GWM pushes further into EVs with Cannon Alpha PHEV

GWM IS SET TO ELEVATE ITS ELECTRIFIED vehicle range in April 2025 with the launch of the all-new GWM Cannon Alpha Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). Designed to redefine the standards in the EV utility segment, the Cannon Alpha PHEV will offer a groundbreaking combination of advanced EV technology, class-leading off-road capability, and range. Setting a new benchmark, the Cannon Alpha PHEV will lead with:

    • Class-leading electric range of up to 110km (NEDC), applicable even off-road in 4WD mode
    • Class-leading combined total range up to 880km (NEDC)
    • Class-leading 37.1kWh ternary lithium battery
    • Class-leading 3500kg braked towing capacity
    • Class-leading 800mm water wading depth
    • Impressive combined maximum power outputs of 300kW and 750Nm (with torque being class-leading)
    • World-class mechanical four-wheel drive system with front, rear and centre locking differentials

Representing GWM’s second model to enter the growing PHEV market in Australia (following the Haval H6GT PHEV), the Cannon Alpha PHEV is now available for pre-order with customer deliveries expected in April 2025. Available in two grades, the Lux is priced at $63,990 drive-away, while the range-topping Ultra comes fully loaded at $68,990 drive-away.

Powered by GWM’s Hi4T Plug-in Hybrid EV technology and equipped with a 37.1kWh ternary lithium battery, the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine has been specially developed for optimal integration, delivering an impressive combined 300kW of power and 750Nm of torque. Paired with GWM’s nine-speed transmission, it offers up to 110km of pure EV driving range, with a combined range of 880km – 10 percent more than its nearest rival.

The Hi4T technology allows for the engine to remain in EV mode in 4×4 high range mode, in addition to supporting EV-only driving at highway speeds, a feature which is currently not offered in the segment.

It supports DC fast charging of up to 50kW, enabling a rapid 30 to 80 percent charge in just 26 minutes. When using an AC home charger, the battery recharges from near empty to full in approximately 6.5 hours. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities of 3.3kW max output is included and enables the Cannon Alpha to provide AC power to devices and appliances, resulting in an “off-the-grid” option, perfect for camping.

The Cannon Alpha PHEV upholds its core DNA, delivering uncompromised 4×4 off-road capability. It features front, rear, and centre locking differentials, multiple terrain modes, and selectable high/low-range gearing. The 3500kg maximum braked towing capacity remains intact, while an impressive 800mm water wading depth and 224mm of ground clearance ensures the flexibility and versatility demanded in the competitive utility segment, even with the integration of an advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Steve Maciver, Head of Marketing & Communications at GWM, says, “The Cannon Alpha PHEV is set to redefine electrification in the highly competitive utility segment. It delivers advanced EV sophistication without compromising on its strength and capability. This is evidenced by true 4×4 off-road performance and class-leading 3500kg maximum braked towing capacity, which remain critical for consumers.” (We get the message: 3500kg is “class-leading”)

The Cannon Alpha PHEV will be backed by GWM’s comprehensive customer care program offering an 8-year/unlimited KM battery pack warranty, 7-year/unlimited KM standard new car warranty, 7-year roadside assistance with 24/7 support, and 7-year capped price servicing – all backed by GWM’s extensive network of 111 dealerships nationwide.

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): 3495kg
  • Kerb weight: 2810kg
  • Payload: 685kg
  • Water wading depth: 800mm
  • Braked towing capacity: 3500kg
  • 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-inch alloy wheels
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Keyless entry with push-button start
  • Electronic centre and rear locking differential
  • 360-degree 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