The BYD Shark 6's newest rival could perform better than its diesel sibling, which was has told Drive that it believes the new Hunter plug-in hybrid will outsell its existing diesel T9 ute when the new model goes on sale mid-year in Australia.
The JAC Hunter plug-in hybrid ute could outsell the diesel T9 sibling to the new BYD-rivalling dual-cab.
“From a spec, from a price, from a performance point of view, absolutely [it can outsell the T9],” said Ahmed Mahmoud, JAC Australia’s Managing Director.
“There are external factors, fuel prices, cost of living, EV charging stations, whatever it is that are also going to impact all electrified vehicles in Australia, including our new Hunter.”
Pricing has yet to be revealed for the Australian market, but Mahmoud also teased that the price could be sharper than the popular BYD Shark 6, which currently starts at $57,900 plus on-road costs as a pick-up.
"Could possibly be [cheaper than the BYD Shark 6]. We look at competition, but we also have a look at what the car represents in terms of value."
JAC’s single current Australian model is the diesel T9, with a starting price of $38,990 plus on-road costs for the cab-chassis Tradepro model, up to the top-spec Osprey X from $47,079 plus on-roads
Publicly available data shows 1582 JAC T9s were reported as sold in its first year on the market, 2025.
Mahmoud further believes that with the current rising fuel prices and bowser uncertainty, PHEV tech will be key to the Hunter’s appeal.
“The acceptance curve [for plug-in hybrid technology] is a lot steeper than it was five or 10 years ago. I think it's the right technology at the right time.
“I've got a smile on my face because I know that we're working hard to make sure that it's affordable.”
While pricing has not been released, the Chinese brand has revealed some early specifications, including the fact that the Hunter will output 385kW/1000Nm with help from two electric motors and a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.
Plug-in technology will be supported by a lithium-iron phosphate battery, which has early claims of up to 100km of electric-only driving.
JAC has also claimed it has completed 50,000km of local testing, focusing highly on Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), payload, and towing, which is set to be rated at around 3500kg braked.
Further information on the new model will be available close to the JAC Hunter’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.
