Chery launches its first EV pickup, Himla, marking a major milestone for the Chinese automaker as it steps into the rapidly growing electric utility vehicle market. Officially unveiled on January 27, 2026, the new Himla EV—also known as the Rely R08—positions itself as a capable and affordable challenger to established global pickup trucks like the Toyota Hilux.
Priced between 127,800 and 158,800 yuan (approximately 18,300 to 22,700 USD), the Himla EV is offered in six variants, making it accessible to both commercial and lifestyle buyers.
Rugged Design with Modern Touches
Built on a body-on-frame platform, the Himla EV retains the rugged DNA expected from a pickup while integrating modern EV styling. The front fascia is dominated by a large polygonal grille with honeycomb-patterned black elements, giving it a bold and muscular stance. The RELY logo sits prominently on the hood, reinforcing its new sub-brand identity.
Size Options for Practical Utility
Chery offers the Himla EV in standard and long box versions to cater to different hauling needs.
- Standard box: 5,330mm long
- Long box: 5,610mm long
Cargo bed depth measures 1,530mm for the standard version and 1,810mm for the long box, while both maintain a width of 1,620mm and height of 515mm, ensuring strong load-carrying capability.
Premium and Tech-Focused Interior
Inside, the cabin blends practicality with premium design. It features a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, chrome accents, and a stylish light brown and black color scheme. Depending on the variant, buyers get either a 12.3-inch or 15.6-inch floating touchscreen, adding a modern, digital feel to the rugged pickup.
Higher trims include advanced driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Performance That Challenges Rivals
Chery launches its first EV pickup, Himla, with two drivetrain options.
- Single-motor RWD: 150 kW (201 hp), 350 Nm torque, 0–100 km/h in 8.8 seconds
- Dual-motor AWD: 300 kW (402 hp), 540 Nm torque, 0–100 km/h in just 5.0 seconds
This makes the AWD version one of the quickest electric pickups in its class.
Battery and Driving Range
Battery options include 66.54 kWh and 88 kWh packs, delivering ranges of 405 km, 505 km, or 510 km, depending on configuration. With this, Chery launches its first EV pickup, Himla, as a strong contender for both urban and long-distance use.
A New Global Pickup Contender
With competitive pricing, strong performance, and modern features, Chery launched its first EV pickup, the Himla, as a serious alternative to traditional diesel pickups, signaling a bold shift toward electrified utility vehicles.
Related Articles:-
