Although BYD beat GWM to the punch by launching the Shark 6 as Australia’s first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute, the latter brand claims its forthcoming Cannon Alpha PHEV will be better in many ways.
Speaking with CarExpert, GWM Australia and New Zealand product specialist Tim Leong said the Cannon Alpha PHEV is more capable off-road and better-equipped from a towing perspective than the Shark 6.
“In my personal opinion, the biggest difference is really the off-road capability of these cars,” said Mr Leong.
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“Having a real low-range gearbox and having this physical connection, front and rear diff lock as well.
“Having the four wheels actually rotating and mechanically locked at the same speed is vastly different to the wheels trying the motors, trying at the traction control, trying to control the speed.
“So that would be the key difference, and from my point of view as well, towing wise, this is why the Shark is having a bit of difficulty when towing up hills and stuff like that.
“As CarExpert’s video has shown, we are not going to have that issue, and these are the key differences why we are able to have better spec.
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Overseas model shown
“I think it really … just depends on what the customer really wants. If they need that off-road capability and need that towing, then I’d say our vehicle is definitely the better choice.”
Recently appointed GWM Australia and New Zealand chief operating officer John Kett added the Cannon Alpha PHEV doesn’t compromise on what Australians want from a ute.
“We made a choice … and I think that’s the important part,” said Mr Kett.
“We’ve made a choice to replicate the functional needs of a ute that we know it to be with a PHEV, as opposed to try and innovate some solutions.
“So I think we should be very proud of that. I think it’s brave the decision that we made, which is in line with every decision we’re making at the moment.”
As recently reported, the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is due to launch in Australia in the second quarter of 2025 (April to June).
The company has confirmed it won’t deliver any examples to customers before the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for PHEVs lapses on April 1, 2025.
Pricing starts at $63,990 drive-away for the Cannon Alpha PHEV Lux, and extends to $68,990-drive-away for the Cannon Alpha PHEV Ultra.
It’ll rival the BYD Shark 6 – which is priced at $57,900 before on-road costs and has been on sale for months prior to the FBT exemption ending – as well as the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV for which pricing has yet to be announced.
The Cannon Alpha PHEV matches the Ranger PHEV with a 3500kg braked towing capacity and beats the Shark 6’s 2500kg figure.
It also features front, rear and centre locking differentials, while the Shark 6 lacks any locking differentials.
Lastly, the Cannon Alpha PHEV has more claimed electric-only driving range (110km) than the Shark 6 (100km), according to China’s lenient NEDC testing.
