JAC Hunter PHEV: Australia's Cheapest PHEV Ute on a Novated Lease
The 2026 JAC Hunter PHEV is shaping up as Australia's most affordable plug-in hybrid ute. Here's what novated lease customers need to know before signing anything.
A new contender has entered the plug-in hybrid ute market. According to a May 2026 review by EV Central [Source 1], the 2026 JAC Hunter PHEV is positioning itself as Australia's most affordable PHEV ute, taking aim directly at the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha. For PAYG employees considering a novated lease, a cheaper entry price in a PHEV ute segment is worth paying attention to — but cheap sticker price alone doesn't decide whether a vehicle stacks up inside a novated lease structure.
What this means for novated lease customers
PHEVs occupy an interesting middle ground in novated leasing right now. Unlike full battery-electric vehicles, PHEVs do not qualify for the FBT exemption introduced under the Treasury Laws Amendment (Electric Car Discount) Act — that exemption is limited to zero-emissions vehicles. That means a PHEV ute like the JAC Hunter will still attract Fringe Benefits Tax, and you'll need to run the numbers carefully to understand your net position.
That said, novated leasing a PHEV still delivers real pre-tax advantages through GST savings on the purchase price, pre-tax fuel and running cost contributions, and the bundling of on-road costs into a single salary-packaged payment. The JAC Hunter's lower drive-away price — if it holds at launch — may mean a more manageable residual and monthly commitment compared to pricier PHEV rivals. The key question is whether the vehicle holds its value well enough over a 3–5 year lease term. JAC is a newer brand in Australia, and resale data is thin. That residual risk is real and worth discussing with your broker before you commit.
The competitive pressure from BYD and GWM is also worth watching. If the Shark 6 or Cannon Alpha drop in price in response, your options improve further. Right now, none of these PHEV utes qualify for the FBT exemption, so the lease decision should be driven by total cost of ownership — not a tax break that doesn't apply.
Common questions
Does the JAC Hunter PHEV qualify for the FBT exemption?
No. The FBT exemption for novated leases currently applies only to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles — not plug-in hybrids. The JAC Hunter PHEV will attract FBT in the normal way.
Can I still save money novated leasing a PHEV ute?
Yes, potentially. You still benefit from GST savings on the vehicle purchase price, pre-tax salary contributions toward running costs, and consolidated fleet-style pricing. The savings are just different in structure — and smaller — compared to a fully exempt EV.
How does the JAC Hunter PHEV compare to the BYD Shark 6 on a novated lease?
Both are PHEVs, so neither attracts the FBT exemption. The main variables are purchase price, residual value, and running costs. The JAC Hunter is reportedly the cheaper entry point, but resale data for JAC in Australia is limited — your broker should model residuals conservatively.
Is JAC a reliable brand for a 3–5 year novated lease?
JAC has a limited track record in the Australian market, which introduces some uncertainty around parts availability, dealer network depth, and resale values. These factors affect lease residuals and total cost. It's a legitimate concern to raise before signing.
When will the JAC Hunter PHEV be available in Australia?
EV Central published a drive review in May 2026, suggesting the vehicle is close to or at market launch. Confirm availability and final drive-away pricing with the dealer before structuring a lease.