GWM Australia has officially discontinued the Cannon Alpha Hybrid – a full hybrid ute that stood out as the only one of its kind in the country not requiring a plug – in favour of its newly launched plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant. The decision marks the end of the short-lived HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) version, which debuted earlier in 2024 alongside the diesel model as part of Australia’s first full-hybrid ute offering to the general public. Moving forward, the Cannon Alpha line-up will consist solely of diesel and plug-in hybrid models, as GWM shifts its focus toward newer electrified powertrains.
The hybrid model’s departure comes as GWM launches special national drive-away pricing for the Cannon Alpha PHEV, valid until September 30, 2025. This initiative is designed to directly compete with other plug-in hybrid utes entering the Australian market, particularly the BYD Shark 6 and the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV. According to a GWM Australia spokesperson, the decision aligns with evolving customer expectations and the brand’s mission to deliver future-ready vehicles. “With advancements in PHEV technology and a competitive price point, our goal is to offer a range that truly connects with customer needs,” the spokesperson stated. They added that the PHEV variant balances advanced electrification with traditional 4x4 capabilities, while the diesel option remains available for those preferring a conventional powertrain.
The now-discontinued Cannon Alpha HEV was exclusively available in the top-of-the-line Ultra trim, priced at $64,990 drive-away. By comparison, the diesel-powered Cannon Alpha Lux and Ultra variants were more affordable, listed between $51,990 and $57,990 drive-away. Sales data from 2024 shows that 357 units of the hybrid were sold, making up 32.6% of the total 1095 Cannon Alpha sales, while the remaining 67.4% were diesel variants.
The new Cannon Alpha PHEV combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 180kW and 380Nm with a powerful 120kW/400Nm electric motor. Together, they deliver a combined output of 300kW and 750Nm. It features a 37.1kWh lithium-ion battery, enabling a claimed electric-only driving range of 110 kilometres, with up to 880 kilometres available in hybrid mode during local lab testing.
Initially launched at $59,990 before on-road costs for the Lux and $66,990 for the Ultra, the PHEV models now benefit from drive-away pricing as part of a nationwide offer valid until the end of September 2025. Under this offer, the Cannon Alpha PHEV Lux is priced at $57,490 drive-away, and the Ultra is now available for $64,490. This puts it in direct competition with the BYD Shark 6, which includes a $4000 cashback promotion valid until August 31, 2025, bringing its price to around $57,000 drive-away. In contrast, the Ford Ranger PHEV XLT starts significantly higher, at $71,990 before on-road costs, translating to approximately $75,500 to $80,000 drive-away depending on the region. The premium Ranger PHEV Stormtrak edition pushes closer to $100,000 drive-away in states like New South Wales and Western Australia.
To acknowledge customers who purchased the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV before July 1, 2025 – prior to the recent price reduction – the company is offering five free scheduled services as a goodwill gesture in recognition of the price drop. This customer-focused move helps soften the impact for early adopters and reinforces GWM’s commitment to supporting its buyers through the evolving electrification of its product line.