JAC has announced that the T9 will receive two new models in the near future, comprising a limited-edition unit and a brand-new plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
The T9 made its initial debut in 2023, and is currently available in four specifications – all of which are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 125kW and 410Nm.
Upon its launch, the Chinese automaker indicated that South Africa would receive an electrified version of the bakkie in 2024, but this never came to pass.
Nevertheless, JAC has now confirmed that the PHEV is finally here and that it will appear in showrooms very soon.
“In August, JAC Motors South Africa received its first T9 PHEVs amid growing interest in green alternative-energy vehicles,” said the company.
“Ahead of its imminent launch, local technical teams will test the T9 PHEV under South African conditions to gather data on performance, energy efficiency, fuel consumption and off-road capability, ensuring it meets and exceeds customer expectations.”
The plug-in model combines a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol plant with two electric motors – one for each axle.
The front motor has a peak output of 130kW and 300Nm, while the rear motor can provide up to 150kW and 340Nm.
Together with the combustion engine, the PHEV can tap into an impressive 290kW and 670Nm.
The e-motors are powered by a 31.2kWh battery, though JAC has yet to disclose what the car’s electric driving range is.
Charging the battery will take anywhere from one hour and 25 minutes to four hours and 30 minutes, depending on whether a DC or AC outlet is used.
The bakkie also has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500kg, meaning its utility is on par with its diesel siblings.
When it arrives, the T9 PHEV will be the second plug-in hybrid bakkie in South Africa, joining the BYD Shark that launched earlier this year.
Limited-edition JAC T9
The other JAC lined up for South Africa is a limited-edition T9 model commissioned to celebrate the brand’s recent achievements.
Earlier this year, JAC set a national record at the Gerotek testing facility in Gauteng when it drove a T9 for 24 hours straight.
The endurance challenge was meant to showcase the vehicle’s reliability, as it managed to cover 4,084km while maintaining an average speed of 170.1km/h.
The previous record was held by Isuzu, which averaged 169.3km using a KB300 TDi.
In celebration of this accomplishment, JAC will produce a limited run of 24 bespoke units for the T9.
“To celebrate this record-breaking victory, we are producing 24 uniquely branded T9 Hunters in 4×4 configuration, featuring enhanced performance and exclusive comfort features,” said Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa.
“Each unit will be individually numbered from one to 24 to commemorate this remarkable milestone in our journey.”
Unfortunately, the automaker has remained tight-lipped about what these units will feature, but we shouldn’t have to wait much longer to find out.
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