China's plug-in monster: New JAC T9 Hunter PHEV out-punches the BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha with a full tonne of torque

JAC’s Ranger Raptor-style plug-in hybrid dual cab it calls the Hunter will launch in Australia in quarter one next year, with the potent plug-in unveiled for the first time at the Melbourne Motor Show.

Based on the existing T9 dual-cab platform, the Chinese brand’s first plug-in hybrid ute debuts a new 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine which combines with twin electric motors — one on each axle — to produce a Raptor-worrying 385kW and 1000Nm in total output.

The brand hasn’t revealed zero-to-100km/h times, but says the Hunter is “very fast”. And while it’s yet to confirm official payload and towing figures, the brand is understood to be confident of around one tonne for the former, and the benchmark 3.5-tonne braked for the latter.

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When it arrives, it will go head to head with a growing field of plug-in utes, including the BYD Shark 6, the Ford Ranger PHEV and the GWM Cannon Alpha.

But none can boast the torque outputs of the JAC, with the Ford Ranger PHEV good for 207kW of power and 697Nm of torque, the BYD Shark 6 producing 321kW of power and 650Nm of torque, and the GWM Cannon Alpha set at 300kW of power and 750Nm of torque.

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Joining the engine and motors is a 31.2kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery, which JAC suggests should deliver an all-electric driving range of
“at least” 100kms.

Also on board is a tray-based V2L connection, while the cabin is home to a 10.4-inch portrait-style touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a second 10.25-inch driver display screen.

2026 JAC T9 Hunter

There’s no word on price yet, but JAC today doubled down on its promise to deliver “value" as its core philosophy in Australia.

"The global premiere of the JAC Hunter marks a pivotal moment in JAC Motors' 61-year history of innovation," said Ahmed Mahmoud, Managing Director of JAC Motors' Australian importer, LTS Auto.

2026 JAC T9 Hunter

"Australian drivers demand vehicles that offer both capability and sustainability, and the JAC Hunter delivers this without compromise.

“We are thrilled to host this Global Premiere for JAC Motors, and we are even more thrilled to confirm that the JAC Hunter will arrive in JAC dealerships across Australia in early 2026.”