GWM P500 PHEV hybrid The GWM Cannon (AKA P500) Alpha PHEV could make a formidable rival to the BYD Shark. Picture: Supplied
Image: Supplied
The new GWM Cannon Alpha Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), unveiled for the Australian market this week, aims to set a new benchmark in performance, range and capability in the one-tonne segment.
But will it come to South Africa? Although it has yet to be officially confirmed, the Cannon is already sold in regular hybrid and diesel guises in South Africa, badged as the P500, and this PHEV could prove a formidable rival to the BYD Shark that’s due in Mzansi this year.
The GWM Alpha PHEV looks impressive on paper, featuring a 37.1 kWh ternary lithium battery that allows a claimed NECD range of up to 110km on electric power alone. It also supports DC fast charging up to 50kW, allowing for a 30-80% charge in 26 minutes.
The combined range exceeds 880km, GWM says, which is 10% better than its nearest rival.
The petrol-engined component of the hybrid system is a 2.0-litre turbopetrol, producing 180kW and 380Nm, and with the electric motor on stream, the PHEV boasts combined outputs of 300kW and 750Nm. The regular non-plug-in P500 hybrid model, for the sake of comparison, is good for 255kW and 648Nm.
GWM claims a braked towing capacity of 3,500kg and 800mm water wading ability, while front, centre and rear locking differentials, along with multiple terrain modes and low-range gearing, are in place to ensure uncompromised off-road ability.
This and the BYD Shark could add an exciting new dimension to South Africa’s bakkie market, as could the Ford Ranger PHEV if it ever gets the green light for our market. The latter is built in South Africa for export markets such as Europe.
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