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The JAC T9 PHEV looks to be the cheapest plug-in hybrid currently available.
While a late arrival to the booming New Zealand ute market, JAC is already making a name for itself with its high spec’ JAC T9 Ute.
Taking things a step further, the manufacturer chose National Fieldays to release its JAC T9 PHEV electrified double cab.
Offered at a starting price of $59,990 plus ORC it will certainly catch the attention of potential buyers and make its competitors shudder. Retailing at only $10,000 more than its non-electric/ICE counterpart, and indeed at the same price as a leading premium side-byside, the T90 PHEV looks to be the cheapest plug-in hybrid currently available.
While price is always a key consideration, the T9 PHEV also looks to be the most powerful, producing a combined 360kW and 674Nm torque from its turbocharged, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine and twin electric motors. In practice, the 2.0- litre petrol produces 155kW and 370Nm that combines with the 130kW front and 150kW rear electric motors, delivering a 0-100kph dash of only 6.0 seconds.
A combined range of up to 1050km is said to offer up to 100km of electric-only driving around town if required, but having spent much of the early part of 2026 testing in “real” NZ conditions, the company reports a recent Auckland to Whangarei trip returned 2.6l/100km.
A 31kWh battery pack supports DC fast charging, while also powering a 3.3kW Vehicle to Load (V2L) outlet in the rear tray. That rear tray offers a 915kg load capacity, along with the ute-industry ‘standard requirement’ of 3.5 tonnes towing ability.
Differing from traditional 4WD systems, the T9 PHEV uses an electrically-driven rear axle, without the need for a solid driveshaft between both axles. In EV Mode, the rear motor provides a direct drive to the rear differential, with additional traction provided, as required, by the front axle motor and the petrol engine.
Despite lacking a lowrange transfer case, the front, central and rear diff locks combine to keep the ute moving, while also being complemented by eight, selectable off-road and crawl modes. The company quotes a 550mm wading depth, alongside a sector-leading five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Offered in a single specification, largely based on the current T9 Black Edition, the PHEV also gains wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, surround-view cameras, telescopic steering wheel adjustment and a soft-close tailgate function.
With first deliveries expected in late July or early August, the distributor expects sales to be split 50:50 between the original ICE versions and the new PHEV.
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