GWM has criticized the current crop of electric utes and decoupled hybrid models, highlighting their limitations in challenging off-road and high-performance scenarios. According to a top executive, these vehicles struggle with issues like reduced range, increased fuel consumption, and insufficient power delivery under demanding conditions.
The company introduced its Cannon Alpha Hi4-T plug-in hybrid ute as a solution, boasting mechanical four-wheel-drive for enhanced off-road capability. This model aims to outperform competitors by offering better performance in tough conditions, such as high-speed driving, heavy loads, and off-road terrains.
GWM’s Technical Centre deputy general manager emphasized that while existing electric and hybrid utes may suffice for daily commuting and light hauling, they fall short when faced with high-speed driving, heavy loads, or off-road challenges. The Hi4-T’s parallel hybrid power, combined with triple mechanical locking differentials, positions it as a superior choice for all-terrain dominance.
With a focus on sustained torque output, the Hi4-T delivers more than double the torque required for challenging scenarios like mud terrain. This contrasts with other new energy architectures that tend to struggle with maintaining torque output and are susceptible to overheating during prolonged use.
The Hi4-T technology integrates an electric motor into the transmission, enabling power delivery to all four wheels through a conventional four-wheel-drive system. This setup, coupled with locking differentials, enhances traction off-road and ensures better control and safety during climbs.
While the BYD Shark 6 differs slightly in its hybrid system configuration, it relies on electric motors to enable all-wheel drive, with the majority of power sourced from electric components. This design choice affects its performance when the battery charge depletes, leading to performance degradation and a reliance on software and brakes to manage off-road conditions.
GWM showcased the Cannon Alpha Hi4-T’s battery capabilities during a motor show presentation, highlighting its ability to deliver sufficient power even with minimal charge remaining. The company claims that the battery can discharge significantly more power than the electric motor’s output, ensuring consistent performance in various driving conditions.
While GWM offers a more powerful “decoupled hybrid” system in its Tank 500 off-road SUV, the Cannon Alpha Hi4-T focuses on balancing power output and off-road capability. The company is evaluating the introduction of this technology in Australia, emphasizing its potential for delivering a robust hybrid solution.
Both the Cannon Alpha and BYD Shark 6 tout impressive power figures and electric driving ranges, catering to different market segments. While the Cannon Alpha prioritizes towing capacity and off-road performance, the Shark 6 focuses on a unique powertrain configuration that meets the needs of most customers, according to BYD’s Australian importer.
Looking ahead, BYD plans to enhance the Shark 6’s towing capacity with a new variant featuring a larger engine, set for release in 2027. This development underscores the ongoing evolution of hybrid and electric utes, as manufacturers strive to address consumer demands for performance, efficiency, and versatility in these vehicles.
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