Chery Himla R08 EV launched in China – EV pick-up truck with up to 408 PS, 510 km CLTC range; fr RM72k

Himla was introduced at last year’s Auto Shanghai as Chery’s new pick-up truck brand intended for global markets. In China however, the brand is called Rely, with five models that will be part of its line-up showcased at Chery’s business conference that was recently held on January 16, 2026.

Covering a range of powertrains, including pure internal combustion, pure electric and hybrid, the Rely range includes the R08, which was the vehicle shown to us in Shanghai last year. The R08 also comes in fully electric (R08 EV) and more rugged (R08 Pro) versions, with the other models named at the January 16 event being the P2X and P3X.

Recently, the Rely 08 EV went on sale in China on January 27, with prices ranging from 127,800 to 158,800 yuan (about RM72k to RM90k). The pick-up truck features a body-on-frame construction and comes in single- and dual-motor configurations, with six variants offered.

Single-motor, rear-wheel drive variants pack 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) and 350 Nm of torque for a 0-100 km/h time of 8.8 seconds. Meanwhile, dual-motor, all-wheel drive options have a total system output of 408 PS (402 hp or 300 kW) and 540 Nm for a reduced century sprint time of five seconds.

Paired with the electric motor(s) is either a 66.54- or 88-kWh battery that provides up to 405, 510 or 505 km of range (presumably following the CLTC standard) depending on the configuration. The Rely 08 EV doesn’t look too different from the fossil fuel-powered 08, with a notable change being the large charge port door on the front grille just below the brand script.

According to Yiche, Chery offers the electric pick-up truck in standard and long bed versions. The former measures 5,330 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, 1,890 mm tall and its bed is 1,530 mm long. The dimensions of the long bed version are largely similar but it is longer overall at 5,610 mm thanks to its bed that is stretched to 1,810 mm long. The width and height of the bed for both versions are identical at 1,620 mm and 515 mm respectively.

Inside, the Himly/Rely model comes with either a 15.6- or 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen and an interior that follows a light brown and black theme with chrome accents. Higher-end variants get ADAS functions like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and autonomous emergency braking.

If you’re curious about the non-EV version of the R08, it retails for between 128,800 and 185,800 yuan (RM73k and RM105k). All nine available variants are powered by a 2.3 litre inline-four turbodiesel engine making 163 PS (161 hp or 120 kW) and 420 Nm, paired with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission as well as a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive.

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