GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV: Two Days of Real-World Testing – A 4WD Trainer’s Verdict

Stefan Alloffroad – 57-year-old German-Australian 4WD expert, trainer, and remote touring veteran.

Introduction: First Impressions from the Driver’s Seat

When GWM offered me their Cannon Alpha PHEV for a two-day test, I approached it with the same skepticism I apply to any new 4WD. I’m not a car journalist – I’m a bloke who spends weeks in the desert, trains drivers for remote touring, and expects gear to perform when the going gets tough.

The deal was simple: two days, no hand-holding, and I’d report exactly what I experienced. No marketing spin, just real-world feedback.

Technical Overview: What’s Under the Hood?

Let’s cut through the specs:

Powertrain & 4WD System

• 2.0L turbo petrol + 120kW electric motor = 300kW combined / 750Nm torque.
• 37.1kWh battery (larger than most PHEVs).
• Borg Warner transfer case with proper low-range (2.64:1) and mechanical lockers (front, rear, center).
• Towing capacity: 3,500kg (braked), but payload drops to ~300kg when towing due to ball weight.
• Wading depth: 800mm / Ground clearance: 224mm.

Key Observations

• Not a “soft” hybrid – This is a conventional 4WD with electric assistance, not an economy-focused hybrid.
• Traction control works alongside lockers – A plus for stability, but I’d still disable it for sand.
• No terrain modes – Just 4H/4L, Eco, Normal, Sport. Basic compared to rivals.

Undercarriage & Modifications: Can It Handle a Tour?

I met Nick Finch from Solve Off-Road to inspect the undercarriage. Here’s the verdict:

Strengths

• Solid rear axle – Always a win for off-road durability.
• Conventional layout – Strut front, solid rear – similar to Toyota’s Hilux/Prado. Easy to modify.
• Transfer case placement – High and protected. No dangling components.

Weaknesses

• Plastic sump guard – Needs aftermarket protection for serious off-roading.
• Low-hanging tow bar – Looks like an afterthought. A rear bar with integrated recovery points would fix the departure angle (23°).
• Spare tire location – Mounted on the tub side (battery occupies the usual under-chassis spot). A swing-away carrier would help.

Verdict: A two-inch lift, bigger tires, and underbody protection would turn this into a capable tourer. The platform is solid – think Toyota DNA with hybrid muscle.

On-Road Performance: Better Than a Hilux?

For a 2.8-tonne 4WD, the Alpha surprised me on sealed roads:

• Handling: Minimal body roll, responsive steering. Feels connected – better than a recent Hilux Rogue I tested.
• Comfort: Air-con seats, heated wheel, massage function (actually useful). Cabin stays quiet at 60dB at 80km/h.
• Tech: 360° cameras, transparent chassis view, and parking sensors – handy for tight spots.

Downsides:

• Throttle lag – The electric torque keeps accelerating after you lift off. Takes getting used to.
• Pedal shifter – Confusing in technical terrain (forward/reverse pedals swap sides when turning). Not ideal for sand driving.

Off-Road Performance: Stuck in Sand – Blame the Car

I tested the Alpha at Stockton Beach (road tires, 19psi). Here’s the raw truth:

The Good

• Stock capability: Handled easy dunes and rocky steps without lockers. Impressive for a stocker.
• Traction control – Didn’t hinder progress, but I’d still disable it for sand.
• 360° cameras – Saved my butt in tight turns.

The Bad

• Reverse power cutout – When slightly stuck in sand, reversing would cut power. I got properly bogged once (first recovery ever in sand – thanks, GWM).
• No “Camping Mode” – Can’t access 240V power with the vehicle locked. The V2L system only works with ignition on.

Why It Happened:
The programming limits rear wheel drive in reverse when wheels spin. GWM says it’s a safety feature, but it’s a pain in sand. A software update could fix this.

Practical Considerations: Fuel, Servicing, and Real-World Use

• Fuel economy: Claimed 1.7L/100km (lab test). My real-world sand driving used ~17L/100km. Not bad for a hybrid.
• Dealership network: 107 dealers in Australia – all in cities. No support in Alice Springs or remote areas.
• Battery warranty: 8 years/unlimited km. Good, but long-term reliability is untested.

Conclusion: A Solid Tourer with Caveats

After two days, the Cannon Alpha PHEV impressed me more than I expected. It’s a capable 4WD with:

• On-road comfort that rivals premium wagons.
• Off-road potential (with mods).
• Hybrid efficiency that works better than I thought.

But:

• Fix the reverse power issue.
• Add a proper rear bar and protection.
• Expand dealership support for remote areas.

Final Verdict: If you’re a weekend tourer or city-based adventurer, the Alpha is a compelling option. For remote work? Wait for long-term reliability data.

Stefan’s Rating: 7.5/10 – Promising, but needs refinement.

Got questions? Drop them below. If you found this useful, a like/share helps the channel. Support via Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee keeps the content independent.

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Stephan Fischer
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/alloffroadau
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/5616f8a7
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/alloffroad

[Sydney 25th June 2024] — Stephan Fischer, a retired content creator known for his detailed 4WD travel and product testing videos on YouTube, today announced that he is facing a defamation lawsuit from Deep Cycle Systems Pty Ltd (DCS). The lawsuit, which involves potential legal costs exceeding $200,000, marks a significant moment for content creators and viewers who depend on unbiased product reviews.

Background Information:
Stephan Fischer has been a staple in the YouTube community for over a decade, sharing his passion for 4WD adventures, teaching and product testing. Despite the modest income from his channel, which has never covered the operational expenses or contributed to his living expenses, Fischer has maintained a commitment to unbiased, honest feedback based on factual information. He believes his reviews have consistently included disclosures whenever products are provided for free, striving for transparency and integrity.

Legal Challenge Details:
The current legal challenge stems from Fischer’s reviews of several sets of LiFePo4 under-bonnet batteries provided by DCS. After extensive testing over three years, Fischer raised concerns about the batteries’ performance and suitability for off-road and camping use in videos posted in 2023. These reviews have now led to a lawsuit filed by DCS in the District Court of Queensland, Proceeding Number 1169 of 24. DCS alleges that Fischer’s reviews were defamatory, made maliciously, and resulted in significant financial losses.

Fischer’s Defense and Appeal for Support:
Fischer stands by the accuracy of his reviews and intends to defend his rights to honest opinion and publication in the public interest. Facing substantial legal costs, Fischer is reaching out to the community for support. He is initiating a crowdfunding campaign to help cover some of the expenses of retaining solicitors and a barrister.

How to Support:
Supporters who value honest, detailed testing and want to see this continue can contribute to Fischer’s legal fund through GoFundMe. Fischer encourages not only individual donations but also support from companies that appreciate the importance of unbiased reviews. Sharing this message within the content creation community is also urged, as today’s challenge for one creator could be a challenge for any tomorrow.

Final Plea:
“If you can, I would greatly appreciate it if you donate to my GoFundMe campaign or Join me on Patreon” says Fischer. “Your support and sharing this message could make all the difference in not only my case but in defending the principle of honest journalism across digital platforms.”

About Stephan Fischer:
Stephan Fischer is a retired entrepreneur and passionate content creator, dedicated to sharing his adventures and honest product reviews on YouTube. His channel, ALLOFFROAD, www.youtube.com/alloffroadau focuses on 4WD travels and gear testing, aimed at providing value and genuine insights to his viewers.

For more information, to arrange an interview, or to offer support, please contact Stephan Fischer directly at [alloffroadau@gmail.com].

Welcome to Part 3 of our awe-inspiring Simpson Desert journey! This episode is packed with unique experiences, close encounters, and practical insights as we continue to traverse this stunning landscape.

 Welcome to Part 3 of our awe-inspiring Simpson Desert journey! This episode is packed with unique experiences, close encounters, and practical insights as we continue to traverse this stunning landscape.

I hope you're all doing well. Today, I've got some tough news to share about a product I've been testing for quite some time now. This one really stings because it's a product I had high hopes for, and I'm genuinely disappointed to say goodbye to my dual 100 amp hour DCS lithium batteries under the bonnet of my rig.

I have to admit, there were several aspects of these lithium batteries that I absolutely loved. First off, the super-fast charging and the high charge and discharge current were a game-changer for me. Not to mention the weight and space savings I enjoyed with these batteries under the bonnet. It allowed me to make the most out of the limited space in the back of my cruiser.

I also managed to prove some skeptics wrong when it came to starting off a lithium battery and even winching off it. However, there was always one looming question mark, and that was the longevity of these batteries. You see, lithium batteries, especially LiFePO4, aren't particularly well-suited for high-heat applications, and that's a concern in the harsh Australian outback.

Before I dive into the nitty-gritty details, I'd like to ask you for a favor. It's important to me that this update reaches as many fellow travelers as possible, so please help me out by sharing, liking, subscribing, and leaving a comment below. Your engagement will boost this video's visibility, allowing more people to learn from my experience.

Alright, let's get back to the batteries. A capacity test was long overdue, and I teamed up with Joe from JS Autoelectrics to get it done. To be honest, the results were nothing short of shocking. One of the batteries suffered a whopping 30% capacity loss, while the other wasn't far behind with a 22% reduction. These figures far exceeded the promised annual loss of just 5%, as claimed by DCS.

To give you a bit of background, Joe installed the initial set of DCS 100Ah marine batteries back in November 2019. They performed well initially, but their Bluetooth functionality had consistent bugs that went unresolved. After about a year, that initial capacity test revealed significant issues, and that's when we discovered the outdated passive balance technology was the culprit.

DCS assured me that their new active balance batteries would solve these problems, but installing the dual 130Ah battery system proved impractical due to size constraints. Eventually, in February 2021, Joe installed the latest version of the 100Ah marine batteries, but a BMS firmware recall marred their performance. DCS sent replacements with updated firmware in November 2021.

Fast forward to the present, and after a few trips, I noticed a drop in battery capacity. Joe conducted a capacity test, and the results left us shocked. One battery was at a mere 50% capacity, and the other was less than 80%. Considering my remote touring habits, a battery failure in the middle of nowhere is far from ideal.

To make matters worse, Joe's experience with a 75 amp hour DCS marine battery in his Prado was similarly disappointing, with a 30% capacity loss in less than two years, even though it had low current draw and wasn't charged by the alternator.

I must mention that JS Autoelectrics has completely stopped using DCS batteries in their installations, but that's another story. Back to my situation, I reached out to DCS with my findings, and the response was far from satisfactory. They suggested moisture ingress as the cause, but we found no evidence of that when we opened the battery with 50% capacity loss.

Then, DCS surprised me by saying that my 30,000 kilometers of driving over 16 months had subjected the batteries to six times the expected punishment. Apparently, DCS measures battery lifespan in kilometers, which doesn't bode well for those of us who drive and tour extensively.

Both batteries were sent back to DCS, and I'm yet to hear from them. This left me in a bit of a bind because I have a big trip coming up in just four weeks, and I suddenly find myself without any batteries. DCS didn't have any replacement batteries to offer, which left me scrambling. Thanks to Joe's help, I'm now switching back to lead-acid under the bonnet and adding a different lithium battery in the rear of the Land Cruiser.

I'll be documenting this new setup in an upcoming video, so stay tuned for that. Overall, I'm not thrilled with how DCS handled this situation, but sometimes, it is what it is. I don't have any issues continuing to use my 150 amp hour DCS battery in the camper trailer. I'll probably run a capacity test on that too at some point. The two 130 amp hour batteries in the back of my Hilux will continue to serve, but they won't be subjected to the engine heat, which might make a difference.

In conclusion, my three-year experiment with lithium under the bonnet has shown that it can work for certain applications, but the high cost in terms of diminished capacity isn't worth it for me. If you're willing to replace your batteries every three years and have the budget for it, then go for it. However, based on my experience and Joe's, it's not a worthwhile investment for the long haul.

It's disappointing because I loved so much about lithium under the bonnet, but you never know until you try. As always, I report back to you honestly, and at this stage, lithium doesn't seem suited for high-heat under bonnet applications.

If you're currently using DCS batteries under the bonnet, I strongly urge you to conduct a proper capacity test. Don't rely solely on the state of charge displayed on the app; that won't give you the full picture. Get those batteries tested by a professional or consider purchasing capacity tests from reliable sources like eBay.

Keep in mind that this is my experience and Joe's, so if you've had different results, please share them in the comments. However, I can't stress enough the importance of conducting a proper capacity test because simply saying the batteries are working fine won't cut it.

In the end, I'm going back to lead-acid under the bonnet and a reliable lithium battery in the rear of the cruiser. It's a setup I trust and should last me for a long time. But remember, this is just my personal opinion. I'd love to hear what you think in the comments below.

If you found this video helpful or it saved you from making a costly mistake, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could share, like, and subscribe. This channel is entirely self-funded, and I don't do paid reviews. So, if you'd like to support me in creating honest and unbiased content, consider heading over to Patreon or buying me a coffee. A small contribution can go a long way in helping me stay independent and continue producing content for you.

Thanks a bunch, and I hope to see you out on the tracks soon!

https://youtu.be/vRcSPuBob-I?si=irc8dRcG1p5eravZ

Hey, adventure seekers! Stefan Fischer here, bringing you into the thrilling world of sand driving. With 14 years of navigating deserts and beaches, from the vast Australian outback to the picturesque shores of Tasmania, I've collected a wealth of knowledge that I'm itching to share with you. Whether you're eyeing Fraser Island for your next getaway or planning to tackle the daunting Australian deserts, this guide will arm you with everything you need to know.

Vehicle Preparation: Your Sand-Ready Steed
First things first, let's talk about your ride. You might wonder, "Do I need a monster truck?" Nope, not at all. But a few tweaks can make a massive difference. A suspension setup tailored to your load, plus at least a two-inch lift, can give your vehicle the edge, improving approach, ramp-over, and departure angles significantly. And let's not forget about tyres. The right pressure and size are crucial for that elongated footprint we're after, offering better traction and a smoother ride over soft sand.

Essential Recovery Gear: Be Prepared
Even the most seasoned drivers can find themselves in a pickle. That's where your recovery kit comes into play. While I've rarely had to use mine, thanks to careful driving and preparation, it's peace of mind to have it onboard. Essentials include traction boards (like MaxTrax or ARB Tred Pro), a sturdy shovel, soft shackles (remember, no sharp edges!), and a reliable air compressor for tyre adjustments. And, although not everyone's cup of tea, a winch offers unparalleled control and safety in sticky situations.

Mastering the Sands: Driving Techniques
The real secret sauce to sand driving? It's all in the tyre pressure. Lowering it increases your tyre's footprint, giving you more traction without the need for a heavy foot on the accelerator. Speaking of which, throttle control is your best mate in the sands. It's about finding that sweet spot where you maintain momentum without digging yourself into a hole. And yes, automatic transmissions can be a blessing here, offering smooth transitions without sacrificing engine braking or control.

Choosing the Right Tyres: A Balancing Act
In the quest for the perfect sand tyre, I lean towards mud terrain tyres. They're the Swiss Army knife of tyres, offering solid performance across various terrains, from sand to mud and everything in between. Their robust construction means fewer punctures and more confidence in remote areas. And when it comes to tyre sizes, bigger often means better. Larger tyres not only improve clearance but also allow for lower pressures, enhancing your vehicle's ability to float over sand rather than plough through it.

Final Thoughts: Sand Driving Mastery
After 14 years of sand adventures, I've learned that success boils down to preparation, the right equipment, and technique. Remember, every trip is a chance to learn and improve. So, don your explorer's hat, prepare your vehicle, and embrace the sands. Adventure awaits!

And there you have it, folks—your comprehensive guide to mastering sand driving, courtesy of 14 years on and off the beaten track. If you've found this guide helpful, why not share it with your fellow adventurers? Together, we can tackle any terrain!