 is not only a new vehicle but also a sign of Chery’s goal to become an important global company in the alternative-energy pickup market.
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