JAC has revealed details of the Hunter PHEV pickup for Australia, giving another sign of how quickly Chinese manufacturers are moving into electrified pickup territory.

The Australian-market Hunter is a plug-in hybrid version of the T9 pickup, a model already shown in Europe in all-electric form.

  • 489hp plug-in hybrid powertrain with claimed 62-mile electric range
  • Rated to tow 3,500kg, with a 915kg payload
  • Australian launch only, with no UK confirmation
  • Further evidence of Chinese brands accelerating the shift towards electrified pickups

Although there’s no UK confirmation for the Hunter PHEV, the model is relevant because it shows how JAC is developing its pickup range beyond diesel and battery-electric versions.

The Hunter PHEV uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, a front electric motor and a rear electric motor, producing a claimed 489hp and 1,010Nm of combined driveline torque.

JAC claims up to 62 miles of electric-only range and a combined range of up to 624 miles, although both figures are based on NEDC testing rather than the stricter WLTP cycle used in Europe.

JAC Hunter PHEV pickup

Braked towing capacity is rated at 3,500kg, while payload is listed at 915kg. That gives the Hunter PHEV stronger towing credentials than some plug-in hybrid pickup rivals, like the recently revealed BYD Shark, although it still falls short of the traditional one-tonne payload benchmark.

JAC says Australian-market vehicles will complete more than 60,000 miles of local testing before reaching customers. The programme includes durability running, towing, load-carrying, hot-weather work, and on- and off-road evaluation.

Vehicle dynamics development has been overseen by Australian engineer Michael Barber, with JAC saying it has implemented his recommendations ahead of launch.

JAC Hunter PHEV pickup interior

Ahmed Mahmoud, managing director of JAC Motors Australia, said: “In Australia, respect isn’t given to a ute. It’s earned. Hunter has been built, tested and proven, to earn that respect.

“This isn’t a trade-off between price and capability. It’s proof that premium performance, advanced hybrid technology and genuine capability don’t have to come with a premium price tag.”

Two versions will be offered in Australia, starting from the equivelent of £28,000: Hunter Pro and Hunter X. Both share the same core plug-in hybrid powertrain, while the flagship Hunter X adds front and rear differential locks, black exterior styling, heated front seats, a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, power-folding mirrors, black roof rails, rear privacy glass, welcome puddle lamps and a rear 220V accessory socket.

Obviously, this isn’t a UK launch, but it is another useful marker for the direction of the pickup market. With BYD, JAC, GWM and others moving quickly into electrified pickups, diesel is no longer the only serious route for one-tonne-style vehicles.

Phil Huff
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