21 hours ago
11
Another Chinese plug-in hybrid ute is coming to Australia, with GWM lining up its Cannon as the next model for Hi4-T hybrid technology.
GWM Australia will bring a plug-in hybrid version of its Cannon ute to local showrooms this year as it pushes its Hi4-T hybrid technology to the fore.
Confirmed by GWM Australia boss John Kett to media, the Cannon PHEV will compete against the BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger PHEV, and has not been officially revealed, but previewed by Chinese Ministry of Industry (MIIT) documentation.
Whether Australia takes the Chinese version of the Cannon PHEV is still unclear.
Overseas, the new model measures 5653mm long, 1883mm wide, and 1882mm tall, making it 237mm bigger than an Australian-spec Cannon and 208mm longer than a Cannon Alpha.
However, the Chinese Cannon PHEV retains the narrower body and lower height of the Cannon, which should make it easier to manoeuvre around town.
In terms of powertrain, the documents confirm a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, as well as a lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery, with a combined output of 180kW in China.
This differs from the Australian-spec GMW Cannon Alpha PHEV, as it has a nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery – with a 37.1kWh capacity – and a combined 300kW output.
GWM Australia has confirmed a version of its Hi4-T powertrain, which is also featured in the Tank 500 and upcoming Tank 300.
This will allow, according to GWM Australia, the Cannon PHEV to achieve a segment-standard 3500kg braked towing capacity, bettering the BYD Shark 6’s 2500kg rating.
A spare wheel will also be fitted under the tub, maximising space in the elongated tray.
GWM Australia is expected to reveal more on the Cannon PHEV, including all-electric driving range, in the coming months, while a showroom arrival is expected later this year.
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
