JAC Begins New Zealand Testing of T9 PHEV Ute Ahead of Launch

The company reports that it has officially begun its New Zealand prelaunch testing program for the highly anticipated T9 Ute PHEV, marking the next step in bringing the electrified workhorse to Kiwi drivers at a time when sky high fuel prices are on everyone’s mind.

Backed by more than 60 years of truck manufacturing expertise, early indications suggest the performance, specification and technology on offer will position the T9 PHEV to be extremely competitive in a fast developing sector of the market.

Having already established a strong presence in NZ with the Diesel T9 Ute variant launched early 2025, JAC’s EV tech credentials are already showing excellent market acceptance with its EV truck range, supporting local fleet operators, including Woolworths, KiwiHarvest, Kaibosh, Fieldays, and a Kiwi winery, while global operators include DHL, Heineken, Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo and IKEA.

The high-performance plug-in hybrid T9 will now undergo its local testing under the brand’s “Tested by Kiwis, for Kiwis” philosophy, building on testing in Australia at facilities such as the former Holden LangLang proving grounds. JAC’s NZ team will apply the same approach taken with the T9 diesel prior to its local launch, completing hundreds of hours of testing across tarmac, mud, snow, sleet, gravel and river crossings.

Andrew Craw, general manager of JAC NZ, says the timing of a PHEV Ute for the local market couldn’t be better, given the huge interest in alternative fuel options.

“We’re excited to be putting the T9 PHEV through its paces here in NZ, putting it through real-world Kiwi conditions, which is critical to making sure it delivers where it matters most – allowing us to say it does what it says on the tin!”

The test vehicle is set to travel from the far north to the deep south, with testing looking at duties including towing, off-roading, worksite and on-farm environments.