Chery Stockman PHEV Ute — What Novated Lease Buyers Need to Know
Chery's Stockman diesel-PHEV ute is coming to Australia with 350kW and 3.5t towing. Here's what it means for your novated lease options. Read on.
A new contender is entering the Australian ute market. Chery has confirmed detailed specs for its Stockman — a diesel plug-in hybrid dual-cab with 350kW, 800Nm of torque, and 3.5-tonne towing capacity, according to EVcentral AU [Source 1]. It's positioning itself squarely against the BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha, JAC Hunter, and even the Ford Ranger.
For PAYG employees considering a novated lease, a new PHEV ute in this segment is worth paying attention to — not because of the hype, but because of what it might mean for your FBT obligations and running costs.
What this means for novated lease customers
Here's where it gets important. The Stockman is a diesel plug-in hybrid — not a battery electric vehicle (BEV). That distinction matters a lot under current Australian tax rules.
As it stands, the FBT exemption for zero or low-emissions vehicles applies to battery electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and plug-in hybrids — but the PHEV exemption has a legislated end date. PHEVs that were not under a novated lease arrangement before 1 April 2025 are no longer eligible for the FBT exemption under the current legislative settings. So if the Stockman launches after that cut-off and you're hoping for the same FBT treatment as a Tesla or BYD Atto 3, you should check the current rules carefully before signing anything.
That said, a novated lease on the Stockman could still offer potential savings through pre-tax salary packaging of vehicle running costs — fuel, registration, insurance, and servicing — regardless of FBT exemption status. A diesel-PHEV with strong real-world range in EV mode may also reduce your fuel spend compared with a traditional diesel ute, which flows through to your overall lease cost. The specifics depend on your income, employer, and how the Stockman is ultimately priced — none of which are confirmed yet.
Common questions
Is the Chery Stockman eligible for the FBT novated lease exemption?
Almost certainly not under current rules. The PHEV FBT exemption closed to new arrangements from 1 April 2025. The Stockman hasn't launched yet, so it would fall outside that window. Always confirm with a licensed adviser — rules can change.
Can I still novated-lease the Chery Stockman if it's not FBT-exempt?
Yes. FBT exemption is not a prerequisite for a novated lease. You can still package running costs pre-tax and your employer may cover FBT as part of the arrangement. The maths just looks different — run the numbers before you commit.
How does the Stockman compare to the BYD Shark 6 for novated leasing?
The BYD Shark 6 is also a PHEV ute, so both sit in the same FBT position post-April 2025. The Stockman edges it on claimed power and towing on paper, but real-world pricing, residual values, and fleet support will matter more for your lease cost.
When is the Chery Stockman coming to Australia?
Chery has confirmed specifications but has not announced an official on-sale date as of July 2025. Pricing is also unconfirmed. Watch this space — launch timing affects whether any transitional FBT rules could apply.
Is a PHEV ute a smart novated lease choice for tradies or businesses?
It depends on your situation. A PHEV ute can cut fuel costs on shorter runs and still tow heavy loads. But the lease savings calculation is different without FBT exemption. Talk to a broker who'll show you the actual numbers rather than just the headline.