Chery has confirmed the KP31 pick-up for Australia, with production units due in Q4 2026. The announcement is for Australia, but the model is relevant to Malaysia for one clear reason: its diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Chery said the KP31 uses a 2.5-litre turbo diesel plug-in hybrid setup. That sets it apart from the BYD Shark 6 previewed in Malaysia last year, which uses a 1.5-litre turbo petrol PHEV system.
BYD quoted 436PS and 650Nm for the Shark 6, with an 835kg payload and 2,500kg towing capacity.
For the KP31, Chery quotes 1,000kg payload and 3.5-tonne towing, along with a claimed 47% thermal efficiency figure for the diesel engine.
Chery also described it as the world’s first dual-cab pick-up with a diesel plug-in hybrid drivetrain, although that claim has not been independently verified. A petrol PHEV version is planned for 2027.
The KP31 also appeared to be linked to the Rely P3X shown earlier in China.
Australia’s right-hand drive market status is also relevant. It removes one practical hurdle if Chery decides to study other right-hand drive markets, including Malaysia. For now, however, Chery has not announced any Malaysia plan or timeline.
For local buyers, the key point is not just electrification, but the type of electrification. Petrol PHEV pick-ups are already entering the picture, but a diesel-based system may appeal more to owners who tow, carry heavy loads or cover long distances regularly.
For now, there is no official word on Malaysia. Even so, the KP31 is now tied to one confirmed right-hand drive market, and its payload and towing figures give it a different profile from the PHEV pick-up already previewed here.
