Chinese automaker JAC Motors is set to introduce the T9 Hunter PHEV, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) pickup truck, aiming to compete directly with BYD’s Shark 6 in the Australian market.
The T9 Hunter PHEV is expected to feature a combination of a turbocharged petrol engine and electric motors, offering a substantial electric-only driving range and a total range comparable to its competitors. This move signifies JAC’s strategic entry into the growing segment of electrified utility vehicles in Australia.
The BYD Shark 6, launched in Australia in late 2024, has garnered significant attention, with over 2,000 orders placed within the first 24 hours of its pricing announcement. Priced at $57,900 before on-road costs, the Shark 6 combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with dual electric motors, delivering a total output of 321kW and 650Nm. It offers an electric-only range of 100km and a total driving range of up to 800km.
The introduction of the JAC T9 Hunter PHEV is poised to intensify competition in this emerging market segment, providing consumers with more options in the electrified pickup truck category.
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Context & Background
The Australian automotive market has witnessed a growing interest in electrified vehicles, particularly in the utility segment. BYD’s introduction of the Shark 6 in late 2024 marked a significant milestone as one of the first plug-in hybrid utes available in the country. The vehicle’s competitive pricing and impressive performance metrics have set a high benchmark in the market. JAC Motors, a state-owned Chinese automaker with a history of producing commercial vehicles, is now entering this competitive landscape with the T9 Hunter PHEV. This move reflects a broader trend of Chinese manufacturers expanding their presence in international markets by offering innovative and affordable electrified vehicles.
In This Story
JAC Motors
JAC Motors is a Chinese state-owned automobile and commercial vehicle manufacturer headquartered in Hefei, Anhui Province. The company produces a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, passenger cars, and electric vehicles.
BYD Company Limited
BYD Company Limited is a Chinese multinational conglomerate headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. It specializes in automobiles, battery-powered bicycles, buses, trucks, and rechargeable batteries.
EVDirect
EVDirect is the exclusive distributor of BYD vehicles in Australia, responsible for sales, marketing, and customer support for the brand’s electric and hybrid vehicles in the region.
Ironman 4×4
Ironman 4×4 is an Australian company specializing in aftermarket accessories for off-road vehicles, including suspension systems, bull bars, and roof racks.
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