Diesel PHEV ute preview • Australia

Chery Stockman / KP31: Australia’s diesel PHEV ute wildcard

Chery has named its upcoming diesel plug-in hybrid ute Stockman. Earlier coverage used the concept code KP31 or KP-31, so buyers may see all three names. The hook is big: Chery is positioning Stockman as Australia’s first diesel PHEV ute, with the concept story centred on towing, payload and regional Australian use rather than city-only electrification.

Formerly KP31 / KP-31Diesel PHEV positioning3500kg towing target1000kg payload targetLast checked: 23 June 2026

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What changed

1) KP31 is now Chery Stockman

Chery Australia announced the Stockman name on 17 June 2026 after a public naming competition. The company says the ute will be Chery Australia’s first ute and the nation’s first diesel plug-in hybrid ute. That gives the page two search paths: people still searching “Chery KP31” and buyers now searching “Chery Stockman”.

Buyer translation: Stockman is the market name. KP31 is the concept/code-name search term. Treat final pricing, grades, ANCAP status, payload and towing detail as pending until Chery releases production specifications.

Data snapshot

2) Published concept and launch claims

Item	Current read	Buyer note
Name	Chery Stockman	Previously covered as KP31 / KP-31.
Powertrain	Diesel plug-in hybrid positioning	Final production outputs still pending.
Engine concept	2.5L turbo-diesel PHEV claim	Needs local brochure confirmation.
Braked towing	3500kg target	Must be confirmed by grade and compliance data.
Payload	1000kg target	This is the number that could separate it from some PHEV rivals.
Launch timing	Later 2026 / closer-to-market details pending	Wait for pricing, warranty, ANCAP and grade walk.

Comparison context

3) Why diesel PHEV is the hook

Petrol PHEV utes can be strong for local driving, short commutes and lifestyle use. A diesel PHEV ute makes a different promise: diesel torque and touring familiarity, with hybrid assistance layered on top. That is why Stockman is worth tracking beside BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and Ford Ranger PHEV, rather than treating it as just another Chinese ute.

Model	Status	What Stockman will be judged against
BYD Shark 6	On sale	Petrol PHEV performance, new 3500kg Performance grade, broader range.
GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV	On sale	Large battery, 115km claimed EV range, 3500kg towing and 6kW V2L capability.
Ford Ranger PHEV	On sale / supply varies	Ranger ecosystem, 3500kg towing positioning and Pro Power Onboard.
JAC Hunter PHEV	Incoming/watchlist	Value positioning and strong announced specs, but still needs local proof.

Buyer fit

4) Who should watch the Stockman?

Worth watching if

You want PHEV technology but still prefer diesel logic for touring or towing.
You care about payload as much as headline power.
You can wait for late-2026 production detail.

Wait if

You need a ute now.
You need confirmed ANCAP, warranty, servicing and dealer details.
You tow or carry near maximum limits and need certified figures today.

5) Keep comparing PHEV utes

Sources

6) Public references

Last checked: 23 June 2026. Final Australian specifications, pricing, warranty, ANCAP status and grade walk are still pending.