Chery is bringing a new contender to the Australian ute market with the introduction of the Stockman diesel plug-in hybrid. Combining a 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine with electric drive, the Stockman aims to offer the towing and hauling power of a traditional diesel with the efficiency of a plug-in hybrid. Reservations are now open, and the model is positioned to compete directly with the BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger PHEV.
A New Diesel Hybrid Option for Australian Ute Buyers
Chery has announced plans to import the Stockman diesel plug-in hybrid ute to Australia, marking a notable first for the local market. The Stockman is equipped with a 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine paired with an electric motor, and will also be available in a petrol PHEV variant. According to Chery’s official Australian webpage, reservations for the Stockman are now open.
Carsguide has identified the Stockman as a direct competitor to the BYD Shark 6 and a challenger to the Ford Ranger, both of which have seen strong sales in the hybrid ute segment.
Market Context and Competitor Comparison
Between February 2025 and October 2026, BYD sold 31,659 Shark 6 petrol hybrid utes in Australia. During the same period, Great Wall’s Canon Alpha PHEV and Ford’s Ranger PHEV achieved sales in the low thousands. The Ford Ranger PHEV offers 30 km (~19 miles) of electric range, about a third of what its Chinese rivals provide.
The Stockman’s towing and carrying capabilities are reported to be on par with the Shark Performance variant, matching its electric range as well. Pricing is expected to align with the BYD Shark 6, at around A$56,000 (~$39,290).
Diesel Hybrid Advantages and Considerations
The Stockman is designed to meet the needs of drivers who require both electric efficiency and diesel power for heavy-duty tasks. As Chery describes, “The Stockman does everything a serious ute should — hauls, tows, charges itself — and then somehow fits a luxury interior in there too. How? Honestly, don’t worry about it.”
Diesel engines are noted for their superiority in steady-state motorway cruising and increased torque output, making diesel hybrids suitable for towing or carrying heavier operational payloads. As one source puts it, “Diesel engines remain superior for steady-state motorway cruising.” and “Increased torque output makes diesel hybrids suitable for towing or carrying heavier operational payloads.”
Potential Drawbacks and Maintenance
Modern diesel hybrids, including the Stockman, are fitted with diesel particulate filters (DPF) to reduce emissions. However, these systems require regular highway driving to regenerate, and using a diesel hybrid mainly for short city trips can lead to DPF clogging and increased maintenance costs.
Petrol hybrids, by contrast, tend to offer smoother power delivery and lower noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels, making them more suitable for urban driving. Petrol is also generally less expensive than diesel in Australia, which may influence running costs.
Why this matters
The arrival of the Chery Stockman diesel PHEV introduces a new option for Australian ute buyers seeking both electric efficiency and diesel capability. With strong competition from established models like the BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger PHEV, the Stockman could appeal to drivers who need a vehicle that can handle heavy towing and payloads while offering lower emissions and the potential for reduced fuel costs.
This launch also highlights the evolving landscape of the Australian ute market, where hybrid and plug-in hybrid options are becoming increasingly important for both private and fleet buyers.
What this means for buyers
Buyers considering a new ute now have a diesel plug-in hybrid option that promises both strong towing performance and the benefits of electric driving. Those who regularly drive long distances or tow heavy loads may find the Stockman’s diesel hybrid setup particularly appealing. However, potential owners should be aware of the maintenance requirements for diesel particulate filters and consider their typical driving patterns before choosing between diesel and petrol PHEV variants.
Key Specs
- Engine: 2.5-litre turbo diesel with electric motor
- Available Variants: Diesel PHEV, Petrol PHEV
- Expected Price: A$56,000 (~$39,290)
- Towing and Payload: Comparable to BYD Shark Performance
- Electric Range (Ford Ranger PHEV): 30 km (~19 miles)
- Reservations: Now open in Australia
Images sourced from: carnewschina.com, cleantechnica.com, autoevolution.com
