The JAC Hunter EV pickup is set to make its debut at the Beijing Auto Show in April, marking a step forward in the electric truck market in China. The automaker was a contract manufacturer of Nio EVs, and is harnessing this experience with the new iteration of trucks. Boasting a 205mm ground clearance and a lengthy 1.81m cargo bed, the Hunter EV prioritizes practicality, positioning itself as an option for those who rely on their vehicles for work and daily activities. One standout feature is the dual-motor four-wheel drive. Most electric pickup manufacturers in China make their trucks with RWD only. For example, Great Wall Motor (GWM) makes an electric version of the Poer (Cannon) truck with a single e-motor in the rear axle. Thus, this dual-motor setup aligns the Hunter EV with upper-end industry standards.
While the 500km range is impressive,
potential buyers in cold regions have voiced concerns, and the actual
performance under full load or in low-temperature conditions will likely be the
key factor in attracting potential buyers. Recognizing that the majority of JAC
pickup consumers prioritize utility over luxury, the Hunter EV focuses on
enhancing practicality.
Previously unveiled at the Guangzhou Auto
Show, the Hunter EV has undergone some modifications in its frontal design for
the upcoming Beijing debut. The now enclosed grille, mech-warrior-style face,
and distinctive features like flowing turn signals and segmented headlights
give it a distinct look. With a length of 5.62 meters, width of 1.965 meters,
and height of 1.92 meters, complemented by a 1.81-meter cargo bed, the Hunter EV
offers a fairly large carrying capacity. The 2-vertical-9-horizontal welded
frame with a 205mm ground clearance helps with adaptability in various road
conditions. The visual perspective is enhanced by 18-inch high-alloy wheels not
usually seen in work-style trucks.
The interior design draws inspiration from
the Forbidden City, featuring a horizontally and vertically symmetrical
T-shaped structure, creating a seemingly spacious driving space. Smooth
materials, camel-gray brushed trim panels, and piano lacquer-finished air vents
further set the vehicle apart from your everyday truck. The vehicle has a
7-inch LCD screen instrument cluster, offering two UI skins – Eastern Dragon
and Arctic Blue Light. As for the tech, the Hunter EV comes with the
Intelligent InCar 3.0 system, voice control, dual-mode navigation, over-the-air
updates, wireless fast charging, 220V power supply, electric seats, automatic
climate control, and ambient lighting.
Under the hood, the powertrain features a
dual-motor setup with a combined output of 70/160kW and peak torque of
176/342Nm for the front and rear motors, respectively. The 88.02kWh lithium
iron phosphate battery pack delivers a 500km CTLC (Chinese industry standard)
range, positioning the JAC Hunter EV as a potentially favorable choice in the
growing electric pickup market.
