Words: Andrew Sluys
Published 10 June 2026
Chery New Zealand has confirmed its Plug-in Hybrid ute will be launching locally early next year.
Temporarily called the KP31, the double-cab ute pairs a 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine with a plug-in hybrid powerplant.
Chery promises that this system will be 10 per cent more efficient than the “average diesel powertrain”.
It will also match the segment standard of having a 1,000kg payload and a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity.
Chery claims that the production version of the KP31 will be “very similar” to the concept.
Said concept measures 5610mm long, 1920mm wide and 1925mm tall. The production version is confirmed to be 5450mm long.
A petrol version of this ute will also join the local line-up “later in 2027.”
“We’re incredibly excited to confirm our ute will be coming to the New Zealand market,” said Lucas Harris Chery AUS & NZ Chief Operating Officer.
“It’s riveting to be the first brand to offer a diesel PHEV in the dual-cab ute class, which will be our key point of difference compared to the competition”.
