The Cannon Alpha PHEV has launched in Australia, and with reduced prices from July 1, GWM has elected to remove the conventional hybrid model just 18 months after it arrived in local showrooms.
The GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid – Australia's only full-hybrid, regular-sized ute to date that doesn't require plugging in – has been axed in favour of the recently-launched plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, which is discounted until September 30 to battle the BYD Shark 6.
GWM Australia has confirmed it will not import any more examples of the Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid – or HEV, short for Hybrid Electric Vehicle – with the line-up to comprise diesel and PHEV models moving forward.
The Cannon Alpha Hybrid launched alongside the diesel model at the start of 2024 as Australia's first hybrid ute on sale to the general public.
Other utes, such as the Toyota HiLux, are offered with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, which can assist the internal-combustion engine but is unable to directly power the wheels on electricity alone.
The diesel and hybrid were joined by the Cannon Alpha PHEV about 12 months later, which rivals other plug-in hybrid utes new to the Australian market, such as the BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger PHEV.
"With advancements in PHEV technology and a competitive price point, our goal is to offer a range that truly connects with customer needs," a GWM Australia spokesperson said.
"The Cannon Alpha PHEV strikes an ideal balance between cutting-edge electrification and uncompromised 4x4 capability.
"For those who prefer a more traditional option, the diesel variant remains an integral part of the Cannon Alpha lineup."
The Cannon Alpha HEV was limited to the range-topping Ultra – while the diesel and PHEV are offered in Lux and Ultra grades – with a drive-away price of $64,990, compared to between $51,990 and $57,990 for the Lux and Ultra diesels, respectively.
In 2024, 357 examples of the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid were reported as sold in Australia, representing 32.6 per cent of the model's total 1095 sales, with the Lux and Ultra diesels accounting for the remaining 67.4 per cent.
While the Cannon Alpha PHEV launched two months ago at $59,990 before on-road costs for the Lux and $66,990 for the Ultra, GWM has confirmed new national drive-away prices from July 1, which are expected to be available until September 30, 2025.
Under the special offer, the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV Lux will be available for $57,490 drive-away for the Lux and $64,490 for the Ultra – on par with the Shark 6, as BYD is offering $4000 cashback until August 31, 2025, to take it to around $57,000 drive-away, inclusive of the deal.
The most affordable Ford Ranger PHEV XLT starts from $71,990 before on-road costs, or around $75,500 to $80,000 drive-away, depending on the state or territory of registration.
A flagship Ranger PHEV, the limited-edition $86,990 Stormtrak, nears $100,000 drive-away in New South Wales and Western Australia.
Customers who took delivery of a GWM Cannon PHEV before July 1, 2025, will receive five complimentary services "as a gesture of goodwill and in recognition of the price change from the previous month".
The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV combines a 180kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a 120kW/400Nm electric motor for a claimed 300kW and 750Nm combined power output.
Its 37.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack has a claimed electric-only driving range of 110 kilometres in Australian lab testing, and around 880 kilometres in hybrid mode.
Jordan is a motoring journalist based in Melbourne with a lifelong passion for cars. He has been surrounded by classic Fords and Holdens, brand-new cars, and everything in between from birth, with his parents’ owning an automotive workshop in regional Victoria. Jordan started writing about cars in 2021, and joined the Drive team in 2024.
