Chinese carmaker JAC may only currently sell a turbo-diesel ute in Australia – alongside a lineup of heavier commercial vehicles – but it wants to show off its electric ambitions.
The JAC DE-FINE is a sleek, four-door concept car which first broke cover last year, showing off the brand’s potential as an electric vehicle (EV) producer.
The company has now confirmed the concept car is set to make its Australian public debut in Melbourne on April 5-6.
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Underpinning the DE-FINE is an 800-volt electrical platform, with a 460kW silicone-carbide electric motor powering two or up to four of its wheels.
JAC claims a 0-100km/h sprint time of “around three seconds”.
It’ll be part of a static display in Melbourne next to the T9 ute, which joined Australia’s ever-growing dual-cab market last year.
According to JAC, the DE-FINE is based on its “Cross-Domain Integration Intelligent Chassis”, capable of supporting hybrid powertrains as well as “rechargeable and exchangeable energy sources” – suggesting a compatibility with battery-swapping technology.
Externally, the concept car shares almost no similarities with the T9 ute, sitting low to the ground with a minimal front area, a low roof, and a sloping back and inset doors, making it look more like a 1980s prediction of future cars.
Inside, there’s room for four passengers, with the rear occupants sitting well behind the C-pillar and almost in the boot, which is hidden by a large liftback.
A huge 50-inch panoramic screen stretches between the A-pillars, while there’s also a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen for the front occupants, sitting next to the almost rectangular steering wheel.
While there aren’t any plans to put the DE-FINE into production, JAC says it showcases the brand’s ‘Guiding Intelligence with Intelligence’ future framework.
For now, Australians wanting to own a JAC can order a T9 ute, priced from $42,662 before on-road costs in entry-level Oasis guise, and $45,630 plus on-roads for the Haven variant.