JAC Motors has released more details regarding its incoming Hunter PHEV – the plug-in hybrid version of the T9 ute that landed on Australian shores back in 2024 – set to wear a starting price starting from “under $50,000” before on-road costs.
This pricing is likely to make the Hunter PHEV the cheapest plug-in hybrid ute on sale in Australia when it hits Australian showrooms later this year.
For reference, the GWM Cannon Alpha Lux PHEV – which kicks off the Chinese importer’s PHEV ute range – is priced from $54,490 drive away until 31 May 2026, while the entry-level Shark 6 cab chassis model is priced from $55,900 before on-road costs.
The base-model plug-in hybrid Ford Ranger – which is currently on run-out – starts from $62,000 drive away as of 1 April 2026.
As of 5 May, prospective customers can secure a Hunter PHEV reservation for a fully refundable $1000, with the first 1000 customers to place a reservation and take delivery receiving either a home EV charger or a $500 JAC genuine accessories voucher.
JAC has also officially detailed some of the Hunter PHEV’s specifications.
The four-wheel drive powertrain consists of a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, dual electric motors, a 31.2kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery (supporting 3.3kW vehicle-to-load functionality), and a dedicated hybrid transmission for a combined system output of 360kW.
A combined torque figure is yet to be officially announced, but the internal combustion engine makes 370Nm, while the front and rear electric motors produce 300Nm and 340Nm respectively.
These output figures are good for a 3500kg braked towing capacity, regardless of the battery’s state of charge. JAC also quotes a 915kg payload for the Hunter PHEV.
Claimed combined fuel economy is 1.6 litres per 100km on the NEDC cycle with a claimed total driving range of 1005km.
It also benefits from local testing, with JAC detailing its 50,000km validation program earlier this year.
Two variants will make up the Hunter PHEV dual cab ute range – the entry-level Pro variant and the range-topping X model. However, a cab-chassis variant is also expected soon.
JAC is yet to reveal a full list of variant-specific features for the Hunter PHEV.
What we do know is that the Hunter Pro will be equipped with chrome exterior elements, a leather-accented interior – complete with black quilting and black stitching – while front and rear differential locks will be available as an optional extra.
Meanwhile, the Hunter X receives front and rear differential locks as standard, black exterior elements, red accent stitching in the interior while a sunroof is available as an optional extra.
When it was unveiled at the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show, the show car was equipped with a10.4-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
Whether the 10.25-inch infotainment cluster will be found in Australian customer cars – as opposed to the seven-inch unit found on its T9 stablemate – remains to be seen.
While a full list of safety features is also yet to be confirmed, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and a 360-degree camera have been previously listed among the Hunter PHEV’s ADAS suite.
Based on the T9’s testing results under 2024 protocols, the Hunter PHEV has been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
The Hunter PHEV will be offered with a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty (including for commercial use, a seven-year capped-price servicing program (intervals and pricing to be determined), seven years of roadside assist, and a ute-for-ute warranty loan program.
Speaking with media gathered at a pre-production drive of the JAC Hunter PHEV in the Hunter Valley this week, JAC Australia managing director Ahmed Mahmoud said the vehicle can meet the many and varied requirements of Australian buyers.
“We have built this vehicle through disciplined localisation, sustained testing, and direct feedback from Australian conditions,” he said.
“Over 50,000km of local validation has shaped (the Hunter PHEV). Extreme heat, heavy rain, unsealed roads, towing loads, long distance touring, we have put the vehicle through it all; and along the way, we have done three simple things – we have observed, we have listened, and we have absolutely acted.
“For months, Australian new buyers have been weighing up rapidly changing landscapes. Increasingly, they are being shaped by a new reality – the rise of electrification, efficiency, and of course, predominantly for fleets, the total cost of ownership.
“What we’re seeing is a clear surge in interest in electrified vehicles as buyers look for stronger performance with lower running costs, improved efficiency without compromise, and technology that can better support both work and lifestyle demands.
“So, against that backdrop, the questions have evolved, but the expectations have not. Capability still must come first.
“The Hunter Plug-in Hybrid will start from under $50,000 MSRP. A breakthrough position indeed for a vehicle delivering this level of capability, performance and efficiency.”
Further details are set to be revealed closer to the Hunter PHEV’s official sales start in mid-2026.