Chery Ships 150 RELY R08 EV Pickups to Ethiopia

RELY has shipped 150 R08 EV electric pickups from Qingdao Port to Ethiopia, marking the largest single export order of Chinese-made electric pickups to Africa. The shipment also sets a new record for the largest single batch of electric pickups exported through Qingdao Port.

The delivery comes as Ethiopia accelerates its transition toward electric mobility. In 2024, the country banned the import of new gasoline-powered passenger vehicles. By 2025, the penetration rate of new energy vehicles had risen to 7%, up from 1% in 2023 and above the global average of 4%.

According to China's Ministry of Commerce, Africa imported 44,358 electric vehicles from China in 2025, compared with 19,386 units in 2024. Ethiopia accounted for approximately one-third of the continent's total imports, making it one of the fastest-growing EV markets in Africa.

As Chery, the leading exporter of Chinese-brand passenger vehicles for 23 consecutive years, expands its global new energy vehicle business, RELY has positioned the R08 EV as a key product for international markets. The latest shipment reflects growing demand for electric pickups in Africa and increasing acceptance of Chinese electric commercial vehicles.

Ethiopia's diverse terrain, ranging from mountains and valleys to deserts and high-altitude roads, places high demands on vehicle capability and durability. The R08 EV is designed to meet these conditions with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing up to 300 kW of power and 540 Nm of peak torque.

The pickup also features a body-on-frame chassis, double-wishbone front suspension and rear leaf spring suspension, providing the strength and stability required for heavy-duty transport and demanding road conditions.

Beyond transportation, the R08 EV offers vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability through front and rear power outlets. The system can supply power for agricultural drones, air compressors, mobile businesses, outdoor lighting and other equipment, allowing the vehicle to serve as both a work truck and a mobile power source.

The R08 EV is available with a CATL battery pack of up to 88 kWh and offers a driving range of up to 510 km. The larger battery helps reduce charging frequency while extending operating range for commercial users.

Operating costs are another advantage. Following the commissioning of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Ethiopia has gained access to abundant low-cost hydropower. Based on local energy prices in June, with gasoline at approximately RMB 7 per liter and electricity at around RMB 0.34 per kWh, the R08 EV's lowest operating cost per kilometer is about 15% of that of a comparable gasoline-powered pickup.

As electric vehicle adoption continues to grow across Ethiopia and the wider African market, RELY expects demand for electric pickups to increase. The latest shipment represents another step in the company's international expansion and highlights the growing presence of Chinese electric pickup manufacturers in emerging global markets.

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