Chery is currently evaluating the conditions required to introduce the Rely Hi800, a diesel plug-in hybrid pickup truck, into the Brazilian market. During the Global User Summit held in Wuhu, China, Guibing Zhang, President of Chery International and Executive Vice President of Chery Auto Group, emphasized that local production is essential for the project's viability. Zhang stated in an interview with CNN Brasil that importing the vehicle would not be suitable for meeting potential demand, noting that working with small volumes is not ideal. He confirmed that negotiations for local manufacturing are currently being monitored.
The Rely Hi800, also known as the Chery Stockman, combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with an electric motor. This powertrain delivers a combined output of 350 kW, approximately 476 horsepower, and generates 800 Nm of torque. The system is powered by a 34 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, providing an electric-only range of up to 96 km under the NEDC cycle. When combining both power sources, the announced total range reaches 1,350 km. While Australian data indicates a combined fuel consumption of 1.1 liters per 100 km, this figure follows local disclosure standards and should not be treated as an estimate for Brazil.
Designed for heavy-duty tasks, the pickup features a body-on-frame chassis with double wishbone front suspension and leaf springs at the rear. The vehicle measures 5.45 meters in length, 2.01 meters in width, and 1.93 meters in height, with a wheelbase of 3.25 meters. It is equipped with 4x4 four-wheel drive, locking differentials for front, center, and rear axles, hill descent control, and an assistant for tight cornering maneuvers. The ground clearance stands at a minimum of 247 mm, with a wading depth capability of up to 900 mm.
The Rely Hi800 also includes advanced energy management features. Its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology allows it to power external tools and devices, while the Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) function enables energy transfer to other vehicles, with a technical capacity of up to 6 kW for these operations. The model is scheduled for launch in Australia this November, but no official confirmation regarding its release date, price, or arrival timeline in Brazil has been provided yet.
The potential introduction of this diesel hybrid pickup involves reorganizing the group's brand structure in Brazil. Chery currently operates through various brands, including Omoda and Jaecoo, while Rely is directed toward commercial vehicles. Caoa Chery has previously indicated plans for a proprietary pickup under the Himla brand, presented at the 2025 São Paulo Auto Show. Additionally, Jetour, an independent operation within the group, is expected to launch the F700 pickup in Brazil. The new hybrid model could arrive under the Jaecoo banner or through the revival of the Rely brand, which previously operated in Brazil during the 2010s with mini-trucks and utility vehicles. However, Zhang reiterated that any launch depends on the establishment of Chery's new factory in the country, which remains in the negotiation phase.
Sources: CNN Brasil.