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BYD Shark vs GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV: ULTIMATE off-road and towing comparison review!

Mike

Member
Got it — you want a full detailed comparison review between the 2025 BYD Shark and the 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV, touching everything from off-road ability, towing, tech, safety, performance, range, pricing, and even sustainability. Here's the ultimate deep-dive:

BYD Shark vs GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV (2025)


Ultimate Off-Road & Towing Comparison Review​


🔥 Key Takeaways


  • BYD Shark: Electric-biased plug-in hybrid pickup, massive torque, rugged and high-tech.
  • GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV: Tougher, more "classic pickup" feel, heavier off-road suspension tuning, slightly more refined for towing.

Short Version:


  • BYD Shark = Best tech, better urban and eco performance, solid off-road ability.
  • GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV = Slightly better pure off-road ruggedness, towing-focused, tougher suspension.

🚙 Overview of the 2025 Models


  • BYD Shark:
    • BYD’s first global pickup.
    • PHEV platform (around 100 km EV-only range).
    • Aimed at lifestyle users + work/travel hybrids.
  • GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV:
    • Premium evolution of the popular Cannon pickup.
    • Built for towing and rough terrain first, but still PHEV.
FeatureBYD SharkGWM Cannon Alpha PHEV
DriveDual Motor 4WDDual Motor 4WD
Towing Capacity~2,500 kg~3,000 kg
Electric Range~100 km (WLTP)~85 km (WLTP)
Combined Power~430 hp (est.)~400 hp (est.)

🎨 Design Updates and Innovations


  • BYD Shark: Futuristic, Cybertruck-style straight lines, LED light bar front and rear.
  • GWM Cannon Alpha: Tougher, traditional "big chrome grille" truck look, rugged bumpers, skid plates.

⚡ Performance and Range Enhancements


  • BYD Shark:
    • Massive low-end torque from electric motors.
    • Smooth power delivery off-road.
    • Slightly better EV range (~100 km).
  • GWM Cannon Alpha:
    • More rugged suspension.
    • Higher payload and better towing numbers.
    • Electric-only range is slightly less (~85 km).

🔋 Battery Life and Charging Options


  • Both offer:
    • DC fast-charging for EV battery (~30 min to 80%).
    • Regenerative braking.
  • BYD Shark: Might offer V2L (Vehicle to Load) power for tools/camping.
byd shark vs gwm cannon lapha.jpg


🚀 Acceleration and Handling


  • BYD Shark:
    • Faster 0-100 km/h (estimated ~6.5 sec).
    • Handles more like a heavy SUV.
  • GWM Cannon Alpha:
    • Slower (~7.5 sec), tuned for off-road stability.
    • Harsher ride on-road compared to Shark.

🛡 Safety Features


Both pickups offer:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Lane Keep Assist
  • Blind Spot Monitoring
  • 360° Camera Views

🧠 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)


  • BYD Shark: Level 2.5 autonomy with Highway Assist and Smart Parking Assist.
  • GWM Cannon Alpha: Also Level 2 ADAS, but tuned for off-road modes like hill descent and trail cruise.

🧯 Crash-Test Ratings and Safety Awards


  • Pending (neither has completed full Euro NCAP or ANCAP testing yet).
  • Expected to aim for 5-Star ratings given previous BYD and GWM models.

🛋 Interior Comfort and Technology


  • BYD Shark:
    • Huge rotating touchscreen (15.6-inch).
    • Premium vegan leather seats.
    • Minimalist Tesla-style interior.
  • GWM Cannon Alpha:
    • Dual 12.3-inch screens.
    • Softer leather touchpoints.
    • More traditional luxury truck feeling.

🎶 Infotainment System Improvements


  • Both models support:
    • Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
    • OTA (Over-the-Air) updates.
    • Wireless charging pads.

📦 Space and Cargo Capacity


  • BYD Shark:
    • Slightly smaller bed.
    • More cabin space for rear passengers.
  • GWM Cannon Alpha:
    • Bigger bed.
    • Cabin still spacious but prioritizes load-out.

🌎 Sustainability and Environmental Impact


  • BYD Shark:
    • Heavily focuses on using recycled and sustainable materials.
    • EV range higher = less emissions.
  • GWM Cannon Alpha:
    • Better than ICE trucks but slightly less eco-oriented than BYD.

Eco-Friendly Materials Used


  • BYD: Recycled plastics, synthetic leathers.
  • GWM: Partial recycled content; focus on durability.

🌱 Energy Efficiency Ratings


  • BYD Shark:
    • Estimated 2.0–2.2 L/100km (with battery assist).
  • GWM Cannon Alpha:
    • Estimated 2.5–2.8 L/100km (with battery assist).

👥 Customer Reviews and Feedback (Early)

  • BYD Shark:
      • Smooth electric drive.
      • Futuristic styling.
      • Slightly less rugged towing performance.
  • GWM Cannon Alpha:
      • Superb towing and rugged off-road handling.
      • Rougher ride in city conditions.

FeatureBYD SharkGWM Cannon Alpha
LikesTech, quiet drive, EV rangeRuggedness, towing, payload
DislikesLower payloadRough city ride, heavier

💵 Availability and Pricing


  • BYD Shark:
    • Expected Global Launch: Late 2024 / Early 2025.
    • Starting Price: ~$45,000 USD (depending on market).
  • GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV:
    • Global Launch: Early/Mid 2025.
    • Starting Price: ~$50,000 USD (higher trims reach $60k+).

📋 How to Reserve


  • BYD: Pre-orders will open via regional distributors and online portals in late 2024.
  • GWM: Will start reservations via dealerships and official website mid-2024.

🏁 Conclusion


If you prioritize:

  • Urban driving + off-road lifestyleBYD Shark is better (quieter, smarter, greener).
  • Towing, hardcore off-roadingGWM Cannon Alpha PHEV wins (more rugged and old-school tough).

Both are game-changing hybrids in a world where diesel pickups once dominated. 🚛🔋
 
Great breakdown! From an EV charging infrastructure perspective, both the 2025 BYD Shark and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV are moving the needle forward for electrified pickups.


The BYD Shark’s likely inclusion of Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) is especially exciting — perfect for tradies or adventurers who want to power tools, appliances, or even charge e-bikes straight from the truck. For home or depot charging, its 100km electric range means it’ll benefit most from Level 2 chargers (7–11kW), installed either at home or job sites.


The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV, while not quite as range-focused, is still compatible with standard Type 2 and DC fast charging setups. Given its towing strength, I'd recommend customers install chargers that support load balancing, especially if they’re using other high-draw devices in garages or workshops.


If you’re buying either truck, feel free to reach out — I’m happy to help spec out the best charger setup for your needs.
 
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