Chery Prepares Pickup with Diesel PHEV Engine, Claiming the First in the World

Chery Automobile is preparing to launch a diesel-powered plug-in hybrid (PHEV) pickup truck in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year. The model, developed with the code KP31, was previously introduced in China under the name Rely P3X.

This pickup truck carries a 2.5-liter internal combustion engine (ICE) and is targeted to have a carrying capacity of up to 1 ton. The Chinese manufacturer is indeed aggressively exploring the pickup truck segment.

Last year, Chery launched the Rely R08 in the domestic market with a starting price of 88,800 yuan. The model was then exported to a number of regions, including Latin America and the Middle East, with different names in some countries, one of which is Chery Himla.

Chery also aims to position Rely as an independent brand that focuses on the pickup line. Currently, the Rely portfolio includes R08, R08 Pro, to R08 EV. In addition, Chery has exhibited two concept cars, P2X and P3X.

On February 23, Chery officials confirmed that Rely P3X will be marketed in Australia this year, even though it still uses the Chery brand. In Australia, Rely P3X is still introduced as a concept car.

Launching from Drive, Tuesday, February 24, the mass production version is scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026. This pickup truck is also known by the internal code KP31, whose assembly process was included in the final assembly equipment tender by Chery Commercial Vehicle (Shandong) last year.

In terms of design, the Chery KP31 concept appears as a large double cabin pickup truck with a length of 5,610 mm. The style is rectangular with a modern touch, round headlights, large bumpers, and plastic protectors around the body.

At first glance, the appearance is reminiscent of the Jeep Gladiator with a more rounded shape. This car uses BF Goodrich AT tires, large rearview mirrors, conventional door handles, and a large illuminated Chery emblem.

Chery claims the KP31 is the world's first pickup truck to adopt a PHEV diesel powertrain. The 2.5-liter diesel engine is said to have a thermal efficiency of up to 47 percent.

Although the details of the electrical system have not been revealed, the KP31 diesel-PHEV platform has previously been exhibited in China with a conventional four-wheel drive (4WD) system and a battery pack placed at the rear of the frame.

The Chinese automotive manufacturer also promises a carrying capacity of 1 ton and a traction of up to 3.5 tons. This pickup truck is rumored to be more focused on driving comfort on the highway, with a vibration level 30 percent lower and fuel consumption 10 percent more efficient.

Even so, the final specifications of the Chery KP31 or Rely P3X have not yet been officially announced. When entering the Australian market, the Chery pickup truck will compete in a crowded segment. Some of the rivals who came first include the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha Hi4.

Chery hopes that the diesel-powered plug-in hybrid system can be the main differentiator to attract consumers. In the future, by 2027, the gasoline-powered PHEV variant is also said to follow into the Australian market.