2026 JAC Hunter PHEV reservations open from May

JAC will open reservations for its anticipated Hunter plug-in hybrid electric ute on May 5, ahead of its expected showroom arrival in the middle of the year.

The model is set to take on the popular BYD Shark 6 with its claimed 360kW combined power output – making it the most powerful in its class.

The first 1000 customers to order the JAC Hunter PHEV before launch will receive a free home charger included in their purchase.

The Chinese brand revealed further details about the model at the Melbourne motor show, including a five-star ANCAP safety rating, drivetrain layout, and fuel consumption.

JAC is continuing testing of the model locally before launch under 'Project: No Shortcuts', which will see upwards of 50,000km of Australian testing in varying conditions, terrains, and climates completed before launch.

A part-time four-wheel-drive transfer case with front and rear locking differentials has been confirmed, along with driving modes for snow, sand, mud, rock, and off-road control.

Against its competitors, the JAC Hunter PHEV is so far the most powerful in the plug-in hybrid ute category with a claimed 360kW, compared to the BYD Shark 6 at 321kW, and the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra PHEV claiming 300kW.

The JAC Hunter PHEV is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with dual electric motors; while its initial claim of 1000Nm has not yet been confirmed.

For electric-only driving range, the claim is 100km, with over 1000km of combined range from the petrol engine and its 31.2kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery, for a claimed fuel consumption of 1.6 litres per 100 kilometres.

Vehicle-to-load capability (V2L) up to 3.3kW will be offered for charging appliances on the go, like power tools and camping equipment.

The 2026 JAC Hunter PHEV will be offered with the same seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty as its diesel counterpart.

Full pricing and specifications are expected to be revealed later this year.