Chinese brand turns Hunter on the Ford Ranger PHEV and BYD Shark 6 with fire-breathing plug-in hybrid JAC T9 dual cab

April 4, 2025April 4, 2025 Andrew Chesterton 6104 Views 0 Comments JAC T9 Hunter

The pool of plug-in hybrid utes is set to grow more crowded still in Australia, with Chinese brand JAC whipping the covers off its T9 Hunter plug-in hybrid at the Melbourne Motor Show tonight.

The show was in fact the global debut of the Hunter – an indication of just how seriously the brand is taking the Australian market – with the dual-cab PHEV locked in for a Q1 2026 launch here.

The Hunter, which shares its platform with the T9 diesel dual-cab already on sale in Australia, holds bragging right, for now at least, in terms of pure outputs, with the PHEV delivering an impressive 385kW and 1000Nm in total system output.

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Delivering that grunt is the combination of an all-new 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors, one on each axle – though the brand is yet to clarify how much power each source develops on it own.

It’s also yet to confirm towing and payload figures of the Hunter, but EV Central understands the brand is targeting the industry standard 3.5-tonne braked towing, and a payload of just under one tonne.

“The global premiere of the JAC Hunter marks a pivotal moment in JAC Motors’ 61-year history of innovation,” said Ahmed Mahmoud, Managing Director of JAC Motors’ Australian importer, LTS Auto.

“Australian drivers demand vehicles that offer both capability and sustainability, and the JAC Hunter delivers this without compromise.

“We are thrilled to host this Global Premiere for JAC Motors, and we are even more thrilled to confirm that the JAC Hunter will arrive in JAC dealerships across Australia in early 2026.”

For the record, those outputs would see it outperform the Ford Ranger PHEV (207kW/697Nm), the BYD Shark 6 (321kW/650Nm) and the GWM Cannon Alpha (300kW and 750Nm). The brand won’t be drawn on an offical zero to 100km/h time, but promises it’s “fast”.

Also on board is a 31.2kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery, with JAC targeting an all-electric driving range of “at least” 100kms. When not driving the vehicle, that power can also be access through a V2L connection in the tray, accessed through a household-style power point, to top up tools or devices.

In the cabin, expect a 10.4-inch portrait-style touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a second 10.25-inch driver display screen.

Also on the stand was the all-electric T9, but the BEV ute is not yet confirmed for Australian, as well as its DE-FINE Technology Vision concept car.

Pricing for the Hunter is yet to be confirmed, but keep an eye on EV Central as the Hunter’s launch approaches for the latest information.

Andrew Chesterton

Andrew began his career as a journalist at Sydney’s The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph, before he was lured into the fast-paced world of supercars at TopGear Australia. He has also held senior roles at The Daily Mail, which involved spending time at HQ in London, and on the other side of the automotive divide with FCA Australia. As one of Australia's best-read freelance writers, Andrew now contributes to Robb Report, Wish in The Australian, Domain in The Australian Financial Review, CarsGuide, Wheels, The West Australian, GQ, Men's Health and more. His love for writing has carried him around the world and back again, writing for clients in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the USA. He secretly enjoys it so much he’d probably do it for free, but he hopes his editors never find out that bit...