The Case for a Middle Ground
Aussies love a medium SUV—and with good reason. They’re spacious, comfortable, and can handle everything from the weekday grind to weekend getaways. But as we shift toward a more electrified future, many drivers are asking the same question: Is a fully electric vehicle really right for me?
That’s where plug-in hybrids (PHEV) step in. With the ability to run as a full EV for most daily trips, but the flexibility of a petrol engine when you need to go further, they look to offer the best of both worlds.
Today, we’re challenging this PHEV with a drive around Greater Melbourne to see how it stacks up as an electric vehicle. We’re not heading out of town, just threading through Melbourne, down south along the coast, and back again, all without burning a drop of fuel.
A plug-in hybrid is designed to give you options, with electric drive for everyday city life, and a petrol backup when needed. It’s pretty fast too!
This is likely to be a common real-world scenario too, given its sizeable battery and claimed 180km EV-only driving range, which could see the vast majority of most Australians’ driving completed without a single drop of fuel being burned.
Did you know?
The GWM Haval H6GT PHEV Ultra is available across Australia for just $53,990 driveaway. It comes in a single, fully loaded Ultra trim—meaning all the latest tech, comfort features and safety systems are included as standard. Every H6GT PHEV is backed by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five years of roadside assistance, and five years of capped-price servicing.
We roll out from Sandridge Beach just after sunrise, blending straight into the usual morning bustle. Melbourne’s CBD is rarely a relaxing drive, but the H6GT handles it with ease.
EV power is perfect for stop-start traffic, and unlike regular hybrids that need to rely on their petrol engines after just a short stop, a PHEV stays in electric mode thanks to its big 35.4kWh battery.
Another big plus? The air conditioning keeps running quietly even when you’re stationary, without needing to start the engine, even during the hottest Aussie summers.
Adaptive Cruise Control does most of the heavy lifting on the freeway, but in slower, stop-start conditions, the H6GT’s Traffic Jam Assist steps in to help with acceleration, braking, and even light steering inputs. You still need to stay fully alert and keep your hands on the wheel, but it makes the whole experience feel that little bit more relaxed—especially in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Good Looks, Plenty of Substance
Pulling into Yarra Bend Park, the coupe-style H6GT stands out. There’s a sporty edge to its design—sloping roof, red brake callipers, and 19-inch alloys—but it’s not just for show.
There’s real substance underneath too, including larger front brakes than the petrol-only version, which help manage both the extra performance and added weight of the PHEV drivetrain.
Step inside and you’re greeted by a clean, modern cabin that’s more high-end than you might expect at this price. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a wireless charging pad are all standard.
The twin displays—including a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster—are sharp and easy to navigate. The infotainment setup supports full-screen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, displayed across the large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Whether you’re commuting or heading off for the weekend, it’s a genuinely pleasant place to spend time.
Did you know?
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) like the H6GT can be charged at home, at work, or via public chargers. But if the battery runs low, the petrol engine kicks in seamlessly—no range anxiety, no stress.
Out of Town Without Leaving It
From the park, we cruise down the M1 towards Chadstone, still in full electric mode. At freeway speeds, the H6GT PHEV stays composed and impressively quiet. Adaptive Cruise handles the traffic flow, and wireless Apple CarPlay takes care of the playlist.
Arriving at the shopping centre, the H6GT PHEV makes light work of tight rooftop parking thanks to its 360-degree camera system. Even better, the reversing assistant “remembers” the last path you drove in and can automatically retrace it out—for up to 50 metres. Perfect for navigating out of awkward or narrow spaces.
A light kick motion under the bumper activates the hands-free tailgate to reveal a surprisingly generous 392-litre boot. That’s the same size as the petrol model, despite all the electric motors and battery hardware underneath. No compromise on space here.
Rear seat passengers get their share of comfort too, with dual USB ports, air vents, and plenty of legroom.
Did you know?
According to industry data, Australia currently has more than 70 electric vehicles on the road for every public charging point. While networks are expanding, the infrastructure is still catching up to the rapid growth in EV adoption—making the flexibility of plug-in hybrids more relevant than ever.
We make a quick stop at Peter Scullin Reserve, where there’s a public DC fast charger. We’ve already driven over 55km and still have more than 65% battery remaining, so there’s no need to plug in—but the option’s there if we wanted a quick top-up.
The H6GT PHEV supports DC charging up to 48kW, enough to add useful range in the time it takes for a coffee break. At home, you can use a 6.6kW AC wall box or even a standard power point to recharge overnight.
It also offers Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, letting you power devices up to 3.3kW—perfect for camping trips, work sites or even backyard movie nights.
Today, though? The charger was offline, which unfortunately isn’t an uncommon situation, but that’s where the real strength of a PHEV shines.
From Coastal Sweepers to the Finish Line
The coast road towards Cerberus Beach House opens up, giving the H6GT PHEV a chance to stretch its legs.
The suspension has been recalibrated specifically for the dual-motor PHEV powertrain, offering a smooth, composed ride and confident handling through corners. Despite its size, the H6GT PHEV feels balanced and surprisingly agile.
With over 760Nm of torque on tap, the electric motors deliver instant response. The drive modes let you tailor the experience to the road conditions, and the transitions between electric and hybrid modes are seamless.
But today is all about the electric side of the story—no fuel, no emissions, just smooth and silent progress.
Still, with the petrol engine waiting in reserve, the combined performance potential of this setup is something we’d love to explore another day. For now, though, the H6GT PHEV is proving just how much can be achieved without relying on combustion at all.
Our final destination is the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit—a public road outside race week, but a fitting place to wrap up the day. By now, we’ve travelled nearly 100km, all electric, and we still have 40% battery remaining.
No fuel. No stress. And plenty of range to keep going.
Did you know?
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average Aussie drives just 33km per day. With a claimed 180km of EV range, the H6GT PHEV could cover five days of driving—or more—on a single charge. And when plans change, the petrol engine has your back.
The GWM Haval H6GT PHEV doesn’t ask you to compromise. You don’t have to worry about finding chargers, or planning your journeys around charging and EV range, all without giving up comfort, performance or value.
You just get in, drive, and enjoy the silence. It’s an easy kind of smart—and in 2025, it might be exactly what the modern SUV needs to be.
