The JAC T9 PHEV has launched at RM156,027.60 on-the-road without insurance, giving Malaysian pick-up buyers their first petrol plug-in hybrid option.
It joins the diesel and battery-electric T9 in distributor Evolvelectric Motors’ line-up. An Adventure variant costs RM164,027.60, adding Toyo Open Country R/T tyres and black multi-spoke alloys to the same mechanical package for a rugged aesthetics.
A 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine works with two electric motors and a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission to deliver 360 kW (489 PS) and 1,000 Nm through electric four-wheel drive.
Evolvelectric Motors chief executive officer Lau Yit Mun drew a comparison with the Bentley Continental GT. Specifically, the Continental GT Speed matches the JAC’s claimed combined torque figure.
The T9’s 31.2 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery comes from Gotion High-Tech.
JAC claims up to 100 km of electric driving and 1,000 km with petrol and battery power combined under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). For electric range, the TienCars estimate is approximately 80 km on a WLTP-equivalent basis, using 80% of the NEDC figure.
DC charging from 15% to 80% takes a claimed 30 minutes. A vehicle-to-load (V2L) function supplies up to 15 kW for electrical equipment, while JAC quotes fuel consumption of 1.6 litres per 100 km under plug-in hybrid test conditions.
Lau also highlighted the rear suspension, describing the T9 PHEV as one of relatively few pick-ups with a multi-link arrangement.
It uses independent double-wishbone suspension at the front and a coil-sprung, multi-link solid rear axle. Compared with the leaf springs common in this segment, the rear layout offers scope for better bump absorption and ride refinement, particularly when lightly loaded.
Actual comfort would depend on the suspension tuning and tyres.
Its working credentials include a 3,500 kg braked towing capacity and a quoted wading depth of 550 mm.
Inside are black leather seats with diamond stitching, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 50 W wireless charger, ambient lighting and a cooled centre armrest compartment.
Seven airbags include a front centre airbag. The advanced driver assistance systems cover adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assistance, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and driver monitoring.
A 360-degree camera provides a transparent chassis view for manoeuvring.
Vehicle warranty coverage runs for seven years or 150,000 km, with the high-voltage battery covered for eight years or 150,000 km, whichever comes first.
Lau said JAC’s strategy centres on giving buyers a choice of diesel, battery-electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains. He said Japanese brands had been established in Malaysia’s pick-up market for over 40 years. Pointing out that JAC was not going head-on with the established players, he said the brand was playing the long game and preparing its products for growing acceptance of electrified trucks.
Local assembly is planned at FT Assembly’s Kulim facility in Kedah. The previously announced programme targets the PHEV first, followed by diesel, with battery-electric production scheduled for January 2027.
The T9 PHEV looks like JAC and Evolvelectric’s closing product launch for the year, completing a three-powertrain pick-up range. Asked about 2027, Lau told Tiencars more models are coming and the company was exploring JAC SUVs for Malaysia. During the annual JAC Day in August, JAC showcased to the international media and dealers its pick-up trucks as well as the JS4 Pro, JS8 Pro and E30X in Chengdu.
The JS series are combustion engine SUVs, while the E30X is a compact electric hatchback slightly smaller than the Proton e.MAS 5.
