GWM Cannon Alpha 2025 News

A recall has been put out for some of GWM’s leading hybrid models as per a Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts notice. The GWM Cannon Alpha plug-in hybrid ute, Tank 300 hybrid and Tank 500 hybrid and plug-in hybrid SUVs have been caught up in an electrical issue which could affect performance. There are a total of 1445 vehicle affected by the issue, all from cars sold in 2025.“Due to a manufacturing defect, the shielding ring in the high voltage wiring harness may not be properly grounded,” the notice reads.“This can reduce the effectiveness of electromagnetic shielding, which may cause abnormal communication with the engine and transmission control systems.“As a result, warning lights may illuminate, vehicle torque may be reduced, and cooling performance of the hybrid system may be affected.”According to the notice, reduced vehicle performance and cooling operation could increase the risk of an accident causing serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users. GWM will contact owners of the affected vehicles to request an appointment with an authorised dealership and have the work to rectify the issue carried out for free. The rugged-branded Tank 300 and 500 have been among GWM’s best-selling vehicles in Australia, approaching 6000 sales between them for 2025.Only the Haval H6 and Jolion SUVs have sold more units for the brand this year. The Tank 300 currently comes as a petrol, diesel and hybrid in Australia, but it has been announced that GWM will bring across a plug-in hybrid version next year. The Tank 500 is now exclusively sold as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, however it's understood a new diesel engine could come in 2026.The Cannon Alpha has also been a competitive seller for the brand, with more than 2000 sales in 2025. Offered with diesel power, it also comes with a plug-in hybrid powertrain which is an alternative to BYD's popular Shark 6.This isn’t the first wiring issue to be found on the Cannon Alpha, with the ute suffering from another similar issue earlier this year.  An electric power steering wiring harness may come into contact with the driveshaft when driving and become damaged. This could lead to a loss of power steering and engine shutdown. 

Here’s a little peek behind the curtain for you. During a media launch event for a new car, journalists will often be presented with information about the new model and given the opportunity to ask questions of engineers and executives.

GWM confirms new 3.0-litre diesel to live alongside new 4.0-litre V8 in high-end Tank and Cannon products for the Australian market.

The plug-in hybrid ute battle is about to boil over.GWM has made running changes to its new plug-in hybrid ute before it has even arrived on our roads, as it prepares to wage war on the BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger PHEV.The soon-to-be-launched Cannon Alpha PHEV is now cheaper and has more electric-only driving range than first promised.GWM has removed the national drive-away price for the two-tier plug-in hybrid Cannon Alpha range, which is good news for some but not for others.The base Cannon Alpha PHEV Lux now ranges between $61,490 and $64,590 depending on the state or territory you live in. This is compared to the previous $63,990 national drive-away price. Western Australia is the only state worse off.The BYD Shark 6 is still roughly $1000 cheaper, but more than $10,000 cheaper than the coming Ranger PHEV.It’s a similar story for the fully loaded Cannon Alpha PHEV Ultra that was priced at $68,990 but now ranges from between $67,990 and $71,090. If you are in WA, NSW and SA you’ll now pay more.GWM sweetens the deal with a free 7kW home charger.GWM now claims the Cannon Alpha PHEV can be driven up to 115km on pure electric power, up 5km on its previous claim. This figure is calculated on the more generous NEDC test cycle compared to the more stringent benchmark WLTP test regime.The Cannon Alpha PHEV is fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, electric motor and a sizeable battery that allows it to drive up to 1060km before both the battery and fuel tank are depleted.It has a proper four-wheel-drive set-up, with a rear locking differential in the Lux and the addition of a front locking differential in the Ultra.It has a vehicle-to-load function that allows users to power appliances such as camping equipment and power tools via a regular household power socket in the vehicle.It also has a 3500kg braked towing capacity that trumps the BYD Shark 6 ute and equals the Ford Ranger PHEV.The first vehicles are now en route to Australia, before sales commence shortly after. 

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