The latest electric and range-extender hybrid utes are “insufficient” for hardcore off-roading and “prone to overheating under extended use,” a top Chinese GWM executive claims.
GWM has hit out at electric utes – and “decoupled hybrid” models closer in philosophy to a BYD Shark 6 – which it says have “significant issues” with tasks more demanding than “daily commuting” and light loads.
It claims its new Cannon Alpha Hi4-T plug-in hybrid ute – which uses mechanical four-wheel-drive, intended to deliver greater off-road capability – is “beyond the reach” of rivals, and more capable in tough conditions.
“Most of today’s new energy pick-ups, whether pure electric, range-extended or using decoupled hybrid architectures, perform adequately for daily commuting and light-duty hauling,” Wang Chao, GWM Technical Centre deputy general manager, told a Shanghai motor show press conference.
“However, when it comes to high-speed driving, heavy loads or off-road scenarios, they often face significant issues.
“Range can drop by more than one-third, fuel consumption may spike, or continuous power delivery becomes insufficient. This not only undermines the all-terrain adaptability expected of a pick-up truck, but also greatly diminishes the driving enjoyment for most users.
“In contrast, the Hi4-T, featuring a non-decoupled architecture with parallel hybrid power and triple mechanical locking differentials, was born for full-scenario dominance from snow to mud to desert.”
He added: “While range-extender or hybrid systems driven primarily by electric motors can deliver high peak torque, their sustained torque output typically tops out around 6000Nm [understood to be measured at the wheels].
“[This is] insufficient for tough recoveries and prone to overheating under extended use.
MORE: 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid review
“Hi4-T, with its parallel hybrid output, delivers more than double the sustained torque needed for mud scenarios [approx. 9000Nm wheel torque] … the level of control, safety and confidence during climbing is simply beyond the reach of other new energy architectures.”
Hi4-T is the name for GWM’s plug-in hybrid technology, which arrives in Australia imminently in the Cannon Alpha ute.
It integrates an electric motor into the transmission, allowing all four wheels to be powered by petrol or electric power at any time – or both – through a conventional four-wheel-drive system, with locking differentials to improve traction off-road.
Most of the Cannon Alpha’s power comes from the petrol engine – 180kW – with a further 120kW from the single electric motor.
MORE: 2025 BYD Shark 6 review
A BYD Shark 6 does not fit the precise definition of a “decoupled hybrid” ute, as there is still a mechanical link between the 1.5-litre petrol engine and front wheels.
However, there is no mechanical link to the rear wheels, so it relies on its two electric motors – one front, one rear – to enable all-wheel drive, and the majority of its power comes from the electric components.
It means that when its battery runs low, its performance tails off to a greater extent, and its lack of locking differentials or a connection between the front and rear axles means it relies on software and the brakes to stop wheelspin off-road, rather than preventing it before it can occur.
Data shown by GWM during the motor show presentation claimed the Cannon Alpha Hi4-T’s battery can still supply 122kW with just 10 per cent charge remaining, at a 30-degree Celsius ambient temperature.
MORE: Best Utes to buy in Australia 2025
It is enough to feed the 120kW electric motor. At 100 per cent charge, the company claims the battery can discharge at up to 277kW, far more than the motor’s power output.
GWM sells a completely “decoupled hybrid” system in its Tank 500 off-road SUV in China – as the Hi4-Z – which would, in theory, suffer from the same “issues”.
However, it is considerably more powerful in optimal conditions – 635kW vs 300kW in the Hi4-T – and it is not billed as an off-road-focused powertrain.
The Chinese car giant says it is yet to decide if the Tank 500 plug-in hybrid it plans to introduce in Australia later this year will use Hi4-T or Hi4-Z.
MORE: GWM developing 3.0-litre turbo-diesel for Cannon Alpha, Tank 500 in 2027
In the meantime, the Cannon Alpha quotes outputs of 300kW/750Nm, a 37.1kWh battery for a 115km claimed electric-only driving range, and a 3500kg braked towing capacity.
In contrast, the Shark 6 claims 321kW/650Nm, a 29.6kWh battery for a claimed 100km electric range, and a 2500kg tow rating.
BYD has dismissed criticism of the 2.5-tonne tow rating as meeting “the needs of most customers.”
MORE: Upgraded BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute with 3500kg tow rating due ‘very soon’
David Smitherman, CEO of BYD’s Australian importer EVDirect, recently told Drive the lower towing capacity compared to diesel segment benchmarks wouldn’t be a problem for local buyers because the Shark 6’s strength lies in its unique powertrain.
“Yes, [3500kg] that’s a number, but our number’s 2500kg, and we’re entirely comfortable with that,” CEO of BYD’s Australian importer EVDirect told Drive last year.
“We think that will meet the majority of Aussie motorists’ needs and we’re super happy with that.”
A new BYD Shark 6 variant capable of towing 3500kg – using a 2.0-litre engine – is in development, but is not due until 2027.
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