Utes have always done a roaring trade in Australia, and diesel power has long dominated. But the segment is changing quickly, and in recent years hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and electric (EV) options have arrived to give ute buyers more ways to cut fuel use.
Electrified utes continue to be vastly outnumbered by traditional combustion-powered models, but the field is more competitive than it was a year ago. Even so, the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV has again come out on top, taking Best Electrified Ute in the 2026 CarExpert Choice Awards.
It’s the second consecutive year the Cannon Alpha PHEV has won the award, this time beating the KGM Musso EV for the top honour. It also beat the BYD Shark 6, which gained a more affordable cab/chassis variant and a more capable 2.0-litre Performance flagship shortly after our voting was conducted for 2026.
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Introduced to Australia in 2025, the Cannon Alpha PHEV sits alongside diesel versions of GWM’s flagship ute range. The Lux PHEV is currently priced at $57,490 drive-away, while the Ultra PHEV is listed at $64,490 drive-away.
The PHEV combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 37.1kWh battery pack, for total system outputs of 300kW and 750Nm.
That gives it a long claimed 115km of pure-electric driving range on the NEDC cycle, plus combined fuel consumption of just 1.7L/100km.
But the Cannon Alpha PHEV’s appeal isn’t limited to its efficiency numbers. It retains a 3500kg braked towing capacity, true 4×4 capability with low-range gearing, and serious off-road hardware including locking differentials.
The Cannon Alpha PHEV also boasts a plush, SUV-like ride and a plush, SUV-like cabin, with the flagship Ultra PHEV adding luxury items such as Nappa leather-accented trim and heated, ventilated and massaging front seats – features that are virtually unheard of in Australia’s ute market.
The result is a ute that can cover much of the daily commute on electricity, while still offering the towing, touring and off-road ability many Australian buyers expect from a dual-cab.
While the electrified ute field has grown, the Cannon Alpha PHEV continues to stand out for its mix of value, range and hardware.
“The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV combines the capability demanded by traditional ute buyers with the sort of luxuries and tech that the Shark offers, along with about 100km of real-world zero-emissions range. If your ute is also your family camping chariot, it shapes as a very compelling option,” said marketplace editor James Wong.
“I have pointed a number of people to buy a Cannon Alpha over anything else,” said our head of video, Sean Lander.
“It delivers capable towing, a decent load tray, better fuel economy than the Shark, and a real driveline with mechanical differentials rather than simulated, plus the ability for the petrol engine to drive the wheels at any speed.
“It’s really comfortable, very spacious and looks pretty tough. All things you want in your pickup.
“From the options currently on the table, and for the price, the Cannon Alpha PHEV would be the one for me.”
To see all the CarExpert Choice winners, click here.