Chery is developing an upcoming diesel plug-in hybrid mid-size pickup truck that is currently unnamed, but is known as "KP31" which is its internal codename. Once it enters production and goes on sale, it will become the first mass-produced diesel plug-in hybrid pickup truck.
Overview
The tentatively named KP31 was previewed by the Rely P3X concept first showed at the Chengdu Auto Show on 2 September, 2025. It was the first concept to be revealed under the Rely brand.[2] The KP31 is a double-cab pickup truck using a ladder frame chassis and is also the first model to use the Kaitan Architecture.[3]
A near-production model was revealed in Australia on 23 February 2026.[4] In March 2026, Chery announced a competition for Australians to name the vehicle, starting on 12 March at 12:00p.m. Australian Eastern Daylight Saving Time (UTC+11:00), and closing at 11:50p.m. AEDT on 26 March, with the winner to receive the first unit shipped to Australia.[5]
Chery will first launch the KP31 in Australia in late 2026. A petrol plug-in hybrid version will be made available in 2027.[6]
Design
The KP31's front end has been compared to that of the sixth-generation Ford Bronco because of its circular headlights, flat front end, and full-width grille. The back uses vertical taillights and "CHERY" stamped into black plastic trim on the tailgate. Box-flared fenders are utilized.[7]
Features
The KP31 uses front and rear skid plates, includes, recovery points, a snorkel, and six-lug wheels. Integrated steps are also used in the rear. The bed was designed to sit high above the chassis so that it has minimal intrusion from the wheel arches.[8] Large side-view mirrors and traditional door handles are also utilized.[9]
Powertrain and chassis
The KP31 uses a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 2.5 litre twin-turbocharged diesel inline 4 producing 210 kW and 650 Nm of torque paired with an electric motor.[2] The specs of the motor and battery are unknown, however it will offer at least 170 km of electric range and the battery will be located towards the back of the frame.[9] The KP31's engine has a thermal efficiency of 47% and is said to be 10% more economical than that of a conventional diesel engine.[10]
The KP31 will use front, center, and rear locking differentials and a low-range gearbox.[11]
It will have a 1000 kg payload capacity and a 3500 kg braked towing capacity.[12]
References
- Chery KP31 ute concept makes first international debut Chery Australia, 23 February 2026, retrieved 24 February 2026^
- Tom White. 2026 Chery ute to be hybrid at launch in Oz CarsGuide, November 8, 2025^
- Marius Boonzaier. Chery Unveils Rely P3X Hybrid Bakkie CarMad, September 2, 2025^
- Charl Bosch. Is this it? Wraps come ‘export market’ Chery KP31 concept bakkie The Citizen, February 23, 2026^
- Ben Zachariah. Chery invites Aussies to name its ground-breaking plug-in hybrid diesel ute CarExpert, 12 March 2026, retrieved 12 March 2026^
- Alex Misoyannis. Chery ute: ‘World’s first’ diesel plug-in hybrid dual-cab due in Australia late 2026 Drive, February 23, 2026^
- Jonathan Lee. Chery KP31 pick-up concept revealed – Ford Bronco-lookalike diesel PHEV truck coming to Malaysia? Paul Tan's Automotive News, February 23, 2026^
- Ben Zachariah. 2027 Chery’s off-road ute launching with diesel plug-in hybrid CarExpert, February 23, 2026^
- Denis Bobylev. Chery to launch the first diesel PHEV ute in Australia this year CarNewsChina, February 23, 2026^
- David Linklater. Chery's new 1-tonner is the 'world's first' diesel PHEV ute - and it could be NZ-bound Driven Car Guide, February 24, 2026^
- Kyle Cassidy. Chery KP31 ute to offer plug-in diesel power in NZ Autotrader NZ, February 23, 2026^
- Tim Gibson. Diesel hybrid confirmed! 2026 Chery ute details revealed ahead of Australian debut for the brand's key BYD Shark 6 and Toyota HiLux challenger CarsGuide, February 23, 2026^