Chery Stockman World's First Diesel PHEV Truck for Malaysia?

Chery Stockman: World's First Diesel PHEV Pickup Truck for Malaysia

The Chery Stockman (platform code KP31) is a diesel plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) pickup truck manufactured by Chery, a Chinese automaker. It is the first production diesel PHEV truck globally, combining a diesel internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a battery pack. Chery Malaysia, the official distributor, has confirmed its planned launch in Malaysia, targeting users who need heavy-duty towing and off-road capability alongside lower urban fuel consumption and emissions. The vehicle addresses the gap between conventional diesel workhorses and fully electric pickups, offering a transitional solution for Malaysian fleet operators, contractors, and rural businesses.

Key Facts

Why is the Chery Stockman Considered the World’s First Diesel PHEV Truck?

The Chery Stockman is the first production pickup truck to integrate a diesel engine with a plug-in hybrid electric powertrain, as confirmed by Chery’s Australian division and reported by Paultan.org on 18 June 2026. No other manufacturer had previously launched a diesel PHEV truck in series production. The combination allows the vehicle to operate in pure electric mode for short distances – ideal for low-emission zones in cities like Kuala Lumpur – while retaining diesel’s high torque for towing and off-road use. According to the Paultan.org article, Chery claims the system reduces overall CO₂ emissions by up to 30% compared to a conventional diesel pickup, though full test data has not been published for Malaysia.

“The Chery Stockman is the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid electric pickup truck, combining the robustness of a diesel engine with the efficiency and zero-emission capability of an electric drivetrain.”

— Paultan.org report, 18 June 2026, citing a Chery spokesperson

When Will the Chery Stockman Be Available in Malaysia?

Chery Malaysia has not confirmed a specific launch date, but Paultan.org reported on 18 June 2026 that the Stockman is “coming to Malaysia” and is expected within 12 months of the Australian debut. The vehicle was first unveiled in Australia under the name “Stockman” in early 2026. Malaysian homologation, SIRIM certification for the charging system, and local component sourcing are likely to take until the second half of 2027. Pricing and trim levels will be announced closer to launch. Interested buyers can register with Chery Malaysia for updates.

How Does the Diesel PHEV Powertrain Work in Malaysian Conditions?

The system automatically selects between pure electric, hybrid, and diesel-only modes, optimising for fuel economy and torque demand in tropical heat and urban traffic. In Malaysian conditions – high ambient temperatures (32–35°C), frequent stop-and-go traffic in Klang Valley, and occasional off-road use on plantations – the electric motor provides instant low-end torque and reduces diesel idling emissions. The battery can be charged using a standard 240V wall outlet (UK-style 3-pin plug) in approximately 4–5 hours. The diesel engine remains the primary power source for highway cruising and towing, where diesel efficiency is highest. Chery has not yet published thermal management test data for 35°C+ environments, but the vehicle’s battery is expected to have active liquid cooling to maintain performance.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

This vehicle is primarily aimed at commercial fleet operators, small contractors, and agricultural users in Malaysia who require a workhorse pickup but face increasing fuel costs and stricter emissions regulations. Specific use cases include:

• Urban delivery fleets operating within low-emission zones (e.g., Kuala Lumpur City Centre) where electric-only mode reduces operating costs.
• Plantation and mining site managers who need both off-road durability and ability to charge overnight from a standard 240V supply.
• Small business owners (e.g., building materials, landscaping) who want to reduce diesel consumption while retaining the payload and towing capacity of a traditional 1-tonne pickup.

Compared to existing diesel pickups in Malaysia (Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton, Isuzu D-Max), the Stockman offers a lower total cost of ownership for high-mileage users, provided the upfront price premium is offset by fuel savings. However, it currently lacks the extensive dealer and service network of established Japanese brands.

Common Questions

Will the Chery Stockman be eligible for Malaysian EV incentives?

As a PHEV with a diesel engine, the Stockman may qualify for partial excise duty exemptions under Malaysia’s National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2020, but only if its electric range exceeds 50 km (WLTP) and CO₂ emissions fall below the threshold. Final eligibility will depend on homologation results.

Can the Chery Stockman be charged at public EV charging stations in Malaysia?

Yes, it supports AC Type 2 charging (standard in Malaysia), but not DC fast charging because its battery capacity is small. Most public chargers in Malaysia offer Type 2 sockets, making it compatible with stations operated by ChargeEV, JomCharge, and Gentari.

What is the expected price in Malaysia compared to a diesel Toyota Hilux?

Based on Australian pricing (approx. AUD 55,000), the Malaysian price is estimated at RM 120,000–RM 150,000, which is around 20–30% higher than a top-spec Toyota Hilux 2.8L diesel (approx. RM 120,000). The higher upfront cost may be offset by fuel savings of up to 30% in mixed driving.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based primarily on the Paultan.org report dated 18 June 2026: “Chery Stockman – Australian name for KP31 pick-up is world’s first diesel PHEV truck coming to Malaysia”. Where the source did not provide specific Malaysian pricing or homologation details, estimates have been derived from Australian pricing and typical import duties for PHEVs. Currency conversion uses an approximate rate of 1 AUD = 3.00 MYR (June 2026). All specifications are subject to change upon official Malaysian launch. This article was last updated on 18 June 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against Chery Malaysia’s official announcements and the Paultan.org article.