Chery Unveils World's First Diesel Plug-in Hybrid Pickup: Stockman
Chery has made history by building the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid pickup, the Stockman, developed specifically for the Australian market. This innovative vehicle combines a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine with a 34 kWh battery, boasting a claimed electric range of 100 km on the NEDC cycle.
NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) is a laboratory test cycle that Europe replaced with WLTP in 2018, the same year Volvo discontinued its first diesel plug-in hybrid. The Stockman boasts impressive specifications, including 469 hp and 800 Nm of torque, enabling it to tow up to 3,500 kg.
However, this isn't a new concept. Volvo pioneered the diesel plug-in hybrid with the V60 D6 Plug-in Hybrid from 2013 to 2018, while Mercedes also offered the E300de from 2018 to 2020. Despite these efforts, Europe replaced NEDC with WLTP in 2018, and Volvo ceased production of its plug-in hybrid.
Chery's Australian site notes that the range, consumption, towing, and output figures are preliminary and subject to testing and certification. The company emphasizes that a charger can charge the vehicle from 10% to 97% in under nine minutes.
With hybrids gaining popularity in Europe, accounting for 36.6% of new car registrations in H1 2022, the Stockman's arrival Down Under is significant. However, it's unlikely to make its way to European markets due to a lack of homologation and no announced plans from Chery.
Darius Popa, Technology Enthusiast and Intern at The Next Web