JAC undercuts PHEV ute rivals

JAC Motors Australia has priced its new Hunter plug-in hybrid dual-cab ute from $49,988 plus on-road costs, positioning the newcomer as one of the country’s most affordable electrified utes while claiming class-leading power and a comprehensive standard equipment list.

Arriving in Australian showrooms from August, the Hunter will be offered in two grades – the entry-level Pro priced from $49,988 + ORC and the flagship X from $54,844 + ORC.

The pricing significantly undercuts existing plug-in hybrid ute rivals.

The JAC Hunter PHEV will compete against rivals that include the BYD Shark 6 PHEV (from $55,900 + ORC), Ford Ranger PHEV (from $71,990 + ORC), and the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV (from $61,490 d/a).

Bringing a claimed 360kW of combined system power, 1010Nm (!) of combined driveline torque, and a standard 3500kg braked towing capacity, JAC says the Hunter combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with front and rear electric motors to deliver its headline outputs.

The model is also claimed to return and average consumption figure of 1.6L/100km on the lenient NEDC cycle, a combined driving range of 1005km, and an electric-only range of up to 100km.

JAC Motors Australia managing director Ahmed Mahmoud said the Hunter had been developed to challenge established players on more than price alone.

“In Australia, respect isn’t given to a ute. It’s earned. Hunter has been built, tested and proven to earn that respect,” he said.

“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.

“We didn’t build Hunter to undercut the market. We built it to disrupt it and reset what Australians should expect from a PHEV ute.”

Ahead of its launch, JAC says the Hunter has completed more than 100,000km of local validation testing, including durability, towing, payload, hot-weather, and on- and off-road assessment.

The Australian development program was overseen by respected local vehicle dynamics engineer Michael Barber, whose recommendations were incorporated into the production vehicle to better suit Australian conditions.

Both Hunter variants share the same powertrain, payload rating of 915kg, towing capacity, and driving range.

Standard equipment on the Pro includes rear parking sensors, while buyers can option front and rear differential locks for an additional $1888.

The Hunter X adds front and rear locking differentials as standard, along with a black exterior styling package, heated front seats, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, 360-degree surround-view camera, front parking sensors, power-folding exterior mirrors, roof rails, rear privacy glass, welcome puddle lamps, and a rear-mounted 220-volt power outlet.

A power sunroof is available as a $1500 option on the flagship model.

JAC has also confirmed an introductory customer offer for early adopters.

The first 1000 customers to reserve a Hunter with a refundable $1000 deposit and subsequently take delivery will receive either a complimentary home EV charger or a $500 voucher redeemable on genuine JAC accessories.

Reservations for the Hunter are now open ahead of the model’s August showroom arrival.

The launch gives JAC an early foothold in Australia's emerging plug-in hybrid ute segment, which is expected to expand rapidly over the next 12 months as more manufacturers introduce electrified alternatives to traditional diesel-powered one-tonne utilities.