GWM has expanded its electrified ute line-up in Australia with the new Cannon Hi4-T plug-in hybrid, combining 4WD capability with a claimed 115km electric driving range.
The GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV has been revealed for Australia ahead of the confirmation of local pricing, specifications and launch timing.
Positioned below the larger Cannon Alpha Hi4-T PHEV, the new Cannon Hi4-T gives GWM two plug-in hybrid ute models in Australia and expands the Cannon range across two models, three body styles and four powertrains.
GWM says the new plug-in hybrid ute has been developed to combine everyday electric driving with the towing, touring and off-road capability expected from a body-on-frame four-wheel-drive ute.
Read more: GWM turns Melbourne fuel station into EV-powered ORA Fun Station
GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV power and performance
The GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a high-output electric motor.
The system produces a claimed 310kW of combined power and 750Nm of torque, making the GWM Cannon Hi4-T one of the more powerful electrified utes in the Australian market.
Unlike some hybrid systems that use electric motors to supplement a conventional drivetrain, GWM’s Hi4-T technology retains a traditional transmission and mechanical four-wheel-drive system.
The system has been developed specifically for body-on-frame 4WD vehicles, with GWM claiming it can deliver the benefits of electrification without compromising off-road capability.
The GWM Cannon Hi4-T also has a 3,500kg braked towing capacity, giving it the ability to handle conventional towing duties alongside its electric driving capability.
Up to 115km of electric driving
A 33.1kWh battery gives the GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV a claimed 115km electric-only driving range on the NEDC test cycle.
GWM says the range should allow many owners to complete their regular daily commuting without using the petrol engine, potentially reducing fuel consumption and making the ute quieter and smoother during urban driving.
The company also claims the GWM Cannon Hi4-T can travel up to 1,037km on a full battery and fuel tank, based on the NEDC test cycle.
GWM quotes fuel consumption of 2.4L/100km, although the figure is based on the applicable test procedure and real-world consumption will vary depending on driving conditions, load, terrain and driving style.
The 115km electric range is particularly significant for a plug-in hybrid ute, where the ability to complete longer daily trips on electric power could reduce reliance on petrol while retaining the flexibility of an internal-combustion engine for longer journeys.
Read more: GWM to globally launch 3L turbo-diesel engine in Australia
Mechanical 4WD remains part of the package
The GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV uses GWM’s Hi4-T intelligent hybrid four-wheel-drive system.
Rather than replacing the mechanical drivetrain with an electric-only all-wheel-drive system, the technology integrates the electric motor with a conventional transmission and mechanical 4WD system.
That approach is intended to preserve the characteristics traditionally expected from a ute, including off-road capability, towing ability and long-distance touring performance.
GWM says the system allows the Cannon Hi4-T to transition between electric and petrol-powered driving depending on the circumstances while retaining genuine four-wheel-drive capability.
The ute is also claimed to offer a 3,500kg braked towing capacity, although further local specifications are yet to be announced.
Read more: GWM ORA 5 SUV arrives in Australia as first customer vehicles land at ports
GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV gets V2L capability
The new GWM Cannon also brings Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing the vehicle’s battery to supply electricity to external equipment.
GWM says the ute features integrated 230V power outlets in the tub, allowing owners to run equipment such as power tools, camping appliances and other electrical devices away from a conventional power source.
The feature could be particularly useful for tradespeople and recreational buyers, giving the GWM Cannon Hi4-T the ability to function as a mobile power source at worksites or campsites.
GWM targets value-focused ute buyers
While GWM has yet to reveal Australian pricing, the company says the Cannon Hi4-T PHEV will become one of Australia’s most affordable plug-in hybrid utes once local pricing is confirmed.
Pricing will be an important part of the model’s positioning, particularly as GWM looks to broaden access to plug-in hybrid technology in the ute segment.
The company is also positioning the GWM Cannon Hi4-T as a more versatile alternative to conventional diesel utes, allowing buyers to use electric power for shorter trips while retaining a petrol engine for longer-distance travel and towing.
Read more: 2026 GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV gains AT-1 tuning in Australia
GWM now has two PHEV utes in Australia
The Cannon Hi4-T PHEV will join the larger Cannon Alpha Hi4-T PHEV, giving GWM two plug-in hybrid utes in the Australian market.
GWM says this makes it the only automotive manufacturer in Australia currently offering two plug-in hybrid ute models.
The broader Cannon range now spans two models, three body styles and four powertrains, with the brand aiming to cover different requirements across the Australian ute market.
The new GWM Cannon Hi4-T also forms part of GWM’s wider push towards electrification in Australia, alongside its existing hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric models.
Read more: GWM H6GT PHEV updated with AWD hybrid tech, 183km EV range, new infotainment
When will the GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV launch in Australia?
GWM has not yet confirmed Australian pricing, final specifications or the launch date for the Cannon Hi4-T PHEV.
The company says more details will be announced closer to its local launch.
Australian customers can register their interest with GWM to receive updates on the new ute’s specifications, pricing, launch timing and availability.
Read more: 2026 GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV gains AT-1 tuning in Australia
GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV key specifications
| Specification | GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV |
| Powertrain | 2.0-litre turbo petrol + electric motor |
| Combined power | 310kW |
| Combined torque | 750Nm |
| Battery | 33.1kWh |
| Electric range | 115km NEDC |
| Combined range | 1,037km NEDC |
| Claimed fuel consumption | 2.4L/100km NEDC |
| Drive system | Mechanical 4WD with Hi4-T hybrid system |
| Towing capacity | 3,500kg braked |
| V2L | Yes |
| Tub power outlets | 230V |
The GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV is set to give Australian buyers another option between conventional diesel utes and fully electric models, combining a substantial electric-only driving range with a petrol engine, mechanical four-wheel drive and a 3,500kg towing capacity.
More details, including Australian pricing and launch timing, are expected to be announced closer to the model’s local arrival.
Comments
New Comment