It looks almost identical to a Toyota Hilux, but it’s about half the price. Chery Automotive launched its first electric pickup, starting at just 127,800 yuan ($18,300).
Chery launches new Toyota Hilux electric pickup rival
Chery Automotive’s sub-brand, Rely, launched the R08 EV pickup on Tuesday, the brand’s first fully electric pickup.
The electric pickup measures 5,330 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,890 mm in height, roughly the size of a Toyota Hilux.
It’s available with two battery pack options: 66.5 kWh or 88 kWh. The former is available with rear-wheel and all-wheel drive powertrains, providing up to 405 km (252 miles) and 510 km (317 miles) CLTC driving range. The larger (88 kWh) battery is available only with AWD and offers a CLTC range of 505 km (314 miles).
The RWD version features a single 150 kW (200 hp) electric motor, delivering 350 Nm of torque. The AWD adds a front-mounted electric motor for a combined 300 kW (400 hp) and 540 Nm max torque.
Depending on the trim, the interior features either a 12.3″ or 15.6″ central infotainment screen. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 in-vehicle chip powers the smart cockpit system.
More expensive trims offer advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.
The Rely R08 electric pickup starts at 127,800 yuan ($18,300) with prices ranging up to 158,800 yuan ($22,800).
Rely was launched last April as a global new energy vehicle (NEV) pickup brand. The gas-powered
R08 was launched in China in September, starting at 88,800 yuan ($12,800).
Outside of Geely’s Radar RD6, there are few Chinese electric pickup brands. Both Radar and Rely plan to expand into new global markets, where they will compete with the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
Toyota unveiled the all-electric Hilux BEV at the Brussels Motor Show earlier this month. It will launch in April, followed by a hybrid version later in the year.
The electric Hilux will be available with a 59.2 kWh battery, good for a WLTP driving range of up to 257 km (160 miles). It will be equipped with an AWD powertrain, delivering a combined 472 Nm of max torque.
Toyota will reveal prices and final specs closer to launch, but the current Hilux starts at around €46,000 ($55,100) in Europe.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
