The 2026 JAC Hunter plug-in hybrid ute is undergoing extensive testing in Australia, with more than 50,000 kilometers already completed before its official launch.
Initial trials of the dual-cab, 4x4 Hunter PHEV have wrapped up at the former Holden Lang Lang proving ground in Victoria. JAC Motors Australia is using the site to fine-tune the vehicle for Australian climates and road conditions.
During testing, engineers are closely examining a range of systems, including durability, dynamics, powertrain performance and calibration, towing capability, and load-carrying capacity. Both on-road and off-road behavior, acceleration, braking, and the performance of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) are being evaluated as well.
Hongjian Jiang, Technical Director at JAC Motors Australia, praised Lang Lang as a long-standing automotive testing hub that helps adapt international models to Australia’s demanding environment.
"Lang Lang has long been recognized as an automotive center of excellence," Jiang noted. "The ability to replicate harsh real-world conditions across asphalt, gravel, and off-road tracks is essential for optimizing JAC’s first plug-in hybrid ute for Australian buyers and conditions."
Following Lang Lang, the Hunter PHEV will embark on public-road testing for further validation and refinement.
The 2026 Hunter PHEV pairs two electric motors with a 2.0-liter turbo petrol engine, targeting a combined output of 385 kW and 1000 Nm of torque. Its 31.2 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery is designed to deliver up to 100 kilometers of zero-emission driving range.
A notable feature is the 3.3 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, effectively turning the ute into a portable generator to power tools and appliances.
JAC expects the Hunter PHEV to arrive in Australia around mid-2026, alongside ongoing expansion of the T9 turbo-diesel dual-cab 4x4 lineup.
The new plug-in hybrid ute will be backed by the same seven-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty and 24/7 roadside assistance offered across the current JAC range.
Would you consider a plug-in hybrid work ute for frequent outdoor or job-site use, or do you prefer traditional diesel setups? Share your thoughts in the comments.
