The spotlights dim momentarily in the exhibition hall, and an expectant hush falls over the crowd gathered at the JAC Motors stand. I check my watch: 10:30 AM precisely, right on schedule. Dramatic music swells through the speakers as a silhouette becomes visible behind a billowing silver curtain. With a flourish, the fabric drops to reveal the 2025 JAC T9 – a muscular, unabashedly futuristic electric ute that represents the Chinese manufacturer’s most ambitious push yet into Australia’s fiercely competitive pickup market.
“G’day, Melbourne!” booms Li Wei, JAC’s newly appointed Director of Australian Operations, as he strides onto the stage with the confidence of someone who knows he’s bringing something different to the party. “Ready to see the future of utes in Australia?”
The crowd’s reaction – a mixture of curious murmurs, appreciative whistles, and the constant click of camera shutters – suggests that JAC has achieved what many Chinese automakers have struggled with in the past: creating genuine interest and excitement rather than mere curiosity.
Having spent the morning examining this surprise entry to Australia’s emerging electric ute segment, I can report that the T9 represents something automotive enthusiasts should take seriously – a genuine attempt to not merely join the electric ute conversation but potentially reshape it entirely.
The Unexpected Arrival
The T9’s appearance at the Melbourne Motor Show came as a genuine surprise to industry observers. JAC Motors (officially Jianghuai Automobile Co., Ltd) has maintained a relatively low profile in Australia since entering the market in 2019, focusing primarily on commercial vans and budget-oriented SUVs through a modest dealer network.
“We’ve been planning this reveal for months,” explains Wei during our sit-down interview after the unveiling. “We wanted to make a statement, to show that JAC isn’t just here to participate in the Australian market – we’re here to compete at the highest level.”
The decision to debut the T9 in Melbourne rather than at larger international shows reflects JAC’s targeted approach to the Australian market, where ute sales remain extraordinarily strong despite the broader industry transition toward electrification.
“Australia is one of our priority markets for the T9,” Wei continues. “Australians understand utes better than almost anyone else. If we can succeed here, we can succeed anywhere.”
This strategy marks a significant shift for Chinese automakers, which have traditionally focused on price-sensitive segments before attempting to move upmarket. With the T9, JAC is taking aim directly at upcoming electric utes from established players like Ford, Toyota, and emerging competitors like Rivian.
The Machine Itself
Walking around the T9 on the show floor, what’s immediately striking is its unapologetically bold design. Unlike some Chinese vehicles that have been criticized for derivative styling, the T9 charts its own distinctive course.
The front fascia features a completely closed-off grille illuminated by an LED light bar that performs an animated sequence when the vehicle is unlocked – a theatrical touch that drew consistent crowds throughout the day. The side profile reveals pronounced wheel arches housing massive 22-inch aero-optimized wheels (20-inch on lower trims), while the rear features vertical light bars that frame a tailgate with an integrated spoiler.
“We wanted to create something distinctly recognizable,” says Chen Ling, JAC’s Chief Designer who flew in from China for the event. “Electric vehicles don’t need traditional grilles for cooling, so why design them as if they do? We embraced the opportunity to create something forward-looking.”
The T9’s dimensions put it squarely in the full-size ute category, measuring 5.4 meters long, 2.0 meters wide, and 1.9 meters tall, with a wheelbase of 3.3 meters. For context, that makes it slightly larger than the current HiLux but a touch smaller than the Ram 1500.
Inside, the cabin represents JAC’s most premium effort to date. The show vehicle featured a panoramic glass roof, artificially-textured vegan leather upholstery, and a dashboard dominated by a 15.6-inch central touchscreen that pivots between portrait and landscape orientations. A separate 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster sits behind the flat-bottomed steering wheel, while a head-up display projects key information onto the windshield.
“We benchmarked against the best in the segment,” Ling tells me as we examine the interior. “But we also wanted to introduce innovations that would make the T9 distinctive.”
One such innovation is what JAC calls the “Command Center” – a secondary 7-inch touchscreen in the center console that remains accessible even when the main screen is running navigation or entertainment functions. This smaller display controls climate, drive modes, and off-road settings, addressing a common complaint about burying essential functions in touchscreen menus.
The build quality, at least in this show vehicle, appears impressive, with consistent panel gaps and materials that look and feel substantial. Of course, production versions sometimes differ from show vehicles, but if JAC can maintain this standard, it will challenge perceptions about Chinese vehicle quality.
The Technical Specifications
Beyond styling and interior appointments, the T9’s technical specifications generated significant buzz at the show. According to JAC, the T9 will be offered in three configurations:
The standard range single-motor variant delivers 210kW of power and 450Nm of torque through the rear wheels, with a claimed range of 400km from its 85kWh battery pack.
The mid-tier dual-motor version boosts output to 325kW and 650Nm combined, with a larger 100kWh battery providing approximately 450km of range.
The flagship performance variant, badged T9 Extreme, pushes output to 400kW and 800Nm with the same 100kWh battery, though range decreases slightly to 420km due to the additional power.
All versions support DC fast charging at up to 250kW, allowing a 10-80% charge in approximately 30 minutes under ideal conditions. Home charging via an 11kW AC charger takes around 8-10 hours depending on the battery size.
“We understand that range anxiety remains a concern for many potential electric ute buyers,” Wei acknowledges. “That’s why we prioritized both battery capacity and fast-charging capability.”
The T9’s payload capacity is rated at 900kg for single-motor variants and 800kg for dual-motor versions, while towing capacity is claimed to be 3,500kg braked across the range – figures that would make it competitive with conventional diesel-powered utes if they prove accurate in real-world testing.
Suspension consists of independent double wishbones at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, with adaptive dampers standard on mid and high-tier variants. Ground clearance is a respectable 230mm, with the ability to increase to 280mm using the air suspension system on the top-spec model.
Peter Connolly, a veteran automotive engineer I consulted at the show, expressed cautious optimism about the specifications. “The numbers are certainly impressive on paper,” he noted. “The real test will be how these systems perform in Australian conditions, particularly regarding thermal management for the battery and motors in our extreme climate.”
The Critical Question of Pricing
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of JAC’s Melbourne reveal was the announcement of preliminary pricing – something often left vague at initial unveilings.
According to Wei, the T9 range will start at approximately $65,000 for the standard range single-motor variant, rising to around $80,000 for the mid-tier dual-motor version, and topping out at approximately $95,000 for the flagship T9 Extreme.
These figures undercut the expected pricing of upcoming electric utes from established manufacturers by a significant margin. The Ford F-150 Lightning, when it eventually reaches Australia, is expected to start well above $100,000, while Rivian’s R1T already commands prices approaching $130,000.
“We believe electric vehicles should be accessible,” Wei stated during the presentation. “Our goal is to democratize electric ute ownership in Australia.”
This aggressive pricing strategy has been made possible by JAC’s vertically integrated production model, according to Wei. Unlike some manufacturers who source batteries and motors from external suppliers, JAC produces many key components in-house through parent company Volkswagen Group China, potentially reducing costs and improving supply chain resilience.
Industry analyst Sarah Chen, whom I spoke with after the reveal, sees the pricing as potentially disruptive but questions whether JAC can maintain quality at these price points. “There’s always a balance between affordability and cutting corners,” she observes. “JAC appears to be leveraging economies of scale from their domestic market, but the true measure will be long-term reliability and after-sales support.”
The Path to Market
JAC plans to launch the T9 in Australia in the third quarter of 2025, with pre-orders opening in January. The company is currently expanding its dealer network from 17 to a planned 35 locations before the T9’s arrival, focusing on metropolitan areas and regional centers with higher ute sales.
“We’re being very selective about our dealer partners,” Wei explains. “We need retailers who understand both electric vehicles and the unique expectations of Australian ute buyers.”
The company plans to offer a 7-year/unlimited kilometer warranty on the vehicle and an 8-year/200,000km warranty on the battery – terms that exceed most competitors and may help address consumer concerns about the longevity of both electric vehicles and Chinese brands.
Perhaps most ambitiously, JAC is establishing a technical center in Victoria to develop market-specific calibrations for Australian conditions. This facility, employing approximately 30 engineers, will focus on suspension tuning, battery thermal management, and dust sealing – areas where imported vehicles often struggle in Australia’s harsh environment.
“We understand that Australians use their vehicles differently,” Wei acknowledges. “You need a ute that can handle everything from city commuting to outback adventures. We’re committed to ensuring the T9 meets those diverse demands.”
The Competitive Landscape
The T9 enters an Australian electric ute market that remains in its infancy but is set to expand rapidly in the coming years. LDV already offers the eT60, though its limited range and capability have restricted appeal primarily to fleet buyers with specific operational requirements.
More directly competitive will be upcoming offerings from established players like Ford, Toyota, and Rivian. The Ford F-150 Lightning is expected to arrive in Australia by late 2025 or early 2026, while Toyota has confirmed development of an electric HiLux, though its launch timeline remains uncertain. Rivian’s R1T is already available in limited numbers through independent importers, with official Australian distribution planned for 2026.
“We welcome the competition,” Wei states confidently. “More electric utes means more consumer awareness and more charging infrastructure development. The market is large enough for multiple successful players.”
What remains to be seen is whether traditional ute buyers – who typically prioritize reliability, capability, and total ownership costs – will embrace electric alternatives, regardless of the brand. The T9’s aggressive pricing may help overcome some resistance, but cultural factors and practical considerations around charging infrastructure in regional areas remain significant hurdles.
Behind the Wheel: First Impressions
While full test drives weren’t available at the show, JAC offered short demonstration rides on a closed course adjacent to the exhibition center. I managed to secure a brief stint behind the wheel of a pre-production T9 dual-motor variant.
Initial impressions are promising, if necessarily limited by the controlled environment. The acceleration is appropriately brisk, with JAC claiming a 0-100km/h time of 5.2 seconds for this mid-tier variant. The low center of gravity provided by the underfloor battery pack helps the T9 feel more planted than conventional utes, while the instant torque delivery makes it feel effortlessly powerful.
The steering is lighter than I expected, calibrated more for urban maneuverability than feedback-rich engagement. Regenerative braking offers three intensity levels, with the strongest setting allowing for near one-pedal driving around the demonstration loop.
Ride quality, at least on the smooth demonstration course, seems well-controlled, though a proper assessment will require testing on Australia’s diverse and often challenging road surfaces. Noise isolation appears impressive, with minimal intrusion from the electric motors or wind noise, even at highway speeds.
“We’ve worked extensively on NVH optimization,” explains Zhou Feng, JAC’s Chief Engineer for the T9 program. “Without an engine to mask other noises, electric vehicles demand more attention to sound insulation and vibration dampening.”
The technology implementation feels contemporary, with the large central touchscreen responding quickly to inputs and the digital instrument cluster offering clear information presentation. The augmented reality navigation system, which overlays directional arrows on a forward-facing camera view, is particularly impressive, though its utility on Australian roads remains to be tested.
The Question of Australian Acceptance
As impressive as the T9 appears on paper and in this limited exposure, the fundamental question remains: will Australian ute buyers embrace both a Chinese brand and electric propulsion?
“There’s a double barrier to overcome,” admits Wei when I pose this question. “But we believe the product speaks for itself. Australian consumers are pragmatic – they recognize value and capability when they see it.”
Recent sales data suggests that Australian buyers are increasingly open to Chinese brands, with MG, GWM, and LDV all gaining significant market share in recent years. The electric transition remains more challenging, particularly in the ute segment where practical concerns about range, charging, and capability are especially relevant.
Jack Thompson, a longtime HiLux owner I spoke with at the show after he examined the T9, exemplifies the mixed sentiment. “It’s a lot more impressive than I expected,” he acknowledges. “The range seems adequate for my needs, and the towing capacity matches my diesel. But I’m still concerned about charging in remote areas and what happens if something goes wrong far from a dealer.”
These concerns are valid and represent the challenge JAC and other electric ute manufacturers face in converting traditional buyers. The company plans to address these issues through a combination of education, dealer training specifically focused on electric vehicle support, and partnerships with charging network providers to improve infrastructure in key regional areas.
A Serious Contender
As the first day of the motor show draws to a close, the JAC stand remains crowded with curious onlookers examining the T9 from every angle. The initial shock of seeing a relatively unknown Chinese brand present such an ambitious vehicle has given way to genuine interest and engagement.
Whether this interest translates into sales success when the T9 arrives next year remains to be seen. The vehicle faces significant challenges in terms of brand recognition, charging infrastructure limitations, and lingering skepticism about both Chinese quality and electric vehicle practicality.
Yet there’s a palpable sense that JAC has created something that deserves to be taken seriously – not merely as an interesting curiosity but as a legitimate competitor in Australia’s evolving ute market. The specifications are competitive, the design is distinctive without being polarizing, and the price point could prove genuinely disruptive.
As I make one final pass by the JAC stand before leaving the show, I overhear a conversation between two middle-aged men in high-visibility workwear – exactly the traditional ute buyers that JAC needs to convince.
“Would you actually buy one?” asks the first. “Three years ago, not a chance,” his companion replies. “But now? If it does what they say it does, at that price… yeah, I’d definitely consider it.”
In that simple exchange lies perhaps the most significant achievement of JAC’s Melbourne reveal – transforming “not a chance” into “I’d definitely consider it.” Whether that consideration ultimately translates into sales success will be one of the most interesting automotive stories to watch in 2025.
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