Spy pics reveal latest Chinese plug-in ute: JAC T9 Hunter is in Australia testing ahead of 2026 launch
The plug-in hybrid ute battle is about to become four-cornered with the Chinese JAC T9 Hunter now testing in Australia ahead of its 2026 launch.
The Hunter is being prepped to take on the BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha and the Ford Ranger PHEV.
JAC is selling the Hunter as offering a better combination of EV range and ute carrying and towing capability than any of its rivals.
READ MORE: BYD Shark hunter! 2026 JAC T9 Hunter PHEV Australian Edition gives us a taste of what’s in store for the Chinese Ford Ranger PHEV rival
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But clearly, judging by this vehicle snapped in Melbourne’s south-east over the weekend, there is still finalising work being done.
A JAC spokesman confirmed a localisation and testing program was underway using Australian expertise. He promised more detail on the program would be announced soon.
Expected to go on-sale by the end of this quarter, the Hunter actually made its world debut at the Melbourne Motor Show in March last year.
In June the Hunter was shown in right-hand drive for the first time at the Hong Konga-Macao motor show and was even christened the Australian Edition.
The PHEV will join the orthodox T9 diesel dual-cab 4×4 on-sale in Australia and could provide a timely boost as that model is struggling for cut-through against some fierce competition.
Clearly based on the test vehicle’s wrapping with the huge ‘Hunter’ logo emblazoned down the side and the expression of interest’ QR code, JAC’s desire is to make sure Aussies are aware of what they’re looking at.
As the big-selling Shark 6 shows, there is a lot of interest in plug-in hybrid utes if you can get the formula right.
Technically, what JAC has done with its PHEV is underpin it with a 385kW/1000Nm powertrain comprising a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, an e-motor on each axle and a 31.2kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack.
The claimed electric range is 100km and JAC’s targeting 3500kg braked towing and a payload close to one tonne.
Checking the NSW registration reveals the Hunter we spied is around 400kg heavier than the T9 diesel at 2512kg and has a Gross Vehicle Mass bumped from 3100kg to 3470kg.
Another factor to consider in all this is price and there is every chance JAC will reset the PHEV ute benchmark lower than ever before. The BYD Shark 6 kicks things off currently at $57,900 plus on-road costs.
Of course, the competition isn’t standing still with BYD expanding and upgrading the capacity of its Shark 6 line-up in 2026.
As it appeared in Hong Kong, the Hunter PHEV is distinguished from the standard T9 by 18-inch aero wheels, a redesigned cargo system and a new integrated sports bar.
The T9 Hunter PHEV show truck kept the combustion ute’s split-type headlamps, but adds a black grille and blue accented JAC badging.
Switching from left- to right-hand drive brought some compromise with the RHD’s 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster dropped for a smaller seven-inch screen.
That combines with a 10.4-inch infotainment screen, plus an electronic handbrake.
The Australian Edition also appeared with a four-spoke steering wheel, rotary gear selector and diamond-quilted leather seats.
