Auto Insight Lab
PHEV ute review • Australia

GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV: the big-battery PHEV ute play

The Cannon Alpha PHEV makes a strong numbers case: large battery, long claimed electric range, 300kW/750Nm output and 3500kg braked towing. The catch is payload and the usual question of how Chinese-brand resale and support mature over time.

300kW / 750Nm37.1kWh battery115km NEDC EV range3500kg towing
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Verdict

1) What makes it different

GWM's pitch is simple: electrification without giving up the headline ute capability signals. Its battery is much larger than Ford's and its claimed EV range is longer than BYD's WLTP Performance figure, though GWM uses NEDC claims on the local page.

Best read: Cannon Alpha PHEV is the spec-sheet extrovert: power, battery size, EV range and towing all look strong. Payload is the number that prevents a simple win.
Data snapshot

2) Key PHEV numbers

ItemFigureBuyer note
Powertrain2.0L turbo petrol PHEV, Hi4-T 4WDIncludes low range and locking differential hardware.
System output300kW / 750NmStrong on-paper performance for the class.
Battery37.1kWhLarge pack for a PHEV ute.
EV range115km NEDCNEDC is optimistic versus WLTP and real-world use.
Combined range / fuel1060km / 1.7L/100km NEDCDepends heavily on charging and duty cycle.
Braked towing / payload3500kg / 685kgPayload is the practical constraint to check.
Buyer fit

3) Who should shortlist it?

Best suited for
  • Buyers wanting long claimed EV range in a dual-cab PHEV.
  • Owners who want 3500kg towing and off-road hardware.
  • People comparing BYD Shark 6 against a more rugged-feeling alternative.
Think twice if
  • You need high payload after accessories, passengers and towball download.
  • You are nervous about resale and long-term support for newer entrants.
  • You mostly drive uncharged highway kilometres.
More PHEV reviews

4) Keep comparing PHEV utes

If you are reading one PHEV ute review, the useful next step is usually the rest of the plug-in hybrid shortlist.

ReviewBYD Shark 6 PHEVPremium and Performance grades, EV range, towing and payload.ReviewFord Ranger PHEVRanger familiarity, 3.5t towing and Pro Power Onboard.PreviewJAC Hunter PHEVIncoming value-led PHEV ute with strong announced specs.PreviewChery KP31 diesel PHEVDiesel plug-in hybrid concept targeting late 2026.HubAll PHEV ute reviewsOpen the full PHEV comparison and review list.HomeHomepage PHEV sectionJump to the homepage PHEV review group.
Sources

5) Public references

Range and fuel figures are claims under defined test conditions. Confirm current grade-level specifications and offers with GWM.