GWM CANNON ALPHA PHEV CHINESE UTE: FULL UNDERBODY DEEP-DIVE

EV Channels Review

John Cadogan conducts a thorough underbody inspection of the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV, focusing on construction quality and component integration rather than traditional off-road tests. He finds the chassis, welding, and cable routing to be of high quality with no 'dodgy' red flags, praising the precision and efficiency of the manufacturing. The battery's rearward placement is noted as a potential vulnerability to rear impacts, though mitigated by a robust crossmember and a significant distance from the cabin in case of thermal runaway. Cadogan highlights the extensive thermal management plumbing and the complexity of the PHEV system, cautioning potential owners about modifications due to the high-voltage components. He commends the coil-sprung rear suspension for on-road handling but emphasizes the reliance on diff locks for articulation. A significant positive is the inclusion of rear disc brakes, a feature he notes is surprisingly absent on many competitor utes, deeming it a major advantage over established brands.