New JAC T9 – More details on South Africa’s first hybrid bakkie revealed

JAC Motors has revealed more details about its new T9 bakkie that’s coming to South Africa this year.

The double cab was recently featured at the 2023 Shangai Automotive Show, where more information was given regarding its specifications and engine line-up.

Most notably, the T9 will be offered with multiple internal combustion engines (ICE), as well as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery-electric (BEV) powertrain.

This means the upcoming JAC is shaping up to be the country’s first hybrid and electric bakkie, with the ICE models slated for an introduction in the second semester of 2023, while the electrified units are expected to make an appearance in 2024.

Engine line-up

Upon its arrival in the second half of the year, the JAC T9 will be offered in a 4×4 and 4×2 guise with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a choice of either a 2.0-litre, turbocharged diesel or petrol drivetrain.

The diesel unit produces 125kW and 410Nm, while the petrol plant makes 168kW and 380Nm.

The Chinese automaker also stated that the bakkie is certified to tow 3,500kg, has a load capacity of 1,000kg, a wheelbase of 3,110mm, and a ride height of 210mm.

Additionally, the 4×4 models feature a part-time four-wheel drive system with a low-range setting and an electronic differential lock.

The PHEV, meanwhile, combines the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol powertrain with a 26.8kWh battery, resulting in an average fuel consumption of 3.3l/100km, according to the manufacturer.

The 4×4 BEV will then feature an 88kWh lithium-ion battery pack and electric motor, giving the bakkie a range of over 400km on a single charge.

The automaker also has plans to introduce a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel in the first quarter of 2025, though no further details have been provided as of yet.

Confirmed features

While the full list of features will only be revealed closer to its launch date, JAC has said the T9 will come with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, electronically-adjustable heated front seats, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.4-inch infotainment screen.

It also boasts adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and seven airbags.

Furthermore, the third-generation T9 has received a five-star safety rating from five different global safety rating agencies.

In South Africa, it will be sold with a 5-year/100,000km warranty and a 5-year/100,000km service and roadside assistance plan, with pricing to be announced closer to the launch.

“We are thrilled to introduce the exciting new T9 as the range-topper of our T-Series bakkies,” said Karl-Heinz Göbel, the CEO of JAC Motors South Africa.

“The T9 will lead our charge in the double-cab market, with our versatile T8 and economical T6 line-ups focusing on specific target markets within this market segment.”