Chery to import diesel plug‑in hybrid ute to Australia

Chery has announced that it will import a diesel plug‑in hybrid ute into Australia. The country already has a large fleet of diesel utes and petrol‑powered hybrids, such as BYD’s Shark 6 and Great Wall’s Canon Alpha, so the question is why a diesel plug‑in hybrid has not been offered before. Until now, plug‑in hybrid utes in Australia have been petrol‑powered. The new Stockman promises towing and hauling strength, an electric range and a luxury interior, but also raises questions about emissions and maintenance.

Comparing the Stockman to existing models

Sales figures show that BYD’s Shark 6 sold 31,659 petrol hybrid utes between February 2025 and October 2026. Great Wall’s Canon Alpha and Ford’s Ranger plug‑in hybrids sold roughly the same numbers, possibly in the low thousands, although the data periods do not fully match. The Shark 6 has been criticised for lower towing and carrying power than diesel models, and a higher‑priced performance version has since been introduced. Chery’s Stockman is expected to match the Shark Performance’s towing and carrying ability and its electric range, positioning it as a challenger to the Ranger.

The Stockman will have a 2.5‑liter turbo diesel engine and an electric motor, and a petrol plug‑in hybrid version will also be available. Speculation puts its price around AU$56,000, in line with the Shark 6, and reservations are open on Chery’s Australian website. Marketing says the ute can haul, tow, charge itself and still offer a luxury interior.

Diesel plug‑in hybrids emit higher levels of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter than petrol hybrids, raising concerns for city fleets and air quality. Modern diesel engines use particulate filters that need regular highway driving to regenerate; short‑city use can clog the filter and cause costly maintenance. Petrol hybrids, in contrast, usually provide smoother power, lower noise and simpler maintenance.

The Stockman could broaden options for Australian ute owners, offering diesel torque, electric range and a luxury interior. Its long‑term maintenance profile and local emissions impact remain to be seen, so buyers will need to weigh diesel benefits against environmental and upkeep costs. The model’s arrival may shift the balance in the ute market, but its true performance will only be proven on the road.