JAC has confirmed that the T9 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) bakkie is coming to South Africa.
The PHEV version of the T9 double cab has been in the pipeline for our market for three years, as it was first announced all the way back in December 2022.
It was initially expected to launch in South Africa in 2023, but has been quietly delayed multiple times.
In any case, it seems that we will finally get our hands on the new model, as JAC recently made an appearance at the 2025 Guangzhou Auto Show in China.
One of the vehicles featured at the event was the T9 PHEV, which JAC confirmed will come to South Africa early next year.
“We are excited to introduce the new T9 PHEV in South Africa in the first quarter of 2026,” said Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa.
“Its impressive performance, refined drivability and excellent fuel efficiency will appeal to buyers seeking a high-performance, practical and luxurious double-cab bakkie.”
What to expect
As a reminder, the T9 is currently available in six variants – all of which feature a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine.
The PHEV will presumably be positioned as the flagship of the series, as it is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors, according to AutoTrader.
The dual permanent magnet synchronous motors help to generate a combined output of 290kW and 670Nm, making it one of the most powerful bakkies in the country.
For reference, the three most potent double cabs on the market right now are the BYD Shark 6, the Ford Ranger Raptor, and the GWM P500, which have the following stats:
- BYD Shark 6 PHEV – 321kW/650Nm
- Ford Ranger Raptor – 292kW/583Nm
- GWM P500 HEV – 255kW/648Nm
The Shark will undoubtedly be the T9’s main competitor in South Africa, given that they are both plug-in hybrids.
The JAC’s dual motors are powered by a 31.2kWh battery with a range of approximately 100km.
This battery supports both DC and AC charging speeds, which can top up the cells in one hour and 25 minutes, and four and a half hours, respectively.
JAC claims that the pickup has an average fuel consumption of just 3.3l/100km, provided you make extensive use of the electric mode.
It also has a four-wheel-drive system with an electronic diff lock, and a towing capacity of 3,500kg, meaning it has the same utility as its diesel siblings.
The automaker will only reveal the car’s spec sheet closer to launch, but it should come with all of the nice-to-haves found on the rest of the lineup.
If the diesel T9 is anything to go by, the new PHEV will come with keyless entry and start, a leather multifunction steering wheel, leather upholstery, automatic climate control with rear vents, electronically adjustable heated front seats, a wireless charger, USB ports, 220V and 12V sockets, a 7-inch instrument cluster, and a 10.4-inch portrait infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It should also feature a driver assistance suite with cruise control, traction control, tyre pressure monitoring, hill descent control, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and seven airbags.
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