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Future models - JAC - T9 - PHEVMelbourne Show: World debut for JAC PHEV uteGlobal debut for Chinese brand JAC’s PHEV ute in Melbourne ahead of 2026 Aus launch7 Apr 2025 By NEIL DOWLING CHINESE car-maker JAC Automotive has made Melbourne the global star of its international reveal of its new T9 ute with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) driveline and a high-performance potential with its 1000Nm output.
The T9 Hunter PHEV, earmarked for an early 2026 launch in Australia, was a surprise reveal at the Melbourne Motor Show along with JAC’s all-electric T9 EV and its De-Fine concept car, a precursor to a string of passenger cars on their way to local JAC showrooms.
It will compete with the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV and the two on-sale PHEV utes, the BYD Shark 6 and the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV.
JAC says the Hunter targets not only regular 4x4 dual-cab ute players but especially performance-oriented versions such as the Ford Ranger Raptor.
It is fitted with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors that have a combined output of 385kW and 1000Nm of torque.
JAC Australia director of technical and support, Hongjian “Hong” Jiang told GoAuto that the Hunter uses a 32kWh lithium-ferrous phosphate (LFP) battery which allows an electric-only range of 100km.
He said the battery output also allows for vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability to power work tools and other appliances.
The ute also has a payload of more than 1000kg – JAC puts 1045kg on its figures, outstripping the BYD and GWM by a significant margin while beating the Ford to a smaller degree – plus a tow rating of 3200kg (higher than the BYD), although Mr Hong indicated it could be engineered to deliver 3500kg to match the Ford and GWM.
Externally, the Hunter is identical to the T9 diesel while inside, the PHEV follows the same cabin design theme as the T9 diesel with the most obvious difference being a rotary gear selector for the PHEV.
The Hunter is regarded as a key vehicle for Australia, according to JAC Australia managing director Ahmed Mahmoud.
He said that Chinese car-makers had traditionally started from truck-based vehicles and that JAC was no different.
“In Australia, of interest to us is this large ute sector,” he said.
“There are about 205,000 units a year in the 4WD ute sector. Half of that is fleet and shows there is potential for us to increase the product range by adding cab-chassis and SUV variants.”
Asked if the recent taxation changes to the FBT affected sales potential, he said that even a novated market was still significant.
JAC has a diesel dual-cab ute and follows that with the Hunter PHEV in early 2026. It also has a battery electric version that is going to Western Australia in a series of trials with selected mining companies and mining fleet operators.
A key part of expanding sales in Australia with its utes is what Mr Mahmoud said was “doing things a little bit different in after sales”.
“We have a seven-year warranty, and that's for everyone – retail and fleet.
“What we have also launched in the past year is a ‘ute for ute’ program that gives all owners a loan car while they're in for repair, service or warranty work.
“We see this as being of particular value to fleet owners, including tradies, who cannot afford to have their vehicle off the road.”
JAC has more than 60 dealers in Australia and recently opened a parts warehouse in Melbourne.  Read more7th of April 2025  Melbourne Show: Electric JAC T9s to the minesJAC sends T9 BEV ute to WA mines for 12-month trial prior to local launch decision20th of March 2025  Melbourne Show: Aus debut for JAC T9 BEV uteJAC to premiere T9 EV dual-cab ute at Melbourne Motor Show, not yet confirmed for Oz13th of March 2025  Melbourne Show: JAC’s finest to land in AusFlashy JAC De-Fine electric supercar concept to make Melbourne Motor Show splashMotor industry news GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events. |
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