The JAC T9 PHEV is estimated to cost RM162,000, placing it between the RM119,888 diesel and RM199,888 EV, with CKD production to follow in Kulim.
THE upcoming JAC T9 PHEV is priced at an estimated RM162,000 in Malaysia, according to local distributor Evolvelectric Motors.
The figure is not a final confirmed price yet, but it would place the plug-in hybrid almost directly between the T9 diesel at RM119,888 and the fully electric T9 EV at RM199,888.
It also gives JAC a rather unusual pick-up range. Buyers would effectively have a choice between diesel, plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions of the same T9, with the PHEV set to become the first plug-in hybrid pick-up offered in Malaysia when it arrives in early November.
Evolvelectric Motors has been progressively revealing details ahead of its arrival. Confirmed equipment so far includes multi-link rear suspension, a 360-degree camera, ADAS 2.0 and vehicle-to-load capability of up to 15 kW. JAC is also quoting up to 1,000km of combined range, 1,000Nm of torque and a 3.5-tonne towing capacity.
The T9 also carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating, which has been extended to cover the plug-in hybrid version following additional crash testing to assess the battery and high-voltage systems. ANCAP lists the rating as applicable to both diesel and PHEV variants.
Final Malaysian powertrain specifications have yet to be fully detailed, but the version sold in China uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine together with two electric motors and a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission.
Combined output is rated at 523PS and 1,000Nm, while a 31.2kWh LFP battery provides up to 100km of electric range and contributes to the claimed 1,000km combined range under NEDC testing.
JAC quotes a 0 to 100km/h time of 5.9 seconds for that setup. The same powertrain is also capable of towing up to 3.5 tonnes, putting it on par with the diesel T9 and ahead of the T9 EV’s two-tonne towing capacity.
There are, however, some notable differences between what has been announced for Malaysia and the version currently sold in China.
Evolvelectric Motors says the T9 PHEV coming here will use multi-link rear suspension and offer up to 15 kW V2L, while the China-market model uses a leaf-sprung solid rear axle and is quoted with 3.3kW V2L.
That suggests the version heading here will be closer to JAC’s export specification rather than simply matching the domestic Chinese model.
The first units are expected to arrive fully imported in early November, but JAC already has plans to assemble the T9 locally.
Evolvelectric Motors has signed an agreement with Feytech subsidiary FT Assembly to produce the PHEV, diesel and EV versions at its facility in Kulim, Kedah, with the PHEV leading the CKD programme.
FT Assembly has invested RM3.6 million into the 84,000 sq ft facility, which is expected to have a first-year production capacity of around 3,000 vehicles. JAC is targeting up to 30% local content, with the EV scheduled to follow the PHEV into local production.