JAC has completed initial local testing of its upcoming Hunter PHEV at the Lang Lang Proving Ground, ahead of the dual-cab’s local launch which is set to take place mid-2026. 

More than 50,000km are expected to be logged on roads and tracks by the end of testing, as part of a broader program to develop the vehicle for Australian conditions, aimed at ensuring the PHEV can handle the demands of Australia’s brutal climates and terrain.

“This local development program is our most exhaustive and ambitious to date,” said Ahmed Mahmoud, Managing Director of JAC Motors Australia. “It will push JAC Hunter – and engineers from China and Australia – to the absolute limit. By the time JAC Hunter goes on sale, it will not just represent outstanding value, provide exceptional practicality, and come with JAC’s industry-leading warranty program. It will be match-fit and ready for Australia.”

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The Lang Lang stage was carried out in collaboration with independent engineering firm, Segula Technologies Australia, with JAC’s engineers working alongside Segula’s team to evaluate vehicle durability and dynamics, powertrain performance and calibration, towing and load-carrying capacity, on- and off-road behaviour, acceleration and braking, and driver assistance systems.

“Lang Lang has been globally recognised as an automotive centre of excellence for many decades. The extensive real-world testing we can replicate on its many arduous bitumen, dirt and off-road circuits all contributes to optimising JAC’s first plug-in hybrid ute for Australian conditions – and for Australian ute buyers,” said Hongjian Jiang, JAC Motors Australia Technical Director.

The Hunter’s powertrain pairs a turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors, powered by a 31.2kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery. A 3.3kW vehicle-to-load function allows the ute to serve as a mobile power source for tools or emergency backup power.

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“Australia’s unique combination of challenging conditions, sophisticated buyers, and high usage demands makes it an ideal proving ground,” said Hongjian Jiang. “Improvements we identify through this program have potential to benefit Hunter customers worldwide.”

The ute made its world debut at the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show. It will complement JAC’s T9 turbodiesel dual-cab range. Hunter will carry JAC’s All Roads Assurance ownership package, including a seven-year unlimited-kilometre warranty covering commercial use, 24/7 roadside assistance, capped-price servicing, and a loan vehicle program.

Final pricing and specifications will be confirmed closer to launch.

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