GWM Cannon Hi4-T confirmed for NZ, locking in dual PHEV ute strategy
Words: Richard Edwards
GWM has unveiled the new Cannon Hi4-T plug-in hybrid ute at Auto China 2026, with New Zealand confirmed for a Q3 launch and pricing to follow closer to the on-sale date.
The smaller stablemate to the Cannon Alpha PHEV is understood to deliver 300kW and 750Nm of combined system output, with a 32kWh battery providing around 100km of pure-electric range.
The confirmation makes GWM the only OEM in New Zealand committing to two plug-in hybrid utes in the segment, slotting the Cannon Hi4-T into the mid-size dual-cab space below the larger Cannon Alpha PHEV.
GWM NZ Country Manager Cameron Thomas says the brand sees the dual-ute approach as a chance to broaden NEV adoption across two distinct buyer profiles.
“We’re incredibly excited to see the GWM Cannon Hi4-T unveiled at Auto China 2026, marking GWM NZ as the only OEM to offer two plug-in hybrid utes in the segment,” Thomas says.
“Pricing will be confirmed closer to our planned Q3 launch, with a strong focus on delivering compelling value for customers.”
“Our dual-ute strategy presents a clear opportunity to expand NEV technology into the smaller Cannon range, while also giving customers a natural progression into the larger, more premium Cannon Alpha.”
On where each model sits in the wider market, Thomas says the two utes are aimed at separate competitive sets.
“In terms of competitive positioning, we see the Cannon Alpha’s direct rival as the BYD Shark 6, while the Cannon Hi4-T aligns more closely with offerings like the Ford Ranger PHEV.”
With the Cannon Alpha PHEV currently priced at or below the BYD Shark 6, the smaller Cannon Hi4-T sitting beneath it in the range is likely to trigger a new benchmark for PHEV ute pricing in New Zealand, putting fresh pressure on the Ford Ranger PHEV in particular.
Unlike the BYD Shark 6, which uses a purely electronic dual-motor all-wheel drive system, the Hi4-T architecture retains a traditional drive shaft and is capable of carrying locking differentials, meaning it is likely to prove more capable off-road than the BYD.
The Cannon Hi4-T uses the same Hi4-T plug-in hybrid architecture already deployed in the Cannon Alpha and Tank 500, pairing a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and dedicated transmission.
The Cannon Hi4-T is unlikely to be the last electrified ute update for the brand, with GWM also confirming at the show that diesel hybrid options are in the works.
GWM has not yet released towing, payload or local specification details for the Cannon Hi4-T, with those expected closer to the Q3 on-sale date.
