JAC New Zealand has unveiled its T9 PHEV ute following an extensive local testing programme, with the company releasing key performance figures after the vehicle’s appearance at Fieldays.
Following the same ‘Tested by Kiwis, for Kiwis’ approach used for the diesel T9, JAC’s New Zealand team put the T9 PHEV through its paces across local conditions including highways, back roads, towing and payload testing. Testing is now nearing completion, with feedback from the programme used to support final refinement work.
The headline figures include 3.5-tonne towing capacity, a 915kg payload, 360kW of power and a combined driving range of up to 1,005km (NEDC).
With more than 60 years building trucks and commercial vehicles, JAC says it has taken its existing ute platform and applied its electric vehicle expertise to create a plug-in hybrid designed as a working ute.
The T9 PHEV features a four-speed DHT transmission, dual electric motors and a three-way differential locking system. JAC says the combination delivers strong low-speed torque and predictable performance when hauling loads, towing trailers or operating off-road.
The vehicle has achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating. According to JAC, the result positions the T9 PHEV as New Zealand’s safest hybrid ute.
Andrew Craw, general manager of JAC New Zealand, says local testing has produced encouraging results, with fine-tuning and calibration adjustments already underway before vehicles enter production.