The Australian ute market is witnessing an electric revolution, and the 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha is leading the charge with its newest addition – a powerful plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) option designed specifically to take on the recently launched BYD Shark 6. This move signals a significant shift in the traditionally diesel-dominated ute segment as manufacturers race to offer electrified options to increasingly eco-conscious buyers without sacrificing the rugged capability these vehicles are known for.
A New Challenger Enters the Ring
Great Wall Motors (GWM) has strategically positioned its Cannon Alpha PHEV as a direct competitor to BYD’s Shark 6, offering superior specifications in several key areas while maintaining competitive pricing. The new electrified ute will sit alongside GWM’s existing turbo-diesel and hybrid-petrol lineup, giving consumers more choice than ever before.
Starting from $63,990 drive-away for the Lux variant and $68,990 drive-away for the flagship Ultra trim, the Cannon Alpha PHEV commands a premium over the BYD Shark 6’s $57,900 (before on-road costs). However, GWM is betting that buyers will be willing to pay extra for the Cannon Alpha’s enhanced capabilities and more traditional ute features.
What’s particularly interesting is that in some Australian states and territories, limited-time promotional pricing brings the PHEV Lux down to as low as $61,490 drive-away, while the PHEV Ultra starts at $67,990 drive-away. This special pricing will remain valid for all contracts signed before June 30, 2025, making it an enticing offer for early adopters.
Powerhouse Performance
The heart of the Cannon Alpha PHEV is a sophisticated electrified powertrain that combines a 180kW/380Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with a potent 120kW/380Nm electric motor. Working in harmony with a sizeable 37.1kWh battery pack, this setup delivers impressive combined outputs of 300kW of power and a substantial 750Nm of torque.
While the Cannon Alpha PHEV might produce slightly less power than the BYD Shark 6 (321kW), it more than makes up for it with an additional 100Nm of torque (750Nm vs 650Nm). This extra grunt translates directly to superior towing capability – one of the most critical metrics for ute buyers.
The Cannon Alpha PHEV boasts a class-leading 3500kg braked towing capacity, matching the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV and significantly outperforming the Shark 6’s more limited 2500kg rating. For many potential buyers who regularly tow trailers, boats, or caravans, this 1000kg advantage could be the deciding factor.
Fuel economy is naturally a highlight for any electrified vehicle, and the Cannon Alpha PHEV doesn’t disappoint with a claimed consumption figure of just 1.7L/100km. This exceptional efficiency is coupled with an impressive electric-only driving range of up to 110km on the NEDC testing cycle, slightly bettering the Shark 6’s 100km claim. With a full charge and a full tank of fuel, GWM states that the total driving range extends to around 880km.
Off-Road Credentials
Where the Cannon Alpha PHEV truly distinguishes itself from its Chinese competitor is in its genuine off-road capability. Unlike the more road-focused Shark 6, the Cannon Alpha retains the traditional mechanicals that serious off-roaders expect.
The Cannon Alpha features a torque-on-demand four-wheel drive system with proper low-range gearing – an essential feature for tackling challenging terrain that the Shark 6 lacks. Even more impressive is the inclusion of front, rear, and center locking differentials, providing maximum traction in difficult conditions. The Shark 6, by contrast, doesn’t offer any locking differentials at all.
These mechanical advantages are complemented by an impressive 800mm wading depth and 224mm of ground clearance, reinforcing GWM’s commitment to building a ute that can handle serious off-road duty while incorporating the benefits of electrification.
Steve Maciver, Head of Marketing and Communications at GWM, emphasized this focus, saying the Cannon Alpha PHEV “delivers advanced EV sophistication without compromising on its strength and capability. This is evidenced by true 4×4 off-road performance and class-leading 3,500kg maximum braked towing capacity, which remain critical for consumers.”
Charging and Technology
The Cannon Alpha PHEV supports DC fast charging at up to 50kW, enabling quicker recharges on longer journeys. A 30 to 80 percent charge takes approximately 26 minutes, while a full AC charge at up to 6.6kW requires around 6.5 hours.
An exciting addition is the vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality with a 3.3kW discharge rate, allowing owners to power external devices or equipment from the vehicle’s battery – a potentially invaluable feature for those using their ute for work or camping.
Another remarkable capability is that the Cannon Alpha PHEV can run purely on electric power even when in high-range four-wheel drive mode and at highway speeds, making it practical for drivers who want to reduce their fuel consumption without limiting the vehicle’s versatility.
Interior Comfort and Features
GWM has ensured the Cannon Alpha PHEV doesn’t skimp on comfort and technology, with both the Lux and Ultra variants offering generous equipment levels.
The Lux PHEV comes standard with automatic LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a spray-on tub liner, black leatherette-accented interior, dual-zone climate control, a six-way power driver’s seat, and a comprehensive 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Stepping up to the Ultra PHEV adds luxury touches like a 60/40 split tailgate, panoramic sunroof, black leather-accented interior, heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, wireless phone charging, and a head-up display. The Ultra model also benefits from a premium 10-speaker Infinity sound system, heated and ventilated rear seats, and semi-automatic parking assist.
Five exterior color options are available: Marble White (standard), plus Lunar Red, Onyx Silver, Storm Grey, and Crystal Black, which all incur a $595 premium.
Weight Penalty and Practical Considerations
The advanced technology and sizeable battery pack of the PHEV system do come with one significant drawback – added weight. The Cannon Alpha PHEV tips the scales at a substantial 2810kg, considerably more than its diesel (2489-2550kg) and hybrid (2575kg) siblings.
This extra weight impacts the vehicle’s payload capacity, which is limited to 685kg for the PHEV variant – notably less than the 821kg offered by the diesel version and significantly below the 1000kg-plus payloads common in competitors like the Ford Ranger. For tradies who regularly carry heavy loads, this reduced capacity could be a limiting factor.
Safety Credentials
Safety hasn’t been overlooked in the electrification process, with the GWM Cannon Alpha receiving a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2024. The comprehensive safety suite includes seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear cross-traffic assist, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera with transparent chassis mode.
GWM backs the Cannon Alpha with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty, while the high-voltage battery is covered by a separate eight-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty – providing peace of mind for buyers concerned about the longevity of the new technology.
Market Positioning and Competition
The arrival of the Cannon Alpha PHEV marks a significant moment in Australia’s automotive landscape, as buyers will soon have three plug-in hybrid utes to choose from – the Cannon Alpha PHEV, BYD Shark 6, and the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV scheduled for delivery from mid-2025.
Each of these vehicles takes a different approach to electrification. The Cannon Alpha PHEV and Ranger PHEV maintain similar off-road and towing capabilities to their combustion-powered siblings, while the Shark 6 positions itself more as a lifestyle ute with cutting-edge technology but reduced work capabilities.
For buyers who want to embrace electrification without sacrificing traditional ute functionality, the Cannon Alpha PHEV makes a compelling case. Its combination of serious off-road hardware and advanced electric capabilities addresses both the environmental concerns and practical needs of modern ute owners.
Ready for Pre-Order
Australian buyers won’t have to wait long to get behind the wheel of the Cannon Alpha PHEV, with customer deliveries scheduled to commence in April 2025. The vehicle is available for pre-order now, with test drives expected to be available at GWM dealers from mid-May.
A Sign of Things to Come
The introduction of the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV represents more than just a new model variant – it signals a fundamental shift in Australia’s ute market. As environmental regulations tighten globally and fuel costs continue to rise, electrified utes are likely to become increasingly common.
GWM has made a bold move by offering a plug-in hybrid ute that doesn’t compromise on the core attributes that Australian buyers value. With its impressive towing capacity, genuine off-road capability, and reasonable electric-only range, the Cannon Alpha PHEV demonstrates that the future of workhorse vehicles can be both clean and capable.
While the higher price point compared to the BYD Shark 6 may deter some buyers, the Cannon Alpha PHEV’s enhanced capabilities make it a serious contender for those who need a genuine work vehicle that can also reduce their environmental footprint and fuel bills.
As more manufacturers enter this space, competition will only intensify, driving further innovation and potentially more affordable pricing. For now, the 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV stands as one of the most well-rounded electrified utes available to Australian buyers, balancing traditional capability with forward-thinking technology.
Whether you’re a tradesperson looking to future-proof your work vehicle, an adventure enthusiast wanting to tread more lightly on the environment, or simply someone who appreciates the versatility of a modern ute with reduced running costs, the Cannon Alpha PHEV offers a compelling package that deserves serious consideration.