Chery’s chunky plug-in hybrid ute is coming to New Zealand

Last year was a mammoth 12 months for plug-in hybrid utes locally, with the launch of no less than three electrically assisted pick-ups in the form of the Ford Ranger PHEV, BYD Shark 6, and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV.

And now, a fourth brand has confirmed that it too plans to launch a plug-in hybrid in New Zealand — uniquely with both petrol and diesel internal combustion options.

Chery has debuted its new dual-cab pick-up across the ditch. The model does not have an official name just yet (it has the internal code of KP31), but it is expected to touch down in production form towards the end of the year, or early next year.

The Chery adopts chunky, squared-off styling that echoes some of the SUV models from its sub-brand Jetour, as well as the likes of the Ford Bronco. It’s a look that should stand out in our market, particularly when parked up next to the likes of the Ranger and Shark 6.

The pick-up was designed specifically with Australasia in mind, and sits upon a traditional ladder-frame chassis with front, centre and rear locking differentials and a low-range gearbox.

Chery boasts that the model will have a braked towing capacity of up to 3500kg and a 1000kg payload. 

Something rather unique about the Chery ute is that it will be offered as either a diesel plug-in hybrid or a petrol plug-in hybrid. Thus far, every PHEV ute to hit our market has solely been offered with a petrol engine. 

According to Australian reports, the model will arrive first with a 2.5-litre turbodiesel PHEV powertrain. Chery has only confirmed the model’s estimated pure electric range, at a generous 170km. Reports from China suggest the electric-assisted diesel will produce 210kW/650Nm. Its battery sizing is unknown.

The petrol PHEV is set to be introduced in 2027, with less of its details confirmed. 

Technically classified as a ‘concept’, the KP31’s current design is said to be “very close” to the model’s final production looks. Along with its chunky proportions, the concept comes with bash plates, a snorkel, and BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres.

“It will be designed around Australia’s needs and wants – so long-distance driving, towing with payload, multi-terrain use, with an added emphasis on efficiency and, of course, capability,” Chery Australia chief operating officer Lucas Harris told media at the model’s unveiling.

“In Australia, one of the most important measures for a ute – and it is very simple – is ‘can it do the job?’. So that’s why our platform targets are very clear. [...] We must have a 1000-kilo payload, and we must have a three-and-a-half-tonne towing, which is what we will deliver when we launch this ute.”