Melbourne Motor Show: JAC is usually diesel-powered, but next month it’s going electric with two Aussie debuts including a ute!
Commercial vehicle and ute-maker JAC is normally linked with diesel power, but at the April 5-6 Melbourne motor show it will focus on EVs by showing off for the first time in Australia the electric version of its T9 ute and the DE-FINE concept car.
The T9 EV Dual-Cab 4×4 ute is a production model that made its global debut in China just over 12 months ago, while the DE-FINE is a very much a sleek flight of fancy.
The JAC T9 EV shares its platform with its combustion-engined sibling, modified to house an 88kW LFP battery in the floor and dual electric motors with combined outputs of 220kW and 516Nm.
It can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds and has a WLTP driving range of 330km1.
The JAC T9 EV facilitates both AC and DC charging, and can replenish from 15-80 per cent in 40 minutes. It also has an external power socket for Vehicle-2-Load (V2L) applications such as powering electric tools on-site.
The T9 EV also has a payload rating of 900kg and a tub which can fit a full-size Australian pallet between the wheel-arches.
Inside, the JAC T9 EV offers the same space and a similar equipment list to the turbo-diesel T9 that went on-sale in Australian late 2024.
At this stage however, there is no evidence the EV version of the T9 will join the diesel in local showrooms.
Currently, the only BEV ute on-sale in Australia is the expensive rear-wheel drive LDV eT60. LDV will add the eTerron 9 BEV the in Australia in the second quarter of 2025.
Meanwhile, the DE-FINE hosts the JAC’s powerful 800-volt electric architecture and its all new powerful 460kW e-motor that feature silicone-carbide tech to boost efficiency.
JAC says the DE-FINE can launch from 0-100km/h in around three seconds.
It’s thought some of the tech previewed by the sleek JAC four-door coupe could emerge in future JAC models.
The DE-FINE is also built on a new platform that is two- and four-wheel capable and could also support hybrid powertrains and battery-swap technology.
Inside, the four-seater introduces the firm’s new cabin design that incorporates a full-width 50-inch digital instrument panel combined with a large 15.6-inch infotainment screen and a weird rectangle-shaped steering wheel.
The DE-FINE also runs the firm’s third-generation driver-assist tech.
Despite bringing the DE-FINE to Australia, JAC has already ruled out a production version.
