JAC Hunter PHEV ute confirmed for mid-2026 with 1005km range
The JAC Hunter PHEV dual-cab ute is due in Australia mid-2026, claiming 1.6L/100km combined consumption and a 1005km total range, with pricing expected to undercut the BYD Shark 6.
Rob Leigh
JAC Motors Australia has confirmed efficiency and range figures for its Hunter PHEV ahead of a mid-2026 Australian launch. The plug-in hybrid dual-cab claims a combined fuel consumption of 1.6L/100km and a total driving range of 1,005km both measured on the lenient NEDC cycle.
Key specs confirmed so far:
- Power: 385kW / 1,000Nm (combined system output)
- Battery: 31.2kWh lithium-iron phosphate
- Electric-only range: ~100km
- Combined range: 1,005km (NEDC)
- Fuel consumption: 1.6L/100km (NEDC)
- Payload: 1000kg+
- Towing: 3,200kg braked (3,500kg possible)
- V2L: 3.3kW
Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with dual electric motors. That output figure puts it above the BYD Shark 6 and on par with the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV on torque, while the claimed payload of more than 1,000kg beats all current PHEV ute rivals.
Pricing hasn't been confirmed, but JAC managing director Ahmed Mahmoud has hinted it could come in below the BYD Shark 6's $57,900 drive-away starting price. He described it as "very, very strong."
Worth flagging: those efficiency and range numbers use the NEDC test cycle, which is known to produce optimistic results. Real-world figures will almost certainly be higher than 1.6L/100km.
Before reaching Australian buyers, the Hunter PHEV has completed more than 50,000km of local testing under JAC's 'Project: No Shortcuts' program, with suspension tuning handled by engineer Michael Barber from global firm Multimatic. Independent testing was also carried out by SEGULA Technologies.
The Hunter will be backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty covering commercial use, plus capped-price servicing, 24/7 roadside assistance and a loan vehicle program.
Full pricing and final specifications will be revealed at the Melbourne Motor Show running April 10-12 at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre.
NRL star Josh Addo-Carr has partnered with JAC for the launch with a one-off customised Hunter built for the occasion set to be displayed at the show.
If the price comes in under the Shark 6, JAC will have a serious fight on its hands to keep up with demand.
