Though BYD beat GWM to the punch by launching the Shark 6 as Australia’s first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute, the latter model claims its forthcoming Cannon Alpha PHEV will likely be higher in some ways.
Talking with CarExpert, GWM Australia and New Zealand product specialist Tim Leong stated the Cannon Alpha PHEV is extra succesful off-road and better-equipped from a towing perspective than the Shark 6.
“In my private opinion, the most important distinction is basically the off-road functionality of those automobiles,” stated Mr Leong.
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“Having an actual low-range gearbox and having this bodily connection, entrance and rear diff lock as properly.
“Having the 4 wheels truly rotating and mechanically locked on the identical pace is vastly completely different to the wheels making an attempt the motors, making an attempt on the traction management, making an attempt to regulate the pace.
“So that might be the important thing distinction, and from my viewpoint as properly, towing smart, that is why the Shark is having a little bit of issue when towing up hills and stuff like that.
“As CarExpert’s video has proven, we aren’t going to have that subject, and these are the important thing variations why we’re in a position to have higher spec.
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Abroad mannequin proven
“I feel it actually … simply is dependent upon what the client actually desires. In the event that they want that off-road functionality and wish that towing, then I’d say our automobile is unquestionably the higher alternative.”
Lately appointed GWM Australia and New Zealand chief working officer John Kett added the Cannon Alpha PHEV doesn’t compromise on what Australians need from a ute.
“We made a alternative … and I feel that’s the necessary half,” stated Mr Kett.
“We’ve made a alternative to duplicate the purposeful wants of a ute that we all know it to be with a PHEV, versus try to innovate some options.
“So I feel we ought to be very happy with that. I feel it’s courageous the choice that we made, which is in keeping with each determination we’re making for the time being.”
As lately reported, the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is because of launch in Australia within the second quarter of 2025 (April to June).
The corporate has confirmed it gained’t ship any examples to prospects earlier than the Fringe Advantages Tax (FBT) exemption for PHEVs lapses on April 1, 2025.
Pricing begins at $63,990 drive-away for the Cannon Alpha PHEV Lux, and extends to $68,990-drive-away for the Cannon Alpha PHEV Extremely.
It’ll rival the BYD Shark 6 – which is priced at $57,900 earlier than on-road prices and has been on sale for months previous to the FBT exemption ending – in addition to the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV for which pricing has but to be introduced.
The Cannon Alpha PHEV matches the Ranger PHEV with a 3500kg braked towing capability and beats the Shark 6’s 2500kg determine.
It additionally options entrance, rear and centre locking differentials, whereas the Shark 6 lacks any locking differentials.
Lastly, the Cannon Alpha PHEV has extra claimed electric-only driving vary (110km) than the Shark 6 (100km), in keeping with China’s lenient NEDC testing.