16:38 06-05-2026

JAC Hunter PHEV: Australia's Most Affordable Plug-in Hybrid Pickup

JAC Hunter PHEV debuts as Australia's cheapest plug-in hybrid ute. Under AU$50,000, it packs 360 kW, 1005 km range, and 3500 kg towing. Order books open now.

Chinese automaker JAC is gearing up to launch the Hunter PHEV, a new dual-cab pickup for Australia that aims to be the most affordable plug-in hybrid in its class. Order books opened on May 5, 2026, with first deliveries planned for the third quarter — between July and September. The advertised price sits below AU$50,000 (about US$36,235) before on-road costs.

That positions it directly against the BYD Shark 6, which currently starts at AU$55,900 (US$40,511) for the base trim, while the hotter Performance variant is priced at AU$62,900 (US$45,584). The Hunter PHEV is also set to undercut the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and the Ford Ranger PHEV — the latter still the priciest in the segment.

But JAC isn’t relying solely on a low sticker. The Hunter PHEV pairs a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 360 kW. On paper, that trumps the BYD Shark 6 Performance, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV, and even the Ford Ranger PHEV. A 31.2 kWh battery promises a total driving range of up to 1,005 km, fuel economy as low as 1.6 L/100 km, and an electric-only range exceeding 100 km.

Practicality is also a strong suit: JAC claims a 3,500 kg towing capacity, a 915 kg payload, and both front and rear diff locks. The first 1,000 buyers will receive either a home charger or an accessory voucher. The big question now is whether JAC can deliver on the promised price and back up those specs when the production-ready Australian models arrive.