Australia’s latest plug-in hybrid ute detailed

GWM is expanding its lineup of plug-in hybrid utes on Australian roads, providing the latest details of the Cannon Hi4-T PHEV.

While it already has a PHEV ute in the form of the larger Cannon Alpha, the existing model is a half-size larger than the best-sellers in the ute market, such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.

The Cannon Hi4-T PHEV will give buyers the chance to get the electrified drivetrain in a smaller, and likely more affordable model, with its figures now announced to show how it stacks up against the competition.

A turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine is paired with an electric motor to produce up to 310kW and 750Nm, more than the Ford Ranger Hybrid (207kW and 697Nm), in the same ballpark as the BYD Shark 6 Premium (321kW and 650Nm), but less than the Shark 6 Performance (350kW and 700Nm) and JAC Hunter (360kW and 1010Nm).

Fed by a 33.1kWh battery pack, the Cannon PHEV will have a claimed NEDC lab-tested driving range of 115km, more than the Ranger Hybrid (49km), Shark 6 and JAC Hunter (100km), while matching the Cannon Alpha PHEV.

According to GWM, the battery allows a combined driving range of up to 1037km, just shy of the Cannon Alpha PHEV (1060km), but ahead of the JAC Hunter (1005km) and Shark 6 (800km).

The Cannon Hi4-T PHEV will also include Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability with 230V outlets in its tub. 

Like the turbo-diesel version, it’ll boast a 3500kg braked towing capacity, matching the bulk of its competitors.

While GWM is yet to announce a price, it says it’ll “become one of Australia's most affordable plug-in hybrid utes”. For context, the JAC Hunter is the least expensive PHEV ute, starting from $49,988 plus on-road costs.