Will plug-in hybrids ever become a force to be reckoned with on the local bakkie market?
That's an open-ended question at present as this is still very much a new segment.
But soon South Africans will have at least two options to choose from, with possibly more to follow, as Chinese automaker JAC confirmed this week that it plans to launch the T9 2.0 TGDI PHEV model during the second quarter of 2025.
Pricing for the new derivative has yet to be confirmed, but it will almost certainly command a premium over the current T9 2.0-litre diesel flagship, which costs R659,900.
The only other plug-in hybrid (PHEV) bakkie on the market at present is the BYD Shark 6, which is set to launch this week at a price of around R960,000. Interestingly, Ford this week commenced production of the Ranger PHEV in Mzansi, but the vehicle has yet to be confirmed for local introduction.
The JAC T9 PHEV combines a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine with two electric motors to deliver combined outputs of 290kW and 670Nm.
A 31.2 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery also allows the vehicle to drive on electric power alone, however JAC has not yet specified the vehicle's all-electric range.
The company says a full charge will take one hour and 25 minutes at a DC fast charger, while home charging should take four and a half hours.
The PHEV model will be equipped with a full suite of driver assist features, including Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) and Driver Monitor System (DMS).
"We're excited to offer South African motorists an alternative to traditional double-cab bakkies with our expanding T-Series line-up," said Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa.
"The new T9 PHEV is our first green-energy lifestyle bakkie, with the battery-electric T9 also nearing readiness for local market introduction."
IOL