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JAC PHEV ute undergoes pre-launch testing

Plug-in hybrid JAC Hunter ute with 385kW/1000Nm 4x4 driveline here by mid-year

23 Feb 2026

CHINESE importer JAC Motors Australia has announced its Hunter PHEV dual-cab 4x4 ute, with a rumoured 385kw/1000Nm output, has completed validation at GM Holden’s former proving ground ahead of a mid-2026 arrival Down Under. 
 
The new JAC plug-in dual-cab will compete with BYD’s popular Shark 6, GWM’s Cannon Alpha PHEV and Ford’s Ranger PHEV, as well as the diesel-electric Chery ute that made its local debut in concept form recently ahead of a fourth-quarter production launch. 
 
In order to ensure the Hunter is fit for purpose, JAC’s searching local engineering program continues beyond Lang Lang with more than 50,000km of further Australian testing planned in the run-up to launch. 
 
The brand has struggled to gain a foothold in Australia’s ultra-competitive one-tonne ute segment, recording 1582 sales all told last year despite offering up-spec limited editions and large discounts in an attempt to attract more buyers. 
 
However, the high-powered Hunter PHEV might see a change of fortunes for the company, particularly in light of BYD’s success with its Shark 6 PHEV. That said, plug-in utes from GWM and Ford have not yet found Shark levels of commercial success. 
 
JAC Motors Australia says the completion of its local validation testing phase for the Hunter PHEV dual-cab 4x4 ute at Lang Lang Proving Ground forms part of a broader Australian development regime designed to ensure the Hunter is suitably calibrated for local conditions ahead of its mid-2026 showroom arrival. 
 
Conducted in partnership with Segula Technologies Australia, the evaluation establishes baseline data for a comprehensive local tuning program, with more than 50,000 kilometres of on- and off-road testing to be completed across Australia. 
 
JAC Motors Australia managing director Ahmed Mahmoud said the program represents the brand’s most ambitious local engineering effort to date. 
 
“This local development program is our most exhaustive and ambitious to date,” he claimed. 
 
“By the time JAC Hunter goes on sale, it will be match-fit and ready for Australia.” 
 
The model was first revealed at the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show and marks JAC’s entry into the electrified ute segment, combining a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with a dual-motor plug-in hybrid system. 
 
Local validation work spans a broad range of performance criteria, including durability, ride and handling, powertrain calibration, towing and payload capability, as well as on-road and off-road dynamics, braking performance and advanced driver assistance systems. 
 
JAC Motors Australia technical director Hongjian Jiang said the Lang Lang facility provided a critical benchmark in adapting global products for local conditions. 
 
“Lang Lang has long been recognised as an automotive centre of excellence.” 
 
“The extensive testing across bitumen, dirt and off-road environments is key to optimising Hunter for Australian conditions and customer expectations.” 
 
Segula Technologies Australia, which has extensive experience in local vehicle development programs, was engaged to support testing and evaluation during the Lang Lang phase. 
 
JAC says insights gained from the Australian program will also inform global development of the Hunter, underlining the importance of Australia as a validation market. 
 
“Australia’s unique combination of challenging conditions and high customer expectations makes it an ideal proving ground,” Mr Jiang said. 
 
“Improvements identified here have the potential to benefit customers globally.” 
 
The Hunter is underpinned by a new plug-in hybrid powertrain combining two electric motors with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 31.2kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. 
 
JAC claims the system is engineered to deliver a balance of performance and efficiency, while a 3.3kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) function enables the ute to power external equipment, including tools and appliances. 
 
When it arrives in mid-2026, the Hunter will join JAC’s T9 dual-cab line-up in Australia. 
 
The model will be backed by the brand’s ‘All Roads Assurance’ ownership program, including a seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty for private and commercial use, roadside assistance for up to seven years, capped-price servicing, and a warranty loan vehicle program. 
 
Pricing and final specifications will be announced closer to launch.

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