JAC T9 EV facing tough test after Melbourne debut

The 2025 JAC T9 EV will make its Australian debut at the Melbourne motor show next month before embarking on a national tour headlined by a stint at some of WA’s biggest mine sites.

The success of these field tests will be factored into the T9 EV’s local business case, reflecting the battery-electric ute’s primarily fleet-oriented intent, though there’s little doubt a few units would end up on suburban driveways – pending the pricing.

“The JAC T9 EV has a lot to offer Australian ute buyers and businesses keen to embrace zero-emission motoring,” a JAC Motors Australia spokesperson told carsales.

“However, a decision has not been made on if or when it might go on sale in Australia."

Standing toe-to-toe with the lacklustre LDV eT60 and forthcoming eTerron 9, the T9 EV features an 88kW LFP battery and dual electric motors for combined outputs of 210kW/516Nm and a cruising range of 330km.

Those power and torque figures monster the 130kW/310Nm eT60, but the outright performance, battery capacity and cruising range are all pretty line ball.

Fully-electric utes are few and far between at this stage of the game and it could stay that way if EV demand continues to dwindle, though commercial applications could have a say in that.

JAC Motors cites a 900kg payload for the T9 EV and enough room between the wheelarches for a full-size Aussie pallet.

EV-specific highlights meantime extend to vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities and DC fast-charging that can yield a 15-80 per cent top-up in 40 minutes.

“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,” the spokesperson said.

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

The T9 EV will be on display in Melbourne alongside the JAC DE-FINE concept four-door supercar – the Chinese brand’s poster child for its future technologies.