Malaysia’s pickup truck market has entered a new chapter with the arrival of the JAC T9 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Petrol. Introduced by Evolvelectric Motors Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of JAC pickup trucks in Malaysia, the model becomes the country’s first locally assembled plug-in hybrid pickup truck.

Priced from RM154,888, the T9 PHEV Petrol is offered in two variants. The standard customer-oriented variant is priced at RM154,888, while the exclusive ADVENTURE variant, which comes with upgraded all-terrain tyres and distinctive black alloy wheels, commands RM162,888. Both prices exclude road tax and insurance.

The introduction of the T9 PHEV is particularly interesting as it brings together two vehicle categories that are not commonly associated with one another: the practicality of a traditional 4×4 pickup and the efficiency benefits of plug-in hybrid technology. It is also currently the only plug-in hybrid pickup truck available in the Malaysian market.

Under the bonnet, the T9 PHEV Petrol combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a dual-motor electric four-wheel-drive system and a 4DHT hybrid transmission. The complete powertrain produces a combined system output of 360kW and 1,000Nm of torque. Its electric motors consist of a front unit producing 130kW and 300Nm, alongside a rear motor delivering 150kW and 340Nm. This configuration provides electric-powered traction across both axles, with the additional benefit of instant torque delivery when accelerating.

Supporting the electrified powertrain is a 31.2kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery supplied by Gotion High-Tech, operating at a rated voltage of 359.1V. The battery provides an all-electric driving range of up to 100km based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). JAC also quotes a fuel consumption figure of just 1.6 litres per 100km. However, as with other plug-in hybrid vehicles, achieving figures close to this claimed consumption will depend heavily on charging frequency and driving conditions.

Charging the battery can be done through either AC or DC charging. Using a DC fast charger, the battery can be replenished from 15% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes. AC charging takes between 3.5 and 5.5 hours for the same charging window, depending on the charging equipment and conditions.

Beyond its electrified powertrain, the T9 PHEV is still very much a pickup truck designed to handle demanding tasks. Built on JAC’s third-generation international platform, it offers a braked towing capacity of up to 3,500kg and a maximum wading depth of 550mm. Drivers can also choose between Eco, Standard and Sport driving modes, while five additional terrain settings – Snow, Sand, Mud, Rock and Off-road Cruise – allow the vehicle to adapt to different surfaces and driving conditions.

One particularly useful feature is its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, which provides an electrical discharge capacity of up to 15kW. This effectively allows the pickup to function as a mobile power station, supplying electricity to compatible appliances and equipment. For owners who regularly travel outdoors or require electrical tools at remote work locations, this could prove to be a practical addition.

Safety and driver assistance are also given considerable attention. The T9 PHEV comes equipped with ADAS 2.0, incorporating features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection and Speed Limit Assistant. Other equipment includes Door Opening Warning, a Driver Monitoring System, a 360-degree Around View Monitor and Transparent Chassis View, which provides drivers with a clearer view of obstacles beneath the vehicle. The model has also secured a five-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

Inside, the pickup features black leather upholstery with diamond-pattern stitching, giving the cabin a more premium appearance. Exterior colour choices include Blue, White, Silver, Dark Grey and Black. Commenting on the Malaysian introduction, Evolvelectric Motors Chief Executive Officer Mr Lau Yit Mun said the T9 PHEV Petrol was developed to appeal to customers looking for a vehicle capable of serving both professional and family requirements. He also highlighted the versatility offered by its V2L system, describing the pickup as more than just a conventional workhorse.

With its ability to supply up to 15kW of external power, the T9 PHEV can support electrical appliances and tools beyond the conventional charging environment, adding another dimension to its usefulness for work and recreational activities. For peace of mind, Evolvelectric Motors provides an eight-year or 150,000km warranty for the high-voltage EV battery, while the vehicle itself is covered by a seven-year or 150,000km warranty.

At RM154,888, the JAC T9 PHEV Petrol enters the Malaysian market with a fairly distinctive proposition. Its combination of substantial system output, electric-only driving capability, four-wheel-drive traction and practical pickup capabilities could make it an interesting alternative for buyers considering an electrified vehicle but are not quite ready to give up the versatility of a pickup truck.