Weilin R08 PRO Electric Pickup

Introduction — Weilin R08  Electric Pickup

The Chinese automotive industry has been turning heads globally for years, but the arrival of the Weilin R08 PRO electric pickup marks a genuinely exciting new chapter. Built under Chery’s dedicated pickup sub-brand Rely — known internationally as Himla — this truck signals that China is no longer just dabbling in utility vehicles. It means serious business.

The Rely R08 PRO was officially announced in April 2026 as a more hardcore variant of the standard R08, featuring off-road-ready accessories and locking differentials front and rear as standard equipment. In China, the vehicle is marketed under the Rely brand and carries the Chinese name 威麟R08 (Wēilín R08), which is why you’ll see it referred to interchangeably as the Weilin R08 PRO across global automotive media.

Rely Auto was launched by Chery on April 20, 2025, aiming to become the global benchmark for value in new energy and intelligent pickups. The brand name “Rely” combines the first letters of Rebuild, Explore, Link, and Yield. The brand plans to roll out one new product annually over the next four years — a clear signal of Chery’s long-term commitment to the pickup segment worldwide.

For anyone following the Chinese electric pickup truck space, the R08 PRO represents something special: a rugged, capable, and affordable electric pickup born from the same Chery engineering DNA that has powered the company to the top of China’s export charts for 23 consecutive years. Whether you’re eyeing it as a potential workhorse, an off-road companion, or simply as a window into where global pickup trucks are heading, the Weilin R08 PRO deserves your full attention.

Weilin R08 PRO Review — First Look at the Design

One of the first things you notice about the Weilin R08 PRO is that it refuses to look generic. Where many utility pickups play it safe with conservative styling, the R08 PRO takes a bold, purposeful approach that communicates capability before you even open the door.

The R08 PRO features bold LED headlights, T-shaped LED daytime running lights, a blacked-out grille, black alloy wheels, and a clamshell-style hood — a combination that gives it a rugged yet modern road presence. Compared to the standard R08, the PRO variant receives a refined front-end design built around a rectangular grille, square headlights, and a reinforced front bumper incorporating an underbody protection plate.

The exterior hardware tells an equally serious story. Standard equipment includes a factory-installed snorkel, a heavy-duty black front bumper, a front skid plate to protect the chassis, metal side steps, flared wheel arches, and all-terrain tires — all straight from the factory floor, not aftermarket additions.

This is a key differentiator from competing Chinese electric pickup trucks. Rather than asking buyers to spend extra on upgrading for off-road use, Chery has integrated the off-road hardware package as a baseline. The result is a truck that looks like it has already been through a few adventures before you’ve even signed the purchase agreement.

The overall silhouette is unmistakably a midsize workhorse — wide, planted, and purposeful. The flared arches add visual width and hint at the serious suspension geometry underneath. The blacked-out trim elements throughout the body keep the aesthetic coherent and modern without venturing into unnecessary flashiness. This is a Chinese electric pickup truck designed to be taken seriously on a global stage, and its looks back that ambition up convincingly.

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Weilin R08 PRO Specs and Platform

Understanding the Weilin R08 PRO starts with understanding the R08 platform it is built upon, and it is a genuinely impressive foundation for a utility pickup at this price point.

The standard Rely R08 EV — the pure electric variant — was launched in China on January 27, 2026, with pricing starting at RMB 127,800 (approximately $18,370) and reaching up to RMB 158,800 for top-spec configurations. The R08 PRO, launched in April 2026, sits above this lineup with pricing ranging from RMB 144,800 to RMB 169,800, reflecting its enhanced off-road specification.

The body-on-frame construction is an important detail. Unlike unibody SUVs masquerading as trucks, the R08 is a genuine ladder-frame pickup, which gives it real towing and payload credentials alongside its off-road capability.

Here is a detailed look at the key specifications of the Weilin R08 PRO platform:

The battery chemistry is worth highlighting specifically. The R08 EV uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, jointly supplied by CATL and EVE Energy — two of the world’s leading battery manufacturers. LFP chemistry offers superior cycle life of over 3,000 charge cycles, better thermal stability, and stronger safety credentials compared to ternary lithium alternatives, making it particularly well suited for the high-frequency, heavy-load commercial use cases this truck is designed for.

The electric utility pickup truck case for the R08 is compelling. A single-port power output of up to 6 kW means the truck can directly power professional tools such as electric saws, welding machines, and air compressors in the field — effectively replacing a diesel generator on a job site.

Electric Off-Road Pickup Capabilities

Here is where the Weilin R08 PRO truly earns its name. The “PRO” designation is not a marketing embellishment — it represents a comprehensive and factory-spec’d off-road package that would impress buyers in any segment at any price point.

The BorgWarner part-time four-wheel drive system supports three drive modes: 2H for normal road driving, 4H for high-speed four-wheel drive conditions, and 4L for serious low-speed off-road terrain. Both front and rear differential locks are fitted as standard, a feature that many competitors reserve for top-of-range trim levels only.

The off-road geometry figures are genuine and verified:

The double wishbone front suspension and leaf spring rear setup is a classic and proven combination for a utility pickup of this type. The front setup delivers better steering feel and wheel articulation, while the leaf springs at the rear provide the load-bearing capacity and durability that working trucks demand.

The Tank Turn function — which allows the truck to rotate almost on its own axis by spinning the front and rear wheels in opposite directions — and the Crawl Mode for ultra-slow, controlled terrain navigation are features that even established global off-road EV trucks struggle to offer as standard.

The factory-installed snorkel is another headline feature for the off road EV truck crowd. Deep water crossings, muddy trails, and dusty construction sites are no longer obstacles to worry about — they are environments this truck is explicitly designed to handle. Combined with all-terrain tires and the reinforced underside skid plate, the Weilin R08 PRO arrives prepared for the kind of conditions where other electric pickups might hesitate.

Chery Zongheng Pickup Technology Features

The Weilin R08 PRO is not just a rugged electric pickup — it is a modern, connected vehicle that brings a level of in-cabin technology typically associated with premium passenger cars rather than utility trucks.

The interior is anchored by a large 15.6-inch central touchscreen infotainment display, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip — the same processor found in high-end smartphones and premium Chinese EVs. This platform delivers smooth, responsive performance for navigation, media, and vehicle settings, and supports both Apple CarPlay and Huawei’s HiCar connectivity.

Over-the-air (OTA) software updates are supported as standard, meaning the truck can receive new features, improvements, and fixes wirelessly without needing a dealership visit. This is an increasingly standard feature for Chinese EVs and one that genuinely adds long-term value to ownership.

The driver assistance suite is Level 2 capable and includes a comprehensive set of features:

The transparent chassis view feature deserves a special mention. Using cameras positioned underneath the vehicle, the system creates a virtual see-through view of the ground directly beneath the truck on the infotainment screen. This makes navigating tight off-road obstacles, rocks, and ditches dramatically easier and is a feature that even premium off-road vehicles rarely offer at this price level.

The 540-degree panoramic camera system provides complete visibility around the truck — essential when maneuvering in tight urban spaces or reversing with a loaded cargo bed. This level of camera integration on a rugged electric pickup truck is genuinely impressive and reflects how seriously Chery Zongheng is approaching the technology side of this segment.

Interior and Utility Features

Step inside the Weilin R08 PRO and you will find a cabin that punches well above its price class. The interior design philosophy balances practicality with modern comfort, recognising that today’s pickup truck buyers — whether commercial operators or lifestyle adventurers — expect both.

Top-trim configurations feature leather ventilated seats, a 15.6-inch display, wireless charging, and the 360-degree plus transparent chassis camera system. Entry configurations offer a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, fabric seating, and a still-comprehensive technology package. Regardless of trim level, the driving position is commanding, the switchgear is logically arranged, and the overall quality feel represents a significant step forward for an affordable electric pickup truck in this segment.

The cargo bed is a genuine working tool. The R08 platform was designed around the concept of “practicality first, technology as the foundation,” and the bed reflects this. Multiple expansion configurations are supported, and the bed has been engineered to handle the demands of commercial users.

The 6 kW external power output — V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capability in EV form — is one of the most practically useful features on the truck. At a claimed output sufficient to power professional tools above 3.5 kW, it effectively replaces a diesel generator on a job site. At residential electricity prices, the cost of running tools this way is significantly lower than using conventional fuel-powered generators.

The interior of the Weilin R08 PRO reflects a thoughtful understanding of what working truck buyers actually need. This is not a vehicle trying to be a luxury SUV in disguise. It is a proper electric utility pickup truck that happens to offer a genuinely pleasant cabin experience — and that balance is exactly right for its intended audience.

Pros and Cons of the Weilin R08 PRO Electric Pickup

No honest review is complete without acknowledging both strengths and areas where the truck still needs to prove itself. Here is a balanced look at what the Weilin R08 PRO brings to the table and where questions remain.

The pros list is genuinely substantial for a truck at this price point. The cons are largely external factors — global market access, brand building, and regulatory hurdles — rather than fundamental problems with the truck itself. That is actually a positive sign for the R08 PRO’s long-term potential.

User Opinions About the Chinese Electric Pickup Truck

The Weilin R08 PRO — and the broader Rely R08 lineup — has generated significant buzz since its various reveals and launches throughout 2025 and 2026. Market reaction has been a fascinating mix of enthusiasm, pragmatic scepticism, and genuine curiosity.

Within China, the reception has been broadly positive. New energy pickup trucks reached 73,000 units in 2025, representing a 243% year-on-year surge — a market context that suggests buyers are ready for electric and hybrid alternatives to conventional diesel pickups. The R08’s pricing strategy, placing a fully-specced off-road electric pickup under RMB 170,000 for the PRO variant, has been widely praised as aggressive and smart.

Internationally, reactions are more nuanced. Enthusiasts on global automotive forums have noted the remarkable specifications-per-dollar equation that the R08 PRO represents. The combination of factory-fitted snorkel, differential locks, transparent chassis view, and a premium infotainment platform at this price would be virtually impossible to replicate from any established Western or Japanese manufacturer.

Critics, predictably, have raised questions about build quality, long-term durability, and what happens to the price once import tariffs, safety certification costs, and dealer margins are added in markets like the United States or Europe. These are fair and reasonable questions, and ones that Chery will need to answer with sustained real-world performance data.

Comparisons with the BYD Shark hybrid pickup and the Geely Radar RD6 electric pickup are inevitable. The BYD Shark has made a strong impression in markets like Mexico where it launched as China’s first major hybrid pickup export. The Radar RD6, backed by Geely’s engineering resources, has established itself as a credible electric workhorse in several Asian markets. The R08 PRO, with its harder off-road focus and diesel PRO variant, aims to occupy a slightly different and arguably more adventurous position in the segment — targeting buyers who want genuine trail capability rather than just electrified utility.

The Chery Himla branding, used in export markets, has been positively received in regions like the UAE, where the truck launched in partnership with Al Ghurair Mobility starting at AED 59,900 — undercutting established players like the Toyota Hilux significantly.

FAQ — Weilin R08 PRO Electric Pickup

Is Weilin R08 PRO a real electric pickup?

Yes — the Weilin R08 PRO is a real production vehicle. The standard Rely R08 EV launched in China on January 27, 2026, and the PRO variant was announced and went on sale in April 2026. It is manufactured by Chery Automotive under its Rely pickup sub-brand. In export markets, it is sold under the Himla nameplate. The truck features a genuine body-on-frame construction, and EV, gasoline, and diesel powertrain options are available across the R08 model family.

What range does Weilin R08 PRO offer?

The R08 EV variant offers a CLTC-rated range of up to 405 km with the 66.54 kWh battery in RWD configuration, and up to 510 km with the 66.54 kWh battery in AWD configuration. The larger 88 kWh battery, available in AWD only, offers approximately 505 km CLTC range. It is important to note that CLTC figures are measured under Chinese testing standards and real-world range will vary depending on load, terrain, driving style, and climate conditions.

Is the Weilin R08 PRO good for off-road driving?

Absolutely. The R08 PRO is specifically engineered for off-road use. It comes with 230 mm of ground clearance, a 34-degree approach angle, a 29-degree departure angle, BorgWarner part-time 4WD with 2H/4H/4L modes, front and rear differential locks, Tank Turn, Crawl Mode, a factory snorkel, skid plate, and all-terrain tires. This is a comprehensive off-road package that is hard to match at anywhere near this price point.

How powerful is the Chery electric pickup truck?

In EV form, the AWD configuration produces a combined 300 kW (approximately 400 hp) and 540 Nm of peak torque. The RWD EV produces 150 kW (approximately 200 hp) and 350 Nm. The R08 PRO’s diesel engine produces 420 Nm of torque from just 1,500 rpm via a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder, paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. Official horsepower figures for the diesel PRO have not yet been published.

When will Weilin R08 PRO launch globally?

The truck is already available in China and has launched in several export markets under the Himla name, including the UAE (February 2026) and Latin American markets. Chery has confirmed global expansion ambitions for the Rely/Himla brand, with plans to introduce one new model annually over the next four years. Specific timelines for North American or European markets have not been officially confirmed, partly due to ongoing regulatory and tariff considerations.

Is Weilin R08 PRO cheaper than Tesla Cybertruck?

In China, yes — significantly so. The R08 PRO starts at RMB 144,800 (approximately $20,000 USD at current rates), while the Tesla Cybertruck starts at around $79,990 in the United States. However, direct price comparisons are complex: the Cybertruck is not sold in China, the R08 PRO is not currently sold in the US, and import tariffs would substantially alter any real-world pricing comparison. On raw specifications per dollar in the Chinese market, the R08 PRO offers extraordinary value relative to any international electric pickup competitor.

Final Verdict — Should You Wait for the Weilin R08 PRO?

The Weilin R08 PRO is one of the most interesting and genuinely capable pickup trucks to emerge from China’s booming new energy vehicle sector. It is not a concept, not a promise, and not a compromise — it is a production-spec, body-on-frame pickup truck with factory off-road credentials, a modern technology cockpit, and pricing that makes its global competitors look expensive.

The combination of BorgWarner 4WD, front and rear locking differentials, 230 mm ground clearance, a factory snorkel, transparent chassis view cameras, a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered 15.6-inch screen, and CATL/EVE lithium iron phosphate batteries at under $22,000 in China is, simply put, remarkable. No established manufacturer from Japan, the United States, or Europe can offer anything remotely comparable at this price.

The real question for buyers outside China is not whether the truck is good — the evidence suggests it genuinely is — but when and how it will reach their market, and what it will cost once local taxes, tariffs, and safety homologation requirements are factored in. These are legitimate considerations, and the honest answer is that much still depends on how quickly Chery’s Rely and Himla brands can build their international presence and service networks.

For those in markets where the truck is already available — parts of the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America — the case for taking a serious look is strong. For everyone else, watching this space closely is a very wise move.

The electric and hybrid pickup truck segment globally is changing fast. Chinese manufacturers like Chery, BYD, and Geely are pushing technology and affordability thresholds that are forcing a fundamental rethink of what a working truck can and should cost. The Weilin R08 PRO is a compelling example of that shift in action.

For the most current news, detailed reviews, and ongoing coverage of Chinese electric vehicles including the full Rely/Himla R08 lineup, autochina.blog is the destination to bookmark. As Chinese EV brands continue their global expansion, staying informed through a dedicated source is the best way to make sure you don’t miss what’s coming next.