JAC Hunter PHEV makes timely arrival

JAC Motors Australia debuted its Hunter PHEV utility at the recent Melbourne Motor Show, the electrified dual-cab arriving just in time to capitalise on rising diesel prices resulting from the Iran War.

Speaking with motoring media at the Melbourne Motor Show, JAC Motors Australia managing director Ahmed Mahmooud said the timing of the plug-in hybrid Hunter will “serve well the entrance of the newcomer to the local market, easing the cost-of-living burden on buyers who would otherwise opt for a diesel alternative.”

“I would be lying if I didn’t say that the timing of our Hunter PHEV is coming at an optimal time for us,” he remarked.

“The conversations we have had with our dealers is that ‘we need this now’, and in fact, if we could have pulled it (the arrival of the Hunter PHEV) forward a couple of months, it would have been ideal.

“But as we have said before, we are not taking any shortcuts to do this.”

Mr Mahmoud reflected on the success of JAC Motors Australia’s localisation program with the T9 range before moving to discuss other NVES-friendly models the Chinese importer will soon offer.

He said that JAC is already deep in the testing phase of a battery electric ute that has generated significant interest from the mining sector, potentially entering the market as a competitor to the recently launched Toyota HiLux BEV, which also underwent Australia mine trials before being sold to the public.

“We are in confidential conversations with JAC China about other options (for the Australian market),” added Mr Mahmoud.

“Last year, we brought a fully electric research vehicle to Australia that had some wonderful interest from the mines over in WA.

“With many of them (in the mining sector) committing to zero emissions by 2030, we are pleased to announce that the vehicle has met and exceeded their needs.

“They are now asking more questions about what JAC can produce and deliver in terms of mine-spec’ vehicles, and they want those in a shorter timeframe.

“As a result, we have committed to build another mine-spec sample vehicle that will be built by the end of April and will head straight to WA by the middle of the year where it will be under trial for a few months with one of the big mining companies over there – that is a fully electric T9.”

While Mr Mahmoud was focused solely on the mining sector for now, he said that world events have meant JAC is now considering a retail variant, potentially giving the importer another alternative with which to attract buyers – and help meet tightening NVES regulations.

“Our timeline around the electric T9 really is in two parts,” he said.

“We are trying to build that vehicle to a specification that makes it as easy as possible for the mines to use. If the trial is successful, we will do as much as we can in the factory to make sure things like underbody protection, dust sealing, and things of that nature are ready to go.

“Then, by this time next year, we will have final confirmation around production. We should see mine-spec’ vehicles arrive in the country by the end of the year (2027).”

As to whether the model would also be offered for retail consumption, Mr Mahmoud said the business case is still under investigation.

“A fully electric ute is not going to be as cheap as a diesel ute or a plug-in hybrid, we all know that,” he said.

“So, the appetite for a private customer to pay X amount more for an EV may not have been there a little while ago – and that’s why we have focused on a mine-spec vehicle first and foremost.

“Only recently did we say ‘why is this not a retail car?’ and ‘why can’t we….?’

“The answer was that there is absolutely no reason for us not to build and bring in a car (electric T9) as a retail spec – we just have to make sure we can do that at a price that’s going to be accepted by our customers.”

As to where the price premium might land, Mr Mahmoud said it was likely the electric T9 will cost “considerably more”.

He suggested fleet buyers and local councils would be ideal candidates for such a vehicle, recognising total cost of ownership equations as part and parcel of electric vehicle ownership.

“While it’s really too early to say (how much an electric T9 will cost), it will be more … it could be considerably more,” he said.

“But as you know, most of the people that jump into those types of vehicles – whether its fleets or local councils – look at the TCO, or total cost of ownerships.

“Even if it is priced a little bit higher, residual values, fuel consumption, and government incentives may result in the TCO being a better proposition (for those buyer types).”

Mr Mahmoud explained that the electric T9 will be road registerable and will likely offer a five-star ANCAP safety rating, ensuring it meets the needs of buyers’ occupation health and safety guidelines.

As reported by GoAuto previously, the JAC T9 EV Dual-Cab 4x4 shares its platform with the diesel-powered model, but is modified to accept an 88kWh LFP battery, and dual electric motors outputting 220kW/516Nm.

The model is understood to accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds while delivering a WLTP driving range of 330km.

As is commonplace in EVs the world over, the JAC T9 EV offers both DC and AC charging capabilities, the former offering a 15-80 per cent state of charge in as little as 40 minutes. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality is also included, making the model ideal for trade and commercial use.

The JAC T9 EV offers a payload of 900kg and can accommodate a full-size Australian pallet between its wheelarches. It is otherwise identically specified to the diesel range, with similar convenience, connectivity, and safety equipment.

Expect more information on the 2027 JAC T9 EV Dual-Cab 4x4 soon.