2025 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV – Mini Review and Specifications

Despite previous government claims that electrified utes were useless, GWM’s new Cannon Alpha PHEV is shaping up to properly kick the dual-cab scene in the bum. From June 2025, this plug-in hybrid ute is dipping a toe into electrification. Although not a full EV, PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) a good proposition for those wanting to go a little further without having to rely on a plug. Like it or not, Australia’s charging infrastructure doesn’t yet allow a go-anywhere attitude. There’s not a lot of outback availability, but petrol and diesel can still be found easily.

Power comes courtesy of a 2.0L turbo-petrol engine mated to a hefty 37.1kWh ternary lithium battery, delivering a combined 300kW and 750Nm. That’s sent through an (in house developed) 9-speed auto and full-time mechanical 4WD system with front, rear and centre diff locks, low-range gearing, and multiple terrain modes. It’s all backed up by 800mm of water wading depth and 224mm of ground clearance, the latter acceptable for light off-roading.

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ABOVE: GWM Cannon Alpha

But here’s the real headline: up to 110km of EV-only range – and yes, you can still use 4WD high-range while in EV mode. Add in a total combined range of 880km (NEDC) and you’ve got a ute that’ll get you deep into the bush and back without a sniff of range anxiety. It’ll even run in EV mode at highway speeds, something most hybrids in this segment can’t do.

Charging is equally fuss-free. The Cannon Alpha supports DC fast charging up to 50kW, topping up from 30–80% in just 26 minutes. Plug in at home with an AC wallbox and you’re fully juiced in around 6.5 hours. It also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) with a 3.3kW output – meaning you can run lights, tools, or even a coffee machine in the middle of nowhere. Glam camping? You bet.

The Cannon Alpha PHEV comes in two flavours: the Lux, and the range-topping Ultra, which is now priced at $64,490 drive-away (until September) – reduced from its originally expected $68,990. That price brings a full suite of features and reflects GWM’s push to better its competition. Chinese cars were once not up to snuff, but much has changed. Both variants are backed by a strong ownership package: 8-year/unlimited km battery warranty, 7-year new car warranty, 7 years of roadside assistance, and 7-year capped-price servicing.

As the second PHEV in GWM’s local line-up (after the Haval H6GT PHEV), the Cannon Alpha makes a more ambitious statement. It doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff. It comes with locking diffs, proper low-range, and a payload and towing capacity to match: 3,500kg braked towing is still on the menu.

So is the Cannon Alpha PHEV the ute to finally convert the sceptics? Time will tell. But it’s safe to say it’s more than a green token gesture. It’s a seriously capable plug-in hybrid ute that’s ready to get dirty and do a full day’s work – or spend the weekend off-grid under fairy lights and solar panels.

GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV now $64,490 D/A (down from $68,990 until Sept), with 110km EV range, triple lockers, and 3,500kg towing. Serious hybrid ute muscle.

KEY SPECIFICATIONS:

2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine
Transmission: 9-speed transmission
Drive type: Four-wheel drive
Engine outputs: 180kW | 380Nm
Combined outputs: 300kW and 750Nm
Electric motor outputs: 120kW | 400Nm
Electric driving range: 110km (NEDC)
Combined driving range: 880km (NEDC)
Battery: 37.1kWh ternary lithium
Max DC charging rate: 50kW
Max AC charging rate: 6.6kW
Max V2L discharge rate: 3.3kW
DC charging time (30-80%): 26 minutes
AC charging time: 6.5 hours
Fuel economy (expected): 1.7L/100km (NEDC)
Gross vehicle mass (GVM): 3,495kg
Kerb weight: 2,810kg
Payload: 685kg
Water wading depth: 800mm
Braked towing capacity: 3,500kg
Unbraked towing capacity: 750kg

Content in the new Cannon Alpha PHEV will be based on the current Cannon Alpha LUX and highlights features such as:

18” alloy wheels
Dual-zone climate control
Keyless entry with push-button start
Electronic centre and rear locking differential
360° View Monitor
12.3-inch full-colour driver instrument cluster
12.3-inch full-colour touch screen infotainment system
Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™
Front and rear USB outlets
Leatherette seats
Faux leather steering wheel
Driver Seat: 6-Way Electric Adjustment
Front Passenger Seat: 4-Way Electric Adjustment
Automatic wipers
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Rear privacy glass
LED headlamps with DTRL
LED taillights
Auto high beams
High-mounted tub light
Front and rear parking sensors
7 Airbags
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
AEB junction assist
Lane change assist & Lane keeping assist
Hill Decent Control
Rear Collision Warning

The Cannon Alpha PHEV ULTRA adds:

Electronic front differential lock
60/40 split tailgate
Panoramic sunroof
14.6-inch full-colour touchscreen infotainment system
Premium Infinity audio system with 10 speakers and amplifier
Wireless phone charger (front and rear)
Head-up display (HUD)
Leather accented seats
Driver seat: 8-Way Electric Adjustment
Front passenger Seat: 6-Way Electric Adjustment
Heated/ventilated/massage front seats
Heated/ventilated rear outer seats with recline
Rear seat: 2-Way electric adjustment
Auto-folding exterior mirrors with memory
Rear privacy glass
Rear sliding window
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Heated steering wheel
LED front fog lights with steering input
Ambient lighting
Heated steering wheel
Automatic park assist with reverse assist

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