The Chinese-made JAC T9 EV pickup truck has just landed in Malaysia. And it certainly seems to have the robust looks and performance to take on the toughest of rivals. Costing RM199,888, the zero-emissions double-cabber is fully imported (CBU) from China where it is marketed as the JAC Hunter EV. The Maxus T90 EV, which is utilised by TNB, is Malaysia’s first battery-electric pickup truck that is offered for sale to private individuals.
For those not interested in an EV, distributor Evolvelectric Motors has introduced the diesel-powered JAC T9 from RM119,888.
Returning to the T9 EV, it boasts two motors: a 218 ps rear and a 95 ps front unit. With a combined torque of 516 Nm, the zero-emissions load carrier has a top speed of 140 km/h and sprints to 100 km/h from rest in 8.4 seconds. Its 88 kWh battery, which delivers a 340-km WLTP range, can be charged at a max 88 kW DC (15-80% in 45 minutes) or at 11 kW AC (15-100% in 8.5 hours).
With dimensions of 1,520 mm by 1,590 mm by 470 mm, the JAC’s cargo bed has a volume of 1.14 cubic meters, surpassing that of Toyota (1.13) and Mitsubishi (1.06) but falling short of Isuzu (1.18).
The T9 EV and diesel have the same 27-degree approach and 23-degree departure angles, but the EV has 5 mm less ground clearance (205 against 210 mm) than the diesel because of its floor-mounted battery pack.
To distinguish between the EV and diesel, you just look for the modest ‘EV’ tailgate badge and the JAC grille emblem, which is blue for EVs. This version also misses out on the diesel’s roof rails, side mirror cameras, ADAS camera positioned on the windscreen, and front parking sensors.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
This JAC truck could hold its own with the biggest and baddest American trucks like the F-150 and the RAM. It looks that mean. And for the price, its EV powertrain is highly competitive, especially for the T9’s size and weight.