When Jetour Auto Philippines Inc. (JAPI) made its presence felt at the 2025 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), it brought the T2 Lightning i-DM. Compared to the standard T2, the i-DM version serves as the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, which comes with an electrified turbocharged powertrain.

This gives the T2 Lightning the ability to cover up to 100 km on EV power and deliver a combined system range of more than 1,000 km. However, the T2 Lightning i-DM is currently being offered solely as a 2WD crossover SUV. Those who want the AWD capability will have to get the 2.0L turbocharged non-PHEV variant of the T2.

However, this may soon change after the Department of Energy (DOE) recently updated its list of recognized PHEVs. The government agency officially recognized the new AWD variant of the T2 Lightning i-DM, and it's got some neat upgrades over the 2WD version.

Based on the DOE's listing, the Jetour T2 Lightning i-DM AWD comes with a larger 43.24 kWh battery pack and a maximum electric power of 340 kW or 462 PS. Meanwhile, maximum engine power is rated at 105 kW or 143 PS. Size-wise, the Jetour T2 Lightning i-DM AWD will measure 4785mm long, 2006mm wide, and 1875mm tall on a 2800mm wheelbase. Ground clearance, on the other hand, is rated at 200mm.

A quick check at what the People's Republic gets has given us a better idea of what to expect. The AWD Jetour T2 i-DM has three electric motors, which deliver a combined output of 340 kW or 462 PS with 700 Nm of torque and is assisted by a 1.5L turbocharged engine that makes 115 kW or 156 PS. It also has a massive 43.24 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery courtesy of CATL. Power is then sent to the wheels via a 3-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT).

On pure EV mode, Jetour says the T2 Lightning i-DM AWD can do up to 160 km on the WLTC cycle (211 km on the CLTC cycle). Total system range was not mentioned, but more than likely, it can also cover more than 1,000 km with a full tank of gas and a fully charged battery.

The T2 Lightning AWD comes with the brand's XWD intelligent AWD system with various drive modes to cover any kind of terrain. Need to power devices while camping? The Jetour T2 Lightning also comes with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function that supports up to 6.6 kW of power.

Other features that we can expect to be available in the T2 Lightning i-DM AWD include 20-inch alloy wheels, remote engine start, smart keyless entry, a power sunroof, a 360-degree camera system, a wireless charging pad, and a suite of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS).

With the DOE already recognizing the Jetour T2 Lightning i-DM AWD, a local launch might happen later this year. The only question now is, will it become as popular as the 2WD PHEV variant?