JAC Motors is charging ahead in the zero-emission ute race with the unveiling of its powerful plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) ute, the JAC Hunter, and the real-world testing of a full battery electric version (EV) now underway in Western Australia’s harshest mining conditions.
Both models represent the next phase in JAC’s rapid rise in Australia, following the success of the diesel-powered T9 dual-cab, which was launched in late 2024 and quickly gained recognition as Australia’s safest ute under ANCAP’s latest protocols.
PHEV Ute Sets New Benchmarks
Making its global debut at the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show, the Hunter plug-in hybrid ute stunned attendees with class-leading specifications and a bold vision for the future of hard-working utility vehicles.
“We had to double-check the numbers,” said Ahmed Mahmoud, Managing Director at JAC Motors Australia. “The Hunter has three power units—an electric motor, a petrol engine, and a generator. It delivers 1,000Nm of torque and 385kW of power, with 100km of all-electric range before the petrol engine takes over.”
That EV-only range is more than enough for most urban and regional daily tasks, while the internal combustion engine eliminates range anxiety on longer journeys or in remote areas. With the towing capacity and the ability to handle serious payloads, the Hunter is positioned as a true dual-purpose vehicle: capable of emissions-free commuting and heavy-duty work alike.
JAC says the vehicle will be available for test drives and fleet evaluation in early 2026, with early interest already coming from dealers and customers keen to pre-order.
EV T9 Takes On WA’s Harshest Test
While the PHEV grabs headlines for its powertrain innovation, the fully electric version of the T9 ute is quietly proving itself in the most demanding environment possible—an active mine site in Western Australia.
The EV T9, which shares its core platform with the diesel variant, has been modified to house an 88kWh battery and dual electric motors, producing 220kW and 516Nm. It supports both AC and DC fast charging, replenishing from 15% to 80% in just 40 minutes.
The vehicle also features vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, allowing external devices and tools to be powered directly from the ute—ideal for off-grid and mobile worksites.
“We knew if we wanted to demonstrate the EV T9’s capabilities, we had to put it through a true Australian test,” said Ahmed. “There’s no tougher environment than a mine site in WA. It’s where dust, vibration, heat and long duty cycles push vehicles to the limit.”
So far, feedback from the mining company has been “outstanding”, according to Ahmed, though the evaluation is still ongoing. “The initial response was: if the price is right, we’re onto a winner. But as with any EV in remote areas, it’s not just about durability—it’s about battery cooling, underbody protection, and real-world performance.”
Local Input Driving Global Innovation
Australia’s importance as a test market for JAC’s global product development is clear. Engineers in China are actively working with the Australian team to ensure the cab chassis versions of the PHEV and EV models will meet local fleet needs, including tray installations, GVM upgrades and custom accessories.
“One of the insights we fed back was that fleet buyers in Australia often require cab chassis variants to fit custom bodies,” said Ahmed. “Our engineering partners responded quickly. We’re now exploring longer wheelbases and strategic battery placement to ensure customisation is safe and simple.”
While many overseas markets treat utes as lifestyle vehicles, JAC sees the Australian fleet sector—where up to 70% of utes are sold into commercial use—as a proving ground for serious capability and support.
Electric Ute Future Taking Shape
With mining companies under pressure to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions, and local governments seeking to green their fleets, JAC’s dual-pronged approach—offering both plug-in hybrid and full-electric utes—offers a practical path forward.
“A lot of people think electric utes are still a concept,” said Ahmed. “But we’ve got one in WA right now, on a mine site, doing the job. And a plug-in hybrid that’s set to change the conversation about performance and efficiency. This is happening.”
JAC plans to release further details on availability, specifications and pricing for both models later this year, following completion of the WA trial and further validation testing.
For now, the message is clear: the future of utes is electric, and JAC is bringing it to life—on the tools, in the dirt, and on Australian terms.
