JAC Hunter NEV

Model Overview

The Hunter NEV is the new energy vehicle line-up under JAC Group's (JAC Motors) premium pick-up truck marque, "Hunter". The Hunter brand was first introduced in October 2020, with its inaugural ICE model hitting the market in March 2021. On 29 August 2025, at the 28th Chengdu International Automobile Exhibition, JAC Group officially unveiled its new energy pick-up twin line-up — the Hunter PHEV (plug-in hybrid) and the Hunter EV (fully electric) — heralding the brand's formal foray into the new energy era.

The Hunter PHEV is positioned as the "world's first 1,000 Nm electric hybrid pick-up", whilst the Hunter EV stands as the "first domestic ladder-frame fully electric 4WD pick-up". Both models cater to commercial and off-road leisure segments, centred on the all-scenario mobility philosophy of "commercial utility, passenger comfort, off-road capability, and electrified efficiency". The Hunter PHEV is offered in 4 variants with an official indicative price tag ranging from RM159,800 to RM209,800; the Hunter EV is priced between RM199,800 and RM319,800.

Design Language

Exterior-wise, the Hunter NEV retains the rugged and imposing stance characteristic of the Hunter family. The front end sports a Chinese "Ding"-inspired fascia, flanked by matrix LED headlamps and sequential turn indicators. To signify its electrified credentials, the PHEV variant gets a blue-accented front JAC emblem and deletes the red faux recovery tow hook elements on the front bumper. Meanwhile, the Hunter EV is distinguished by a galaxy-armour EV-style closed-off grille alongside an illuminated emblem.

In terms of dimensions, both the Hunter PHEV and Hunter EV are available in standard-wheelbase (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) configurations: the SWB model measures 5,330 × 1,965 × 1,920 mm (L × W × H) with a 3,110 mm wheelbase, while the LWB version extends to 5,620 mm in length with a 3,400 mm wheelbase. Its generous 1,965 mm width gives it a commanding presence over direct segment rivals. The cabin features a two-tone blue and grey colour palette trimmed generously in soft-touch materials; a Forbidden City-inspired symmetrical T-shaped dashboard layout and diamond-patterned trim panels elevate cabin ambience. Additionally, the Hunter EV gains a 90-litre front trunk (frunk) for enhanced daily practicality.

Powertrain and Performance

The Hunter PHEV is underpinned by JAC Group's proprietary "H-Power Super Electric Hybrid Architecture". The powertrain combines a 2.0TGDI dedicated hybrid petrol engine (160 kW / 218 PS), a 130 kW P2.5 motor, and a 150 kW P4 rear motor, churning out a colossal combined output of 385 kW (523 PS) and 1,000 N·m of peak torque. Paired with an industry-first 4DHT dedicated hybrid transmission, the century sprint (0–100 km/h) is dispatched in just 5.9 seconds. Energy is stored in a 31.2 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, delivering an electric-only range of 100 km; paired with a generous 77-litre fuel tank, total combined cruising range exceeds 1,000 km. NEDC combined fuel consumption is rated as low as 1.6 L/100 km, with fuel economy under depleted-battery conditions standing at 8.1 L/100 km. A DC fast charger can juice up the battery from 15% to 80% SoC in 30 minutes. Four drive modes are supported: EV, Range-Extender, Direct Drive, and Parallel Drive.

The Hunter EV features a dual-motor 4WD setup, with the front and rear motors outputting 70 kW and 150 kW respectively, yielding a combined 220 kW (300 PS) and 516 N·m of torque. It is juiced by an 88 kWh CATL lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, offering a CLTC combined range of up to 505 km. Engineered to operate under extreme ambient temperatures from -30°C to 65°C, the battery is rated at IP68 for dust and water resistance. DC fast charging takes 30 minutes to replenish from 30% to 80% SoC.

Chassis and Handling

The Hunter NEV is built on a heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis. Up front, the Hunter PHEV utilizes a double-wishbone coil-spring independent suspension, paired with a multi-link solid axle setup at the rear; the Hunter EV, on the other hand, employs a rear leaf-spring non-independent layout. The chassis platform is constructed from a high-strength lap-welded frame featuring two longitudinal rails and nine crossmembers with variable cross-sections.

The Hunter PHEV comes equipped with an AWD intelligent electric all-wheel-drive system capable of generating up to 11,000 N·m of wheel-end torque, boasting a maximum 100% climbing gradient (45-degree slope). It features three intelligent differential locks (front and rear electronic e-diff locks + a central energy transfer lock), allowing for tank turns with a minimum turning radius of just 3.7 metres. A comprehensive 8-mode drive selector is available, spanning Eco, Standard, Sport, AWD, as well as terrain programmes for Rock, Mud, Snow, and Sand. The Hunter EV also utilizes an intelligent electric 4WD system noted for its instantaneous throttle response and precise torque vectoring.

Cabin and Equipment

Inside, the Hunter NEV comes equipped with a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 10.4-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment unit. Powered by a Qualcomm octa-core chip running the latest J-LINK Zhiling 3.0 operating system, the infotainment suite supports intelligent voice control, remote mobile app telematics, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates. A 64-colour dynamic ambient lighting system wraps around the interior.

For comfort and convenience, front seats feature power adjustability and heating functions; other creature comforts include a power sunroof, rear air-con vents, an electronic parking brake (EPB) with Auto Hold, and a rotary gear selector. The Hunter PHEV provides nine power outlets throughout the vehicle; its cargo bed measures 1.81 metres in length, boasting a payload rating of 715 kg alongside a braked towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes. The Hunter EV boasts a maximum payload capacity of 870 kg. Both pick-up variants come standard with a 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power supply function, which is expandable up to 15 kW.

Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance

The Hunter NEV is engineered to meet stringent Australasian ANCAP 5-star crash safety standards. Structural integrity is ensured via a high-rigidity ladder frame and Handun reinforced chassis architecture; the Hunter PHEV is fitted with 6 airbags. Its high-voltage battery pack features a 6-layer structural shield boasting impact resistance eight times higher than standard industry requirements. The Hunter EV additionally fits heavy-duty underbody protective skid plates to guard against harsh road conditions and rugged off-road terrain.

On the active safety front, the Hunter PHEV is equipped with Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), incorporating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). The Hunter PHEV is also the world's first pick-up truck to integrate the Tiantong satellite mobile communication system, ensuring two-way communications and emergency SOS calling even in complete cellular dead zones. The Hunter EV comes equipped with a 360-degree surround-view camera. For powertrain peace of mind, the Hunter PHEV offers a 5-year/200,000 km warranty on the traction battery and drive motors, with an 8-year/200,000 km warranty for the power electronics; the Hunter EV enjoys an extensive 8-year/400,000 km high-voltage battery warranty.

Market Reception and Verdict

The Hunter NEV has garnered substantial market interest since its launch, making significant waves across the industry following its official debut at the 2025 Chengdu Motor Show. Championing its core selling propositions of "1,000 Nm torque, ultra-long range, and all-scenario versatility", the Hunter PHEV has been widely lauded by automotive commentators as "redefining the performance benchmark for electrified pick-up trucks"; meanwhile, the Hunter EV fills a key market gap for ladder-frame fully electric 4WD pick-ups. JAC rolled out several launch perks for the Hunter PHEV, including booking rebates (RM1,000 deposit to offset RM3,000), trade-in subsidies of up to RM10,000, extended warranty packages, and complimentary connected services. Initial owner feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with drivers commending its explosive performance (the 1,000 N·m torque delivering acceleration on par with premium performance 4x4s), ultra-low running costs (as low as RM0.10 per kilometre in pure EV mode), and seamless "do-it-all" versatility across commercial and recreational duties. In summary, by combining a potent 1,000 Nm hybrid powertrain with robust ladder-frame underpinnings and genuine multi-purpose versatility — backed by H-Power tech, large CATL batteries, ANCAP 5-star engineering, and satellite connectivity — the Hunter NEV establishes a uniquely competitive niche in the premium electrified pick-up market.