Kerman Motor Brings JAC T9 Plug-in Hybrid to Iran for Local Testing

Khodrocar - Kerman Motor has imported the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the JAC T9 pickup to Iran for technical evaluation, marking the first step toward local assembly and market launch. If production plans move forward as expected, the model will become the most powerful and highest-torque pickup truck ever assembled in the Iranian market.

The arrival of the JAC T9 PHEV follows growing expectations after JAC Motors unveiled the electrified pickup in Australia earlier this year. Kerman Motor, JAC's long-standing manufacturing partner in Iran, is now preparing the vehicle for technical assessments before making a final decision on domestic production.

Australian debut paved the way

JAC officially introduced the **JAC T9 Hunter PHEV** in Australia in early 2026, where it attracted considerable attention thanks to its high-performance plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Given Kerman Motor's close partnership with the Chinese automaker, industry observers had anticipated that the Iranian company would eventually add the electrified version of the T9 to its local product lineup.

The company has now confirmed those expectations by bringing a prototype to Iran for engineering validation and technical testing.

Once the evaluation process is completed, Kerman Motor is expected to begin preparations for local assembly and commercial production.

 Set to become Iran's most powerful pickup

If launched, the T9 Plug-in Hybrid will become the most powerful and quickest-accelerating pickup currently available in Iran.

The model combines a turbocharged gasoline engine with dual electric motors, delivering performance figures that significantly exceed those of conventional pickups offered in the country.

Minimal exterior and interior changes

Visually, the plug-in hybrid version remains largely identical to the gasoline-powered T9.

Exterior updates are limited to revised badging, newly designed alloy wheels, and minor styling changes around the cargo bed, while the overall design remains unchanged.

Inside the cabin, the differences are equally subtle. The traditional joystick-style gear selector has been replaced by a rotary gear selector, while the fully digital instrument cluster has been updated with improved graphics and display quality.

Apart from these revisions, the cabin layout and equipment remain largely the same as the standard T9.

Powertrain delivers 483 hp and 1,000 Nm

Power comes from a **2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine** working alongside **two electric motors**.

The combined system produces approximately **360 kW (483 hp)** and an impressive **1,000 Nm of peak torque**, making it the most powerful pickup in Kerman Motor's lineup.

Power is transmitted through a **4-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT)** specifically developed for plug-in hybrid applications.

Thanks to this electrified powertrain, the T9 PHEV is expected to deliver significantly stronger acceleration than its internal combustion rivals while offering substantially higher torque for towing and off-road performance.

Up to 100 km of electric driving

The pickup is equipped with a **32 kWh battery pack**, enabling an estimated **100 km of pure electric driving range** under suitable conditions.

This allows the vehicle to complete most daily commuting trips without using its gasoline engine, while the hybrid system provides extended driving range for long-distance travel.

Outlook

The arrival of the JAC T9 Plug-in Hybrid represents another step in Kerman Motor's strategy to introduce electrified vehicles to the Iranian market. If technical testing is completed successfully and production receives final approval, the T9 PHEV could become the country's first locally assembled plug-in hybrid pickup, bringing a combination of high performance, electrified efficiency, and modern technology to one of Iran's fastest-growing vehicle segments.