The Shineray T3 is a mini truck (micro truck) produced by Shineray Auto (formerly Brilliance Shineray), positioned as an entry-level commercial workhorse tailored for sole proprietors, urban logistics, rural enterprises, and small business owners. Built around the core product philosophy of "The Vehicle for Hard Workers", it highlights heavy-duty payload capacity, a spacious cargo bed, minimal running costs, and high dependability, serving as a key strategic model for Shineray Auto in both new energy commercial vehicles and conventional petrol mini trucks. In the domestic Chinese market, the Shineray T3 is available in two distinct lineups: the petrol-powered version and the all-electric version (T3L EV) . The petrol version received its 2026 annual facelift in August 2025, marketed as the "most capable mini truck in the RM35,000 bracket" with an official starting price of RM37,900. The fully electric T3L EV caters to high-payload green logistics with an extended wheelbase and a larger cargo bed, priced with an official recommended retail price range of RM79,900 to RM84,900 (2025 model), with some variants dropping to as low as RM80,900 after dealer rebates. On the global stage, the Shineray T3 is exported to over 70 countries and regions spanning Europe, South America, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. In Singapore, the SRM T3 EV was officially launched as the brand’s first right-hand-drive (RHD) all-electric mini truck, priced at 68,800 Singapore Dollars (excluding COE); in South Africa, the SRM T3 EV 1.6-tonne electric panel van also made its official debut in September 2024.
Vehicle dimensions vary considerably across different variants and cargo bed configurations. For the petrol model, overall length ranges from 4,630 mm to 5,030 mm, with a uniform width of 1,710 mm, overall height spanning 2,005 mm to 2,615 mm, and a wheelbase of 3,070 mm. The all-electric T3L EV boasts larger dimensions, measuring 5,130-5,280 mm in length, 1,730 mm in width, and 2,000-2,650 mm in height, with a 3,245 mm wheelbase, a kerb weight of 1,375-1,530 kg, and a maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 2,700 kg.
The exterior styling of the Shineray T3 is rooted in practical utility. Up front, it features a classic cab-over forward-control design characterised by boxy, angular lines that maximise forward visibility and cabin volume. The large front windscreen provides an expansive field of view, while the halogen headlamps paired with front fog lamps ensure dependable illumination for nighttime driving and adverse weather conditions. Along the sides, the body profile is clean and functional; the double-cab variant adopts a 2+3 five-seater layout, balancing crew transport with cargo-hauling duties. The cargo bed incorporates independently foldable drop sides and tailgate, facilitating loading and unloading from multiple angles. Unpretentious and purpose-built, the exterior eschews superfluous styling elements to stay true to its commercial vehicle identity.
Inside, the 2026 petrol version has been upgraded with a class-leading 1,680 mm wide cab offering an effective internal width of 1,420 mm. Paired with 10 cm thickened ergonomic seats and a 135° backrest recline function, it addresses the common issue of driver fatigue during long-haul journeys in conventional mini trucks. The all-electric T3L EV comes standard with a 9-inch MP5 touchscreen infotainment display, a reverse camera, and Bluetooth connectivity, with select export versions (such as the South African specification T3 EV) adding Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. The seats are upholstered in hard-wearing fabric, with the driver's seat offering slide and recline adjustments. Front power windows, remote central locking, a 12V power socket, single-evaporator air conditioning, and a cabin heater are standard across the entire lineup.
The Shineray T3 is offered with a choice of petrol or all-electric powertrains. The petrol version is driven by a Shineray Qilin J15 series 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine (code SWJ15). Utilising a timing chain drive rather than a conventional timing belt, engine durability is substantially improved with lower failure rates, delivering a maximum output of 81 kW (approx. 110 PS) and a peak torque of 145 Nm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission in a mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout. It reaches a top speed of 105 km/h and tackles a maximum fully-loaded climbing gradient of 31.4°, ensuring confident performance on steep rural and suburban inclines even under full payload. While fuel tank capacity is not officially published, combined fuel consumption is rated at around 6.4 L/100 km, with a 6% boost in thermal efficiency contributing to an economy saving of 0.2 to 0.5 L/100 km. The scheduled service interval is set at 7,500 km, backed by a lifetime replacement-only warranty on core mechanical components.
The all-electric version (T3L EV) is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering a rated power of 30 kW and a peak output of 60 kW (approx. 82 PS). Arranged in a rear-mounted motor, rear-wheel-drive layout, peak torque varies by market specification—delivering approximately 175 Nm for the domestic Chinese version and 220 Nm for the South African export version. Battery packs for the domestic T3L EV are sourced from two suppliers: a CATL 41.86 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a FinDreams (BYD) 42.3 kWh LFP battery. Rated pure-electric range under MIIT/CLTC testing reaches 290 km, with a top speed of 80 km/h. Rated payload capacity spans 1,040 kg to 1,195 kg depending on spec level. For charging, both DC fast charging and AC slow charging are supported; while DC fast-charging times for domestic models are unstated, the South African export spec features 55 kW DC fast charging that recharges from 20% to 80% in approximately 35 minutes, alongside an 11 kW AC slow charger requiring around 3 hours for a full charge. The Singapore-spec model is equipped with a CATL 53.58 kWh battery providing a range of up to 300 km, with comparable charging efficiency.
The chassis setup serves as the core strength of the Shineray T3. The petrol version is constructed on a body-on-frame platform, featuring a class-leading 180 mm thick dual-layer straight ladder-frame chassis that delivers exceptional torsional rigidity and structural payload strength. The suspension utilizes a front MacPherson strut independent suspension paired with a rear leaf spring rigid axle (6-leaf equal-stiffness heavy-duty leaf springs), complete with a one-piece rear axle housing to eliminate fracture risks under heavy loads. The rear axle features a 4.77 high final drive ratio, enhancing loaded low-end pull and hill-climbing prowess. Steering is upgraded with Electric Power Steering (EPS) featuring an auto-return function, reducing the turning radius by 1.2 metres for effortless manoeuvring through tight alleys and congested urban drops. Braking duties are handled by front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, supported as standard by ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) across the range. Fitted with 175/70R14LT commercial tyres, ground clearance stands at an impressive 210 mm—the highest in its category—significantly enhancing rough-road passability.
The fully electric T3L EV shares a similar robust setup, featuring a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear leaf spring rigid axle (6-leaf) layout, configured in a mid-mounted motor, rear-wheel-drive setup with electric power steering. It rides on 175/70R14C commercial tyres, with front disc and rear drum brakes. The combination of generous ground clearance and a rigid chassis ensures outstanding heavy-load capability and resilience across challenging road surfaces.
The cabin of the Shineray T3 is engineered with everyday commercial practicalities in mind. The 2026 petrol version places strong emphasis on driver comfort upgrades. Overall cabin width has been expanded to 1,680 mm, providing an effective internal width of 1,420 mm, leading the mini truck segment. The seats boast 10 cm thickened cushioning with 135° backrest recline adjustment to ease fatigue during extended shifts behind the wheel. The inclusion of a silent timing chain substantially suppresses engine NVH inside the cabin. Standard conveniences on the petrol model include a multi-info trip computer display, USB ports, and a 12V power socket, with a reverse camera available as an option.
The all-electric T3L EV brings additional tech to the workplace. It features a large-display head unit and rear parking sensors as standard, with an optional reverse camera + MP5 touchscreen + Bluetooth package. Overseas variants (such as the South African specification T3 EV) come standard with a 9-inch multimedia touchscreen incorporating satellite navigation, Bluetooth hands-free, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The climate system features a single-evaporator air conditioner and heater to handle various operating environments. Standard equipment across all variants includes remote keyless entry, front power windows, and a 12V power socket. Driving aids such as hill-start assist, creep mode, Sport/Eco drive mode selection, and a regenerative braking system enhance ease of operation and energy efficiency. The driver's seat includes slide and recline adjustments, while the passenger seat also supports backrest angle adjustment.
In terms of safety, the Shineray T3 delivers essential, well-rounded occupant protection within the commercial vehicle class. The petrol version comes standard with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) across the board, along with a driver SRS airbag. Advanced active driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are not fitted on the petrol model.
The all-electric T3L EV provides an expanded safety suite. Domestic models come standard with ABS + EBD, rear parking sensors, and hill-start assist with creep function, with an optional reverse camera. Export variants receive further safety enhancements—the South African export T3 EV is fitted with dual SRS airbags (driver and front passenger), EPS (with auto-return function), reverse camera with rear parking sensors, a driver seatbelt reminder, and an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) for pedestrians. Structurally, the vehicle employs a reinforced cage body design on a reinforced ladder chassis with high-tensile steel in crucial load paths to safeguard cabin integrity during an impact. Furthermore, a telematics control unit (T-BOX) is standard across the range to facilitate commercial fleet tracking. In terms of automated driving, as an entry-level commercial workhorse, the T3 does not feature high-level ADAS such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) or Lane Keep Assist (LKA), sitting at Level 0 to Level 1 driver assistance while delivering robust baseline safety and operational ease.
The Shineray T3 stands as a cornerstone model in Shineray Auto's global roadmap, achieving significant success in both domestic and international arenas. In the domestic Chinese market, the 2026 petrol version entered the fray with an ultra-competitive starting price of RM37,900, establishing itself as the "most capable mini truck in the RM35,000 bracket" and enjoying strong sales momentum across commercial strongholds like Sichuan, Chongqing, Henan, and Shandong. The all-electric T3L EV, priced between RM79,900 and RM84,900, has captured substantial market share in green commercial fleets thanks to its CATL/FinDreams battery options, 290 km electric range, and 1-tonne-plus rated payload, making it a go-to cost-effective solution for urban last-mile logistics and regional deliveries.
Global markets have proven to be the true proving ground for the Shineray T3. Across Central Asia, the T3 series has emerged as the segment market leader in Uzbekistan, with cumulative sales surpassing 30,000 units as the brand transitioned from CBU imports to local knockdown assembly. In September 2023, a dedicated CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) version developed for Uzbekistan was launched, powered by an Italian-engineered CNG engine that dramatically reduces fuel expenses compared to petrol. In Southeast Asia, Shineray captured a 30% market share to overtake Suzuki as the top-selling mini commercial vehicle brand in Vietnam. In Singapore, the SRM T3 EV was introduced by Hong Seh EVolution as the market's first RHD electric mini truck, with an initial consignment of 300 units featuring CATL 53.58 kWh batteries and a 300 km driving range. In South Africa, the SRM T3 EV 1.6-tonne electric panel van debuted in September 2024, targeting eco-conscious businesses with zero tailpipe emissions and low running costs. As of late 2025, Shineray Auto vehicles are marketed in over 70 countries and regions worldwide, with cumulative global sales exceeding 1.8 million units supported by a network of more than 2,000 service centres.
In terms of industry significance, the Shineray T3 exemplifies Shineray Auto's dual-circulation capability of "Chongqing R&D and intelligent manufacturing paired with rapid global market execution." With its balanced focus on "commercial utility first, passenger comfort second", it breaks the conventional mould of basic workhorses being crude and uncomfortable. Whether through the rugged reliability and low running costs of the petrol version, the clean efficiency of the EV, or the tailored engineering of overseas CNG variants, the Shineray T3 showcases a thorough understanding of working-class mobility needs worldwide—standing as a benchmark for Chinese private automotive manufacturers in the global commercial vehicle landscape.
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