JAC Electric, Plug-In Hybrid Utes Debut in Melbourne

The plug-in hybrid JAC Hunter ute has had its global reveal at the Melbourne Motor Show, alongside the local unveiling of an electric JAC T9 ute.

JAC says the Hunter will offer at least 100 kilometres of electric driving range, while having 385kW and 1000Nm on tap – thanks to a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine combined with dual electric motors.

The covers were also pulled off the JAC T9 EV, with the purely-electric ute producing 220kW and 516Nm, with a claimed driving range of 330 kilometres on a single charge.

Both models are based on the turbo-diesel-powered T9 currently on sale, which JAC says is the safest ute in the Australian market, based on ANCAP scores.

The electrified models also feature Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing owners to power appliances – such as power tools – using the battery, supplied via a standard domestic plug.

While the electric T9 EV has yet to be locked-in for Australia, JAC has confirmed the plug-in hybrid JAC Hunter will arrive in Australian showrooms in the first quarter of 2026.

Curiously, while Chinese competitor Deepal submitted a trademark filing for its range-extender electric ute last month – also known as the Hunter, as first reported by CarSauce – it appears it’s been beaten to the punch by JAC.

According to trademark filings with the Australian Government, JAC applied to register the Hunter name back in October 2024.

Local pricing and specifications for the JAC Hunter PHEV ute will be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch.