JAC Motors Australia has used the Melbourne Motor Show 2026 to confirm key timing for its upcoming Hunter PHEV ute, with reservations opening on 5 May and first arrivals expected in dealerships from mid-2026.
The announcement adds to growing anticipation around the model, which combines strong performance figures with low emissions and fuel use — a mix that’s becoming increasingly important for Australian ute buyers.
Strong numbers backed by real-world focus
On paper, the Hunter PHEV stands out in its segment, delivering 360kW alongside CO₂ emissions of just 38g/km and fuel consumption of 1.6L/100km (NEDC). It also carries a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, positioning it as a well-rounded option for both work and everyday driving.
But beyond the headline figures, JAC is putting a big emphasis on local development. Under its ‘Project: No Shortcuts’ program, the ute will undergo more than 50,000km of testing across Australian conditions — from highways to off-road terrain — to ensure it’s properly suited to how utes are actually used here.
The final product will also feature vehicle dynamics tuned by respected Australian engineer Michael Barber.
Early buyers get a bonus
To build early momentum, JAC is offering the first 1,000 customers who reserve a Hunter PHEV a free home charger on delivery — a practical incentive as more buyers consider making the switch to electrified vehicles.
Built with capability in mind
According to JAC Motors Global Deputy General Manager David Zhang, the Hunter is designed to meet the real expectations of Australian ute buyers.
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“Australians don’t need another soft hybrid,” he said.
“They need a ute that works hard, and just happens to be electrified. That is what Hunter is built to deliver. With JAC’s many years of chassis manufacturing expertise, and a powertrain engineered for real-world Australian conditions, long hauls, heavy loads, and long distances, Hunter delivers the performance you’d expect from a serious ute, and rewrites what power paired with efficiency looks like in a work vehicle.”
Backing that up is a proper 4WD setup, including front and rear diff locks and multiple off-road modes covering everything from sand and mud to rock crawling and low-speed terrain control.
Early demand already building
JAC Motors Australia Managing Director Ahmed Mahmoud said local interest has already been strong ahead of launch.
“The JAC Hunter PHEV Ute has exceeded our expectations in terms of the attention it has generated from Australian buyers. When you combine a 5-star ANCAP safety rating with segment-leading power, fuel economy of just 1.6L/100km (NEDC), this is a vehicle that rewrites what Australian ute buyers thought was possible. And with 50,000 kilometres of Australian testing and Michael Barber’s vehicle dynamics tuning, buyers can be confident this is a vehicle built with no shortcuts.”
With reservations about to open and more details expected closer to launch, the Hunter PHEV is shaping up as one of the more closely watched new entries in Australia’s highly competitive ute market.
