GWM has officially revealed its new Cannon Hi4-T PHEV.

It will sit below the larger Cannon Alpha PHEV in GWM’s range and will give the brand two plug-in hybrid utes in Australia. Both use the Hi4-T system and offer 3500kg towing, but the Cannon Hi4-T is smaller and more affordable, with a 33.1kWh battery and 310kW/750Nm compared with the Alpha’s larger 37.1kWh battery and 300kW/750Nm.

Pricing and final Australian specifications are yet to be confirmed, but GWM says the Hi4-T will be one of Australia’s more affordable PHEV utes.

1

The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine works with a high-output electric motor to produce 310kW and 750Nm. Unlike many hybrid systems, GWM’s Hi4-T setup retains a traditional transmission and mechanical four-wheel drive, although the company hasn’t yet confirmed the Australian model’s full four-wheel-drive hardware or off-road specifications.

Claimed fuel consumption is 2.4L/100km on the NEDC test cycle. The 33.1kWh battery provides up to 115km of electric-only range, while GWM claims a total driving range of 1037km. The Cannon Hi4-T also has a 3500kg braked towing capacity, matching the figure offered by many diesel-powered utes.

It also gets V2L, with integrated 230V outlets in the tub for running power tools, camping equipment and other electrical gear.

1

Can it really replace a diesel 4×4?

The big question is whether the Hi4-T can deliver its efficiency without sacrificing the capability expected from a serious 4×4. 

It has 310kW, 750Nm, mechanical four-wheel drive, 3500kg towing and more than 100km of claimed EV range, but there’s still plenty we don’t know about how it will work off-road. The battery and electric hardware will add weight, making the final kerb weight and payload important figures for anyone planning to use the Cannon for touring, towing or work. 

GWM is yet to reveal Australian-market details including payload, ground clearance, approach and departure angles and suspension specifications, which will give a better indication of how the Hi4-T stacks up against conventional diesel utes once it arrives.

GWM will announce pricing, further specifications and Australian availability closer to launch.

MORE Cannon news and reviews!