GWM Cannon electric ute still coming

Is there a market for an all-electric dual-cab ute in Australia?

GWM seems to think so and although there’s been no news around the Chinese car-maker’s upcoming Toyota HiLux-size battery-electric hay-hauler for the last couple of years, the project is still on track.

Following its official preview in concept form back in late 2020, the GWM Cannon EV was originally expected to be ready to roll by late 2023 or early 2024, but it’s still not yet clear when the production version will make its global debut.

However, GWM Australia and New Zealand’s marketing and communications chief Steve Maciver told carsales the vehicle was firmly on the agenda for Australia.

“It remains very much a part of the development plan, but we don't yet have a timeline for that ute,” he explained.

“Suffice to say, as that ute progresses from a development perspective it’s something we’ll absolutely be interested in. The key will come in terms of timing, pricing and the execution of that ute.

“But we’re confident given the expertise that GWM has shown in the NEV [new energy vehicle] space we’ll get it right,” he added.

GWM appears to be moving more cautiously and taking more time to develop its first global battery-electric pick-up in the wake of lukewarm receptions for the Tesla Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Lightning in the US.

In Australia, GWM’s first electric ute will have to compete with future battery-electric utes from Korean powerhouses Hyundai and Kia, as well as an eventual EV version of the upcoming BYD Shark plug-in hybrid dual-cab.

GWM’s electric concept ute was powered by a single e-motor (150kW/300Nm) and was said to offer a range of around 450km thanks to either 60kWh or 79kWh battery packs, but it’s almost certain the powertrain has been revised as market forces and customer demands continue to evolve.

“I think with the introduction of any product, execution of that model from a powertrain, from an engineering perspective is core,” said Maciver.

GWM’s Australian comms boss wouldn’t be drawn on technical targets for the production version of the Cannon EV, but inferred it wouldn’t be hideously expensive like Australia’s first electric ute, the lacklustre LDV eT60 (priced from $92,990).

“Pricing is very, very closely related to the level of technology and innovation that goes into any new model, but we are not naive enough to think that value doesn’t matter anymore,” he explained.

“Value is still a core part of what GWM stands for. That’s not going to change anytime soon.”

Maciver said that while petrol-electric hybrid off-roaders like the Cannon Alpha (pictured) dual-cab and Tank 500 large SUV had pushed GWM prices well into the $60,000-$70,000 price bracket, that didn’t necessarily mean a $100,000 GWM ute is on the horizon.

“The reality is with the new generation of products like Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha we are pushing into higher price points and speaking to a new group of customers.

“But we firmly believe that if the value is right, the product is right, that will fit the market and we’ll have some success there, and development of a new ute on any level of electrification should still be held to the same standards.”

While a hybrid or electric Toyota HiLux is further away, Ford Australia is expected to charge close to $100,000 for the plug-in hybrid Ranger ute it will release in 2025.

Unlike the Ranger PHEV, however, the new GWM Cannon EV will get Aussie ‘influences’ rather than full-blown local tuning.

“Are we involved in the design and engineering directly of that car? The answer is no. But equally, we have had a number of senior brand managers and engineers spend time with us in Australia,” said Maciver.

“A good number of those senior guys have come to understand the Australian marketplace, Australian buyer preferences, Australian driving conditions and what the needs are of the Australian market as a whole.

“All that will be taken back during the development of any car, including any utes that will be so important for Australia.

“That’s something they will certainly consider and we do get a voice at the table and the product feedback that we provide is taken on board.”

GWM has become a top-10 auto brand in Australia as its sales volume continues to grow on the back of strong ute and SUV demand, and it’s now seeking to flesh out its electrified product portfolio in face of the nation’s first New Vehicle Efficiency Standard from 2025.

“We’ve got a solid electrification path right now,” said Maciver.

“We’re sitting here today with six NEV models – the Ora pure EV and then five hybrid models on top of that – and you can expect to see that [number] expand quite significantly next year.”

For everything you auto know about EVs, listen to carsales' Watts Under the Bonnet: the electric car podcast

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au