Jac Hunter PHEV Ute 2026: 385kW/1000Nm ute makes its global debut in Melbourne

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Chinese carmaker Jac Motors used the Melbourne Motor Show over the weekend for its global unveiling of its all-important plug-in Hunter Dual-Cab 4×4 Ute. And it will join a huge influx of new nameplates in the local ute/pick-up segment when it goes on sale in Australia in 2026.

Based on the diesel T9 Dual-Cab 4×4 Ute, which has just launched Down Under, the Hunter offers a petrol-electric PHEV powertrain format that uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four with dual one-per-axle motors, which combine to output 385kW and a whopping 1000Nm.  

Its maker claims that a single charge of the Hunter’s lithium ion phosphate battery is good for “at least 100kms” of electric only drive, while promising that its challenger will “[outstrip] its plug-in hybrid rivals” such as the Ford Ranger PHEV and BYD Shark 6 “for real-world performance and efficiency”.

While its importer has yet to reveal payload and towing capacities, communications suggest that the Hunter will adopt T9’s suspension package that offers the latter diesel model 1045kg of payload. 

It’s also likely that the plug-in ute will offer a higher braked-towing rating than the diesel T9’s current 3200kg capacity. The electrified ute will also come with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) system to “allow owners to power tools, appliances and even provide emergency back-up power” from the high-voltage battery system.

While yet to be confirmed, it’s likely that the Hunter will debut in Australia in a sole dual-cab pick-up body style. The example on display in Melbourne this past week appears of a high specification that’s typically popular with Australian ute buyers.

Inside, the Hunter brings a similar fit-out and feature set to the T9 diesel stablemate. The Melbourne show car, for its part, showcased a 10.4-inch portrait-style media system, 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. 

Assistance systems promised for the newcomer include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and a 360-degree camera system.       

Pricing and detailed specifications on the Jac Hunter PHEV Ute will be revealed closer to the ute model’s local launch, which is slated for the first quarter of 2026.

Jac Motors also has a fully electric T9 EV that recently debuted at an event in Singapore, but there’s as yet no intel as to whether the BEV iteration of the T9 formula will join the diesel and Hunter PHEV in showrooms next year.