JAC’s T9 PHEV is now expected to reach Malaysian showrooms in September after two earlier launch targets slipped. The plug-in hybrid pick-up was originally due in the first quarter of 2026 before the timing moved to June.
It will join the diesel and battery-electric T9s launched here in March 2025 at RM119,888 and RM199,888 respectively. A source at distributor Evolvelectric Motors also indicated that local assembly is planned for the T9 range. The existing models are currently imported from China.
In China, the pick-up is sold as “Hantu”. Australia uses the Hunter name for the PHEV while retaining T9 for its diesel range. Several other export markets continue to use T9.
The Hantu PHEV made its Chinese debut at the Shanghai Motor Show in April 2025 before going on sale at the Chengdu Motor Show that August. It returned to Chengdu this year with a substantially revised cabin while retaining its existing powertrain.
The specification shown for Malaysia lists 385kW and 1,000Nm, a 31.2kWh battery and about 100km of electric range, with combined WLTP range of around 1,000km.
JAC claims fuel consumption of 1.6 litres per 100km, rising to 8.1 litres per 100km with the battery depleted. The Chinese model uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, two electric motors and a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission.
Australia gets a different calibration, rated at 360kW and 1,010Nm. Its launch programme was taking place in late August, with JAC having previously said deliveries would begin during the third quarter.
JAC also offered off-road drives of the T9 PHEV and JS9 SUV at a track on the outskirts of central Chengdu.
The activities formed part of JAC Day 2026, the sixth edition of the company’s overseas brand festival, held from Aug 23-26. More than 100 overseas media and users from over 20 countries took part in test drives, cultural activities, the Chengdu Motor Show and a global fans gala.
The Aug 24 JAC Day gala dinner, held outdoors near Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, got off to a rough start. Heavy rain arrived shortly after activities began, sending participants scurrying for cover to a nearby hall. Nevertheless, the revelry carried on despite the interruption.
The programme wrapped up on Aug 26 with a visit to the motor show.
RF8 PHEV
Besides the Hantu/T9 PHEV, JAC displayed the RF8 PHEV at the motor show. The MPV first appeared in production form at the 2023 Chengdu Motor Show, while the latest RF8 Yuexiang series went on sale in China in March 2026.
The seven-seat RF8 Yuexiang measures 5,215mm long, 1,895mm wide and 1,830mm tall, with a 3,100mm wheelbase. Its plug-in hybrid system combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 160kW electric motor and three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission.
Its 27.6kWh lithium iron phosphate battery provides a claimed 150km CLTC electric range and 1,150km combined range. JAC quotes 0-100kph in 7.3 seconds and WLTC battery-depleted fuel consumption of 5.4 litres per 100km.
DEFINE-X
Also returning was the DEFINE-X, a five-metre-long, six-seat SUV prototype first shown at the 2025 Shanghai Motor Show.
Its upright proportions have attracted comparisons with large luxury SUVs like the Range Rover, but JAC’s purpose is broader: the prototype demonstrates what its DEFINE architecture could underpin.
It follows the original DEFINE technology concept unveiled in 2024 and was developed alongside the DEFINE-S electric performance sedan as a showcase for JAC’s future vehicle architecture.
The DEFINE-X is aimed partly at travel and outdoor use, with features including a bicycle rack and rear “fishing seats”. Its cabin uses a flexible six-seat layout designed for commuting, camping and leisure use.
Its more significant technology is JAC’s ICDC by-wire chassis, which the company says can respond to four-wheel vectoring commands in under 100 milliseconds. Rear-wheel steering of up to 12 degrees allows crab-style movement and improves manoeuvrability in tight spaces.
The prototype also carries JAC’s latest ADS driver-assistance technology. JAC has yet to announce a production version or final powertrain specifications.
