GWM is expanding its electrified ute line-up in Australia with the introduction of the Cannon Hi4-T Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, giving buyers another option for combining electric driving with traditional four-wheel-drive capability.
The new Cannon Hi4-T PHEV will sit alongside the larger Cannon Alpha Hi4-T PHEV, making GWM the only manufacturer in Australia currently offering two plug-in hybrid ute models.
GWM says the broader Cannon range will now cover two models, three body styles and four powertrains.
For fleet operators, the new model adds another electrified option in a vehicle segment where towing capacity, payload requirements, regional travel and off-road use can make the transition to a full battery electric vehicle more complicated.
115km electric driving range
The Cannon Hi4-T uses GWM’s Hi4-T hybrid system, which has been developed specifically for body-on-frame four-wheel-drive vehicles.
It combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a high-output electric motor, producing a combined 310kW and 750Nm.
Unlike some hybrid systems, the Hi4-T retains a traditional transmission and mechanical four-wheel-drive system. GWM says this allows the vehicle to maintain the characteristics expected from a conventional ute while adding electric assistance and plug-in charging capability.
A 33.1kWh battery provides a claimed 115km of electric-only driving range under the NEDC test cycle. GWM says this could allow many owners to complete typical daily driving without using the petrol engine.
For fleets with predictable daily routes and access to workplace or depot charging, that level of electric range could potentially cover a significant proportion of normal weekday operation.
When longer trips are required, the petrol engine extends the claimed combined driving range to 1,037km under the NEDC test cycle.
GWM quotes combined fuel consumption of 2.4L/100km under NEDC testing, although real-world consumption will depend heavily on charging frequency, trip length, load and operating conditions.
3.5-tonne towing and V2L
The Cannon Hi4-T will also offer a 3,500kg braked towing capacity, an important specification for businesses considering electrified vehicles for operational or trade applications.
Vehicle-to-Load technology is another feature likely to attract fleet attention.
Integrated 230V outlets in the tub allow the vehicle’s battery to supply electricity to external equipment. Potential applications include running power tools at a worksite, powering equipment in remote locations or supplying appliances when mains electricity is unavailable.
V2L is becoming an increasingly useful feature on electrified commercial vehicles because it can potentially reduce reliance on portable generators and separate power supplies.
The combination of electric-only driving, petrol backup, mechanical four-wheel drive and V2L could make plug-in hybrid utes particularly relevant for organisations that want to reduce fuel consumption without losing the flexibility required for regional and remote operations.
Pricing still to come
GWM has not yet announced Australian pricing, detailed specifications or a confirmed launch date.
The company says the Cannon Hi4-T will be positioned as one of Australia’s more affordable plug-in hybrid utes when pricing is released. Final specifications, pricing and local availability will be announced closer to launch.
The arrival of another PHEV ute also increases competition in one of Australia’s most important fleet vehicle segments.
