JAC battery-powered trucks coming here

Specialist vehicle importer and distributor BLK Auto NZ is registering the first JAC battery-powered trucks with trials set to begin Auckland. 

The company has signed a formal agreement to distribute the JAC range of battery-electric trucks ahead of trials with major logistics companies.

Two JAC N55 EV models are currently in Auckland, with a further 10 trucks en route for distribution and sale which are expected to arrive in New Zealand in the coming months.

The electric truck models will be officially launched on July 20 at the EROAD Fleet Day in Hamilton, where BLK expects to take forward orders.

To incentivise sales, BLK has put together a $40,000 bonus package including a Box Body worth $25,000, and a 20kW three-phase 32-amp CCS2 charger worth $15,000 with every truck sold. The retail price for the truck will be NZ$147,750 plus GST and ORC.

Major New Zealand logistics firms such as Custom Fleet have expressed strong interest in the trials as they look to incorporate EVs into their fleet offering.

The JAC N55 EV truck boasts 90 minutes 0%-100% charge time, a GVM of 5500kg and a driving range of 185-200km on a single charge – making them perfectly suited electric vehicles for fleet and government customers.

Globally, there are more than 10,000 of the JAC N55 EV trucks in use, with major fleet companies such as PepsiCo, DHL and Electrolux seeking to incorporate them into fleets – particularly as fossil fuel prices continue to rise, and the pressure for truck users to transition to carbon neutral alternatives increases.

In recent months, BLK Auto in Australia has seen a “substantial increase” in enquiries from zero emission-focused customers, the company says. 

As the Australian distributor for JAC trucks, the company is in the process of finalising the placement of a national dealer network with seven key dealer groups in Australia to support the JAC range of battery electric trucks.

More JAC vehicles will be brought to the Australian and New Zealand markets in coming years, including the highly anticipated 4×4 dual cab pick-up which is expected to achieve a five-star ANCAP rating.

BLK Auto managing director Jason Pecotic says with more than 10,000 units currently on roads around the world, the JAC N55 EV “is incredibly popular with fleet companies and governments, and for good reason”.

“Its fast, 1.5-hour charging time, and up to 200km-per-charge range, makes it a very competitive carbon-neutral truck.

“The EV transition is well and truly underway in New Zealand, and it is vitally important that companies take a collaborative approach to meet the future needs of New Zealand transport and logistics operators, and in a way that provides customers full turn-key solutions,” Pecotic says

“We are in the final throws of appointing a national dealer network to support the JAC EV range in New Zealand. 

“It’s exciting to be part of New Zealand’s carbon-neutral journey, and to work with the key partners who can make it possible. We look forward to the official New Zealand launch of the JAC N55 EV,” he says. 

JAC Motors is a Chinese automobile and commercial vehicle manufacturer based in Hefei, Anhui Province. The company produced about 524,000 units in 2021, including 271,800 commercial vehicles and 252,500 passenger vehicles.