The new plug-in hybrid JAC Hunter ute will likely enter the Australian market at a lower price point than the popular BYD Shark 6 when it arrives in June.
The JAC Hunter plug-in hybrid ute from China could go on sale with a lower price than the $57,900 plus on-road costs BYD Shark 6 Premium.
Asked if the new dual-cab could beat the Shark 6 on price, Ahmed Mahmoud, JAC Australia’s Managing Director, told Drive: “Could possibly”.
“We look at competition, but we also have a look at what the car represents in terms of value. Our entry level is more mid-level when you look at our car versus our competitors,” Mahmoud said.
The new JAC Hunter is set to enter Australian showrooms in June or July this year, and joins the small category of plug-in hybrid utes, currently only shared with BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV, and Ford Ranger PHEV.
The new model will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and dual electric motors, leading to claimed outputs of 385kW and 1000Nm.
Electric power is sourced from the 31.3kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery, which has early claims of up to 100km of electric-only driving, trumping the BYD claim of 80-100km and the Ford at 49km, but 10km less than the GWM.
Further specifications include a 3.3kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) output to power standard appliances like a generator, and NEDC claimed fuel consumption of 1.6L/100km, leading to a claimed overall range of 1005km with a full tank and charged battery.
The model is confirmed to be backed by the same seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty found with its existing diesel T9 ute.
The Chinese brand also highlighted its 50,000km testing program down under, placing specific focus on how the car handles on and off the road, braking, and the tuning of the Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Towing, payload, and powertrain calibration were also put to the test in early 2026 when the brand utilised the ex-Holden proving ground, Lang Lang, to further develop the car for Australia.
Early reports claim the Hunter will be certified with a braked tow rating of 3500kg, beating out the 1.5-litre Shark 6’s low-for-its-size rating of 2500kg.
Further local specification and pricing will be released closer to the car’s launch in June/July 2026.
Zane Dobie comes from a background of motorcycle journalism, working for notable titles such as Australian Motorcycle News Magazine, Just Bikes and BikeReview. Despite his fresh age, Zane brings a lifetime of racing and hands-on experience. His passion now resides on four wheels as an avid car collector, restorer, drift car pilot and weekend go-kart racer.
