Towball download
A heavy trailer can put hundreds of kilograms on the towball. That weight usually comes out of payload.
Towing guide
PHEV ute towing battle: 2500kg vs 3500kg in Australia
PHEV ute towing is no longer one simple number. BYD Shark 6 ratings vary by grade, while GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and Ford Ranger PHEV target the traditional 3,500kg benchmark; JAC Hunter PHEV is also on sale with a 3500kg rating, while Chery Stockman remains an incoming model with target figures. The useful comparison is not the badge number alone: check payload after passengers and accessories, GVM, GCM, towball download and the exact Australian grade.
Quick answer
If you need a PHEV ute with a 3500kg braked towing claim, include JAC Hunter PHEV on the shortlist alongside BYD Shark 6 Performance, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV, Ford Ranger PHEV and the incoming Chery Stockman target. If you are looking at BYD Shark 6 Dynamic or Premium, the published towing number is 2500kg.
| Model | Towing headline | Status | What to check next |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAC T9 | 3200kg braked | On sale | Diesel JAC alternative for buyers who do not need plug-in charging. |
| JAC Hunter PHEV | 3500kg braked | On sale: Pro and X | 915kg nominal payload; 6430kg GCM limits loaded towing. See the Hunter guide for an example. |
| BYD Shark 6 Dynamic / Premium | 2500kg braked | On sale | Good lifestyle PHEV case, but not the 3500kg version. |
| BYD Shark 6 Performance | 3500kg braked | On sale | Also brings 350kW / 700Nm 2.0L PHEV powertrain. |
| GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV | 3500kg braked | On sale | Payload and real-world range under load matter. |
| Ford Ranger PHEV | 3500kg positioning | On sale / supply varies | Ranger ecosystem and Pro Power Onboard are major hooks. |
| Chery Stockman / KP31 | 3500kg target | Incoming / final specs pending | Wait for certified production specs, pricing and ANCAP. |
Why 3500kg is not the whole answer
Payload after accessories
Bullbar, canopy, drawers, people, tools and water can consume payload before the trailer is attached.
Range while towing
PHEV electric range can shrink sharply under load. Count fuel use, not just EV range.
Charging pattern
A PHEV that starts each day charged behaves differently from one used as an uncharged petrol hybrid ute.
Buyer shortcuts
| Buyer type | Best starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Value-focused 3500kg shoppers | JAC Hunter PHEV | Hunter is on sale with 3500kg braked towing and 915kg nominal payload. Check the 6430kg GCM and your fully loaded combination. |
| Weekend lifestyle towing | BYD Shark 6 Premium or Performance | Premium may be enough if towing needs are below 2500kg; Performance if 3500kg matters. |
| Tradie / mixed work | Ford Ranger PHEV, JAC Hunter PHEV or GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV | Look closely at payload, service network, onboard power and real-world usage. |
| Touring and diesel-minded buyers | Chery Stockman watchlist | Diesel PHEV could be attractive, but it needs production proof. |
| Near-maximum towing often | Compare against diesel utes too | A PHEV may work, but a conventional diesel may still be simpler for repeated heavy towing. |
Compare every powertrain
This page focuses on plug-in hybrids. For diesel, PHEV and heavy-duty options in one shortlist, see Best Utes for Towing in Australia 2026.
Related PHEV guides
Payload and towing calculator
Add passengers, accessories, cargo and towball download to test a real loaded setup.
JAC T9 review
The current JAC ute for buyers comparing value, safety, warranty, 3200kg towing and ownership confidence.
JAC Hunter PHEV buyer guide
Australian towing, payload, battery, V2L and Pro/X prices.
Towing and payload guide
Read tow rating, payload, accessories and towball download together.
Running costs and fuel claims
Why 2L/100km only makes sense for certain charging patterns.
V2L and worksite power
Compare PHEV ute mobile power use for tools, camping and backup.
Sources
- JAC Australia: T9 model page
- CarExpert: 2026 JAC Hunter PHEV quick drive and specs
- Carsales: JAC Hunter PHEV key details
- BYD Australia: Shark 6 specifications and towing by grade
- GWM Australia: Cannon Alpha PHEV specifications
- Chery Australia: Stockman announcement
- Auto Insight Lab by AutoScore360: PHEV towing and payload guide
Hunter information updated . JAC Australian model information; see the Hunter buyer guide for the brochure, published launch-price sources and safety assessment. Other model data retains its existing source dates.