JAC Hunter PHEV Ute: What It Means for Your Novated Lease
Australia's cheapest PHEV ute just landed at $49,988 before on-roads. Here's what the JAC Hunter means for novated leasing and your take-home pay.
The 2026 JAC Hunter PHEV has been officially priced from $49,988 plus on-road costs, making it the cheapest plug-in hybrid ute available in Australia right now. That puts it below the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha — two vehicles that have already attracted serious attention from salary-packaging employees. According to the EVcentral AU report [Source 1], the Hunter is positioning itself squarely as a value play in a segment that's moving fast.
For PAYG employees considering a novated lease, a lower drive-away price generally means a lower cost base — which flows through to how the lease is structured. That said, price is only one piece of the puzzle.
What this means for novated lease customers
PHEVs occupy an interesting position under Australia's current FBT rules. Full battery-electric vehicles under the relevant income threshold qualify for the FBT exemption introduced in 2022 — but PHEVs do not receive that same exemption as of the 2025–26 FBT year. That distinction matters enormously when you're comparing a PHEV ute like the JAC Hunter against a fully electric option.
What a PHEV does offer is flexibility — particularly for employees who need real-world range for work or regional driving and aren't ready to rely on charging infrastructure alone. The novated lease structure still delivers genuine pre-tax benefits on a PHEV; it's just a different equation to a full BEV. If you're torn between the Hunter, the Shark 6, or a fully electric option, the right answer depends on your salary, your FBT position, and how you actually use the vehicle.
The short version: don't assume cheapest drive-away price equals cheapest novated lease cost. Run the numbers for your specific situation before committing.
Common questions
Does the JAC Hunter PHEV qualify for the FBT exemption on novated leases?
No. As of the 2025–26 FBT year, the FBT exemption for eligible low-emission vehicles applies to battery electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and plug-in hybrids only met the exemption criteria up to 1 April 2025. PHEVs like the JAC Hunter are now subject to standard FBT treatment. Always verify your specific circumstances with a qualified adviser.
How does the JAC Hunter compare to the BYD Shark 6 on a novated lease?
The Hunter's lower starting price is a genuine advantage, but the Shark 6 is a full PHEV competitor with a different spec and brand profile. The better novated lease option depends on your FBT position, salary, and use-case — not just the sticker price.
Can I still get pre-tax benefits on a PHEV through a novated lease?
Yes. Even without the FBT exemption, a novated lease on a PHEV still lets you pay for the vehicle and running costs from pre-tax salary, which can deliver meaningful potential savings compared to a standard car loan or after-tax purchase. The magnitude depends on your income and circumstances.
When will the JAC Hunter be available in Australia?
The 2026 JAC Hunter has been officially priced as of July 2026 according to EVcentral AU [Source 1]. Delivery timelines and dealer availability should be confirmed directly with JAC's Australian distributor.
Is JAC a reliable brand for a novated lease?
Residual value, parts availability, and service network are all factors that affect how a vehicle performs in a novated lease over a 2–5 year term. JAC is a newer entrant to the Australian market, so it's worth discussing residual value assumptions with your novated lease provider before signing.