Plug-in hybrid ute has just completed massive test programme across the Tasman.

ACCLIMATISATION testing across the Tasman of a new version the dual cab utility JAC currently furnishes here as a turbodiesel has finished, opening the door for mid-year local availability.

More than 50,000km of testing will have been conducted for the plug-in hybrid model by time it is ready to launch here.

The alternate to the same-bodied diesel T9 four-by-four dual cab JAC has been selling here for a year seems highly likely to tie in to the country’s biggest rural show.

The storied Chinese brand - full name Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group - has become a big backer of NZ Fieldays, which stages at Mystery Creek near Hamilton and this year opens on June 10.

This week JAC announced initial testing of what is calling in some markets the Hunter has been completed at the former Holden testing ground near Melbourne.

The Lang Lang facility is now owned by Vietnamese car brand Vinfast, but is being eyed for purchase by GWM. It in the interim serves as a testing facility available for hire.

A number of car brands looking to localise their products to best suit regional tastes have been there.

JAC says it especially wants to optimise the new PHEV platform for Australian climate and conditions.

Closely examined during testing have been the model’s durability and dynamics, powertrain performance and calibration, towing, and load-carrying capacity.

On-road and off-road capabilities, acceleration and braking, and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) have also been evaluated.

In a release, JAC Motors Australia's technical director, Hongjian Jiang, praised Lang Lang as a key location in adapting international vehicles to Australia's challenging conditions.

“Lang Lang has been globally recognised as an automotive centre of excellence for many decades,” Jiang said.

“The extensive real-world testing we can replicate on its many arduous bitumen, dirt, and off-road circuits all contributes to optimising JAC’s first plug-in hybrid ute for Australian conditions – and for Australian ute buyers.”

The next and likely final step for the PHEV type is a public road evaluation, also set to restrict to Australia.

The PHEV edition combines two electric motors with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine for a targeted combined output of 385kW/1000Nm. The 31.2kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery is rated to bring 100km of all-electric driving range.

It also has 3.3kW vehicle to load output, essentially turning the edition into its own generator to run power tools and appliances.

JAC has said the ute will also be backed by the same seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and 24/7 roadside assistance as offered on the existing JAC line-up.

The model coming to sale was previewed by a concept shown in Australia a year ago.