Gridly
Overview
The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is Great Wall Motors’ plug-in hybrid take on the Cannon dual-cab ute - a platform that has earned a loyal following in Australia for its combination of affordability, genuine off-road capability, and competitive towing rating. The PHEV variant adds a 19kWh battery pack and electric motor to the existing turbopetrol drivetrain, delivering approximately 80km of electric-only range before the combustion engine takes over seamlessly.
For Australian ute buyers, the case for a PHEV is specific and practical. Work utes accumulate enormous kilometres in suburban and urban environments - job sites, trade supply runs, school pickup - while the petrol engine sits underused. The Cannon Alpha PHEV addresses exactly this pattern: run on electricity through the working week, refuel for the occasional regional or towing trip. With a 3,000kg braked towing rating and full AWD, no core ute capability is sacrificed.
GWM’s Australian dealer network is well established, parts supply is reliable, and the 5-year/150,000km warranty is on par with mainstream Japanese brands. The PHEV drivetrain is more complex than a straight petrol ute, but GWM has sold enough of these systems globally that reliability records are accumulating.
Pricing & Variants
| Variant | Type | Towing | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannon Alpha Petrol | Petrol | 3,500kg | ~$52,490 |
| Cannon Alpha PHEV | PHEV | 3,000kg | $57,490 |
| Ford Ranger PHEV | PHEV | 3,500kg | ~$78,041 |
The Cannon Alpha PHEV sits approximately $5,000 above the petrol equivalent - a premium that can be recovered through fuel savings on high-kilometre work vehicles. Against the Ford Ranger PHEV, it undercuts by more than $20,000 while offering comparable PHEV functionality, albeit with a lower tow rating.
Performance
A turbopetrol engine is paired with an electric motor in AWD configuration, producing a combined system output sufficient for the demands of ute work. The 0–100 km/h time of approximately 7.0 seconds is brisk for a loaded dual-cab - electric torque fill from rest improves perceived performance in stop-start urban environments. Top speed is governed to 175 km/h.
The AWD system provides low-range traction for off-road use. Electric motor torque is available immediately at the wheels, which benefits low-speed manoeuvring on unsealed terrain.
Range and Charging
The 19kWh battery provides approximately 80km of EV-only range under WLTP conditions - realistically 60–70km in real-world use with air conditioning active. This is enough to cover most Australian tradie daily patterns (average daily work vehicle distance sits around 40–60km) on electricity alone. Once the battery is depleted, the petrol engine takes over and provides unlimited range.
DC charging peaks at 40kW, meaning a 10–80% charge takes approximately 25 minutes at a compatible DC charger. AC home charging via a 7.2kW wallbox fully charges the battery overnight in around 3 hours - the most practical charging pattern for daily use.
Interior and Technology
The Cannon Alpha PHEV carries the full specification of the Cannon Alpha interior: a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. Physical climate controls are retained alongside the touchscreen.
The PHEV adds an energy flow display showing power distribution between the battery, motor, and petrol engine - useful for monitoring EV range consumption and understanding regenerative braking contribution. Drive modes include EV Only, Hybrid, and Sport, allowing the driver to prioritise electric range for urban legs or preserve battery charge for later.
Practicality
Dual-cab configuration seats five with adult-comfortable rear legroom. The cargo tray is full-length and rated for standard ute payload applications. A tow bar is standard or optional depending on specification.
The 3,000kg braked towing rating is lower than the 3,500kg petrol Cannon Alpha - the additional battery mass has displaced some of the towing margin. For the majority of caravan and boat trailer applications, 3,000kg is still adequate. Buyers with heavier trailers should evaluate the petrol variant or the Ford Ranger PHEV.
No V2L or V2H capability - the PHEV battery is not accessible for external power export.
Safety
The Cannon Alpha PHEV carries GWM’s standard active safety suite: autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The system is competent for Australian highway and suburban conditions. ANCAP testing on the current Cannon generation has been conducted; verify current star rating with ANCAP Australia.
Running Costs and Ownership
For a buyer covering 60km of daily urban driving entirely on electricity: running cost is approximately $2.85/100km at $0.30/kWh (19kWh ÷ 80km × 100 × $0.30). That compares favourably against a petrol ute consuming 10–12L/100km at current fuel prices. Over 30,000km per year with 70% electric driving, fuel savings are substantial.
GWM warranty: 5 years/150,000km on vehicle, 8 years/160,000km on the battery pack. GWM’s Australian dealer network covers all major cities and most regional centres - service access is not a concern for metropolitan and large-regional buyers.
Verdict
The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV makes a clear case for tradespersons and work vehicle buyers who want to reduce running costs without giving up the towing rating and off-road capability their work demands. The 80km EV range is enough for most daily patterns, the 3,000kg towing is commercially relevant, and the $57,490 drive-away price undercuts the Ford Ranger PHEV by a significant margin.
The limitations are real: PHEV complexity adds maintenance considerations over the long term, the tow rating is 500kg below the petrol Cannon, and DC charging at 40kW is slow. For buyers who tow heavy loads regularly and spend significant time in regional areas, the petrol Cannon remains simpler. But for the urban and suburban tradie accumulating 40–60km per day with occasional regional excursions, the PHEV’s fuel economics are compelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the electric-only range of the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV?
The WLTP-rated electric range is approximately 80km. In real-world driving with air conditioning and varying speeds, expect 60–70km. This is sufficient for most urban and suburban daily driving patterns without using any petrol.
Can the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV tow a caravan?
Yes. The Cannon Alpha PHEV is rated for 3,000kg braked towing - adequate for mid-size caravans and most boat trailers. The rating is 500kg below the petrol Cannon Alpha, so buyers with heavier rigs should check their specific trailer weight.
How long does it take to charge the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV at home?
A 7.2kW AC wallbox charges the 19kWh battery from flat in approximately 3 hours. Standard 10A household charging (~2.4kW) takes around 7–8 hours, making overnight charging practical. DC fast charging at 40kW brings the battery from 10–80% in approximately 25 minutes.
