JAC Hunter PHEV Ute: What It Means for Novated Leasing
Australia's cheapest PHEV ute lands at $49,988 before on-roads. Here's what JAC Hunter pricing means for your novated lease options in 2026. Read more.
The 2026 JAC Hunter PHEV has been officially priced from $49,988 plus on-road costs, making it Australia's cheapest plug-in hybrid ute on the market, according to EVcentral AU [Source 1]. It enters a segment that's suddenly getting very competitive — sitting alongside the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha as Chinese-brand PHEVs targeting mainstream Australian buyers who want a workhorse with some electric range.
For PAYG employees considering a novated lease, a new entrant at this price point is genuinely interesting. More competition in the PHEV ute segment tends to mean better value across the board — and the drive-away price of any vehicle is the starting point for how your lease is structured.
What this means for novated lease customers
Here's where it gets worth paying attention. PHEVs currently sit in a grey zone under Australia's FBT exemption rules. The full FBT exemption introduced in 2022 applies to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles — not PHEVs, as the ATO has confirmed [Source 1 references EV policy context; verify current ATO guidance before acting]. That means a PHEV ute like the JAC Hunter does not automatically qualify for the same tax treatment as a Tesla Model 3 or BYD Sealion 6 EV.
That said, PHEVs still benefit from standard novated lease pre-tax treatment on repayments, running costs, and GST savings — the advantage is just smaller than a full BEV. If you're in a role that genuinely needs a ute's capability and you're not ready to go full electric, a PHEV at this price point could still represent meaningful potential savings compared to buying one outright through your take-home pay.
The competitive pricing also matters. With the JAC Hunter undercutting rivals at launch, there's a realistic chance dealer negotiation room and demonstrator stock will emerge quickly — both of which can work in your favour when structuring a novated lease residual and term.
Common questions
Does the JAC Hunter PHEV qualify for the FBT exemption?
Based on current ATO policy, the FBT exemption for zero or low-emission vehicles applies to BEVs and hydrogen vehicles — not PHEVs. The JAC Hunter is a PHEV, so it is unlikely to qualify for the full exemption. Check with a licensed adviser for your specific situation.
Can I still novated lease a PHEV ute?
Yes. PHEVs are absolutely leasable under a novated arrangement. You won't get the FBT exemption benefit, but you still access pre-tax salary packaging on repayments and many running costs, plus the GST saving on the purchase price.
How does the JAC Hunter compare to the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha for leasing?
The JAC Hunter's lower starting price means a lower capitialised cost going into the lease, which can reduce your fortnightly payments. Whether that advantage holds depends on residual values, which are harder to predict for newer Chinese brands — something worth discussing with your novated lease provider.
Is JAC a reliable brand to lease long-term?
JAC is an established Chinese manufacturer but has limited Australian resale history. Residual value uncertainty is a real consideration on a 3-5 year novated lease — it's not a dealbreaker, but go in with eyes open and confirm your provider is comfortable with the vehicle.
When will the JAC Hunter be available to lease?
Pricing has been confirmed as of July 2026, with deliveries expected to follow. Availability through novated lease depends on whether your provider has the brand on their approved vehicle list — worth checking early.