JAC T9 EV: Electric Chinese ute coming to Australia

The turbo-diesel JAC T9 ute only started to roll out into Australian driveways at the start of the year, but its electric sibling is set to make its local debut next month – and it could come to showrooms.

Unveiled in China last year, the JAC T9 EV is set to be shown to the Australian public for the first time in Melbourne on April 5 and 6, alongside the turbo-diesel T9 and the sleek DE-FINE concept.

Executives for JAC’s Australian distributor said in 2022 the T9 EV would launch here after the turbo-diesel, but a local berth is no longer a certainty.

“The JAC T9 EV has a lot to offer Australian ute buyers and businesses keen to embrace zero-emission motoring. However, a decision has not been made on if or when it might come to Australia,” a JAC Motors Australia spokesperson told CarExpert.

“After the Melbourne motor show, the T9 EV display vehicle heads to Western Australia where it will be put to work with mining companies eager to experience its strong workhorse and environmental credentials.

“Their feedback will be included in the business case, along with responses from the Melbourne motor show.”

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Though the T9 EV looks largely the same as the T9 currently in Australian showrooms – aside from a closed-off grille, aerodynamic wheels and a subtler sports bar – under the skin it differs greatly.

Powering the T9 EV is a pair of electric motors, one for each axle. Total system outputs are 220kW and 516Nm, significantly more than the turbo-diesel T9s 120kW/410Nm outputs.

This allows the T9 EV to offer all-wheel drive like the diesel model, something we haven’t seen in the single electric ute sold in Australia thus far.

The LDV eT60 remains the only electric ute available to Australian buyers, and with only a 130kW single-motor rear-wheel drive configuration it hasn’t set the sales charts alight with approximately 100 sales over three years.

However, the new LDV eTerron 9 is due to launch later this year, with both rear- and all-wheel drive powertrains approved for sale, developing up to 325kW.

JAC has fitted the T9 EV with an 88kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery to feed the dual motors, with a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.5 seconds – not fast for an electric vehicle (EV), but relatively quick for a ute.

The brand claims an unladen driving range of 330km and a maximum DC fast-charging rate of 88kW.

A 900kg payload capacity may be down on the diesel T9’s 1045kg figure, however it’s still above the 685kg and 790kg capabilities of the plug-in hybrid GWM Cannon Alpha and BYD Shark 6 utes.

The T9 EV also features vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing its battery to be used as a portable generator. This is also available on the aforementioned PHEV utes, as well as the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV.

All other features of the turbo-diesel T9 carry over to the EV, including its rear tub which is wide enough to fit an Australian standard pallet, leather-accented interior trim and a suite of active safety and driver assist features.

Should the T9 EV come to Australia, expect an increase on the circa-$45,000 before on-road costs price tag of its turbo-diesel sibling.

MORE: Everything JAC T9