World’s first diesel plug-in hybrid pickup with 7,700-pound towing capacity unveiled

Chinese automaker Chery has unveiled the KP31 dual-cab ute concept, positioning it as the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid pickup, with a planned production launch in Australia in late 2026. The KP31 features a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine combined with an electric motor, delivering a plug-in hybrid system with 47 percent thermal efficiency. This setup promises 10 percent better fuel economy, 10 percent lighter weight than comparable systems, and a 30 percent reduction in vibration and noise compared to standard diesel engines, addressing common drawbacks of diesel trucks. The Australian market played a significant role in the development, with Chery’s local division advocating strongly for the diesel PHEV configuration to meet the dual demands for diesel power and hybrid efficiency. Designed to compete with established pickups like the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger, the KP31 targets a payload of 2,205 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. The ute’s dimensions and