PLUG-IN POWER

GWM ADDS TO ITS CANNON ALPHA RANGE OF UTES BY INTRODUCING A PHEV VARIANT AND IT'S A BEAUTY!

- MATT RAUDONIKIS

Great Wall Motors (GWM) has joined BYD by launching a plugin hybrid 4x4 ute to the Australian market and, unlike the Shark,. Unlike the BYD Shark, the Cannon Alpha PHEV is a proper 4x4 with genuine off-road capability. Ford has just launched its Ranger PHEV which we were yet to drive at the time of writing

GWM has created its PHEV on the existing platform of the Cannon Alpha which is a slightly larger and better-equipped version of the Cannon ute. The Alpha is 5445mm long (35mm longer than Cannon Ute), 1991mm wide (57mm wider than Cannon Ute) and 1924mm high (38mm taller than Cannon Ute). The wheelbase of 3350mm is longer than that of a Cannon Ute by 120mm.

GWM released Australia's first hybrid EV 4x4 ute in Australia in the middle of 2024 and this updated model is a plugin version of that vehicle. GWM still offers the hybrid model as well as diesel-fuelled variants and now the PHEV. Two specification grades are offered - Lux and Ultra - and we have the Ultra PHEV on test here.

The big difference between the GWM and BYD utes is that the Cannon Alpha has a more conventional drivetrain with a nine-speed automatic transmission, dual-range transfer case and a tailshaft leading back to a live rear axle. In the case of the BYD Shark the only connection between the front and rear axles is electronic - there is no mechanical connection - which limits its off-road ability.

The Cannon Ultra PHEV driveline comprises a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine and a single electric motor that is located within the transmission bell-housing along with the torque converter. Combined they deliver an output of 300kW and 750Nm and this is fed to a dual-range, on-demand 4x4 system.