The 2026 JAC T9 PHEV has arrived in New Zealand, bringing plug-in hybrid power to the ute segment at an impressive price point. In this first look and impression video, I take you through the exterior, interior, key features, practicality, and my initial thoughts on how this new PHEV ute could shake up the NZ market.
Check out Jerry’s first impressions video:
Jac New Zealand launched the T9 ute in diesel form back in January 2025. It’s now been joined by the T9 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The electrified model was previewed as a prototype at Fieldays last year, and the final production version was launched at the same event this month, on June 10-13.
The orange prototype is also back on show as it happens, although the body has parted company with the chassis to show the complicated inner workings of the electric drive. “It’s had a little facelift,” says Jac NZ general manager Andrew Craw.
Speaking of the complicated bits: the T9 PHEV matches a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with two electric motors, driving through a dedicated hybrid transmsision (DHT) – which makes it more of a “super hybrid” type of powertrain than a conventional PHEV.
Read the full write up here:
We’re talking 360kW of power, up to 1,005km of combined hybrid range, 100km of pure EV range, and the ability to tow 3,500kg of braked load. For context, that’s the kind of performance envelope that makes this New Zealand’s most powerful hybrid ute. Oh, and it scored five stars with ANCAP, making it our safest hybrid ute too. Not bad for a vehicle that still comes with a built-in pie warmer. Yes, that’s still a thing, and honestly, we’re here for it.
See the full write up using the button here:
SUSPENSION fine tuning is being undertaken for a JAC that now sets price-leadership among plug-in hybrid utes – and more accurate efficiency figures are also promised.
Those factors aren’t expected to inhibit Kiwi interest in a model the Chinese commercial vehicle specialist today launched, six weeks ahead of planned start to sale.
The battery-enabled version of the T9 ute that debuted at New Zealand’s largest agricultural show, Fieldays, today is expected to be a star performer as fossil fuel price fluctuations cause ute faithful to think again about continued dedication to diesel.
The model’s $59,990 price is the lowest yet being asked for this technology in New Zealand in this format.
Check out the full write up below:
JAC New Zealand has firmed up some of the specifications we can expect to see from its upcoming T9 PHEV ute ahead of its official debut at the National Fieldays at Mystery Creek, Hamilton, this month.
Where previous numbers around the T9 PHEV have been largely speculative, JAC NZ says that the plug-in hybrid ute has undergone local testing across various New Zealand terrains, including tarmac and back roads, while performing towing and hauling tasks, which the company says is to “ensure the model is calibrated for local conditions.”
Read the full article via the link below
The JAC (“Jack”) T9’s position as a reliable workhorse for Kiwi tradies has been further reinforced by the remarkable achievement of its South African stablemate, which recently shattered the country’s 24-hour Endurance Record for commercial vehicles.
What began as a casual braai-side (aka a BBQ) challenge between a few mates filming content for South Africa’s motoring channel, turned into a serious headline-grabber for JAC. The brand’s flagship ute (or in South Africa a ‘bakkie’), the JAC T9, officially broke the South African 24-hour Endurance Record for commercial vehicles – clocking up an impressive 4,084 kilometres at an average speed of 170.1 km/h at the Gerotek Testing Facility just outside Pretoria.
Four seasoned racing drivers took shifts behind the wheel, completing more than 1,350 laps of the Gerotek track with a clear mission: to surpass the existing record set by Isuzu in 2010, which itself had bettered the Toyota Hilux benchmark from 2003.
The JAC team did more than just beat the record – they shattered it. Finishing over 20km ahead of Isuzu’s record, the T9 ran for 24 hours straight with an average fuel use of just 16.5L/100km.
Note: The South African JAC T9 2.0L CTi has some differences, but is very similar to the NZ JAC T9 top-of-the-like 4WD Auto ute.
Watch the video below:
“The T9’s unit, refined over four generations, is backed by reputable components like a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox, Bosch electronics, a BorgWarner transfer case, Garrett turbocharger, and more.
All of this ensures buyers are getting tried-and-true durability and performance that inspires confidence.“
Check out the full review from Tarmac Life below.
Note: This article was written with a previous tow rating, the tow rating of the JAC T9 is 3.2T
The JAC EV Truck is most at home for urban and last-mile driving. It has an NZ-City tested range of 200km+ fully loaded.
Range will vary depending on use and factors such as highway driving, weather conditions, load etc.
