JAC T9 will become South Africa’s first electric bakkie in 2024
Previewed a few months ago, JAC provided more details of the highly anticipated T9 lineup at Auto Shanghai. More impressively, the Chinese automaker will launch its double-cab range in South Africa comprising a diesel, petrol, plug-in hybrid as well as a fully electric vehicle.
![Electric bakkie](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/2023/04/electric-bakkie-780x470.jpg)
The JAC T9 caused a stir when it was announced for the South African market a few months ago. Now, the Chinese automaker has provided a few more details of the model and it is exciting news for local bakkie aficionados.
The T9 lineup will first and foremost serve as a flagship model in the entire T-Series, which also includes the smaller T8 and workhorse T6 bakkies. Expectedly, the newcomer will include a full range of different powerplants in both 4X4 and 4X2 options. The T9 then, will serve as JAC’s first foray into the highly competitive and lucrative double-cab lifestyle market.
Related: Another Chinese bakkie set to ruffle feathers? The 2023 JAC T9 Hunter
The new T9 is the most advanced pick-up ever developed by JAC Motors in its 55-year history of building light commercial vehicles. Built at their state-of-the-art production facilities in China, the bakkie is based on the company’s third-generation international platform, which provides increased stability, comfort and safety. This all means that the T9 boasts 5-star safety ratings from five different global safety rating agencies.
Related: JAC Motors adds new bakkie to the T6 range – pricing and specification
So, what can South Africa expect to receive? For starters, the T9 at this point will become Mzansi’s first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) when it arrives in 2024, unless another automaker beats them to it. Of course, there will also be conventional powertrains which are set to arrive this year. This includes diesel and petrol turbocharged derivatives. Alongside the BEV, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle will also arrive next year while the addition of a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel derivative is planned for the first quarter of 2025.
“South Africa was the first right-hand drive market for JAC Motors. With the brand also making inroads in the Australian market, we are fortunate to get the latest products soon after the global launches,” says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa.
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Measuring in at 5 330mm in length, 1 965mm in width and 1 920mm in height, the JAC boasts some competent off-road and workhorse capabilities too courtesy of a wheelbase of 3 110mm, a ride height of 210 mm and a payload of 1 000kg. Inside, all the niceties expected in a premium model are present with leather material, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Aiding its aforementioned 5-star safety rating, the T9 features seven airbags, including a front centre airbag. Other active and passive safety features include autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, a 360˚ surround-view camera, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. It also
JAC T9 Lineup
First on the list is the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 125kW and 410N.m. Its petrol counterpart of the same displacement and forced induction boasts 168kW and 380N.m with both powertrains paired to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission that sends the power to the rear wheels. The 4×4 derivatives offer electronic part-time 4WD with low range and an electronic diff-lock. The T9 supports a towing mass of 3 500kg (braked).
Serving as a first for South Africa, the anticipated T9 BEV 4×4 is powered by an 88 kWh LFP battery pack, allowing for a reach of over 400 km per charge. The PHEV 4×4 derivative features the T9’s aforementioned 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and a 26.8kWh LFP battery pack, resulting in a 30 km/litre fuel consumption.
“The new T9 is a welcome addition to the T-Series line-up, offering great value for money. We expect the T9, with its powerful and efficient powerplants, large body design and innovative technology, to be an extremely attractive alternative at a more affordable price point,” concludes Göbel.
The retail prices of the new T9 derivatives will be announced closer to its planned introduction date in the second semester of this year. The T9 features a five-year/100 000 km warranty, a five-year/100 000 km service plan and 24-hour roadside assistance.
Also read: JAC T8 2,0 CTi added to local range – pricing and features detailed
In the market for a bakkie now? Shop for it on the CARmag listings platform which includes new and used models from several hundred national dealerships.
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