GWM Australia has released footage of its Cannon Alpha plug-in hybrid ute completing a challenging off-road climb at Beer O’Clock Hill, a steep and heavily rutted track located at The Springs 4×4 Adventure Park in southern Queensland. The video comes weeks after a failed attempt by a BYD Shark 6 resulted in significant vehicle damage and sparked discussion around the off-road capabilities of emerging electrified dual-cab utes.
The Cannon Alpha PHEV’s successful ascent marks what GWM claims is the first time a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle has reached the top of the 100-metre slope. While not directly referencing BYD, the timing and context of the footage have been interpreted by some as a response to the earlier incident involving the Shark 6, a competing Chinese-made PHEV ute.
Beer O’Clock Hill, approximately two hours southwest of Brisbane, has developed a reputation among off-road enthusiasts for its severe incline—reportedly as steep as 50 degrees—and deeply eroded surface. The climb is considered a real-world test of both vehicle traction and chassis durability.
In early May, Chris Baker—operator of the All Terrain Action website—attempted the climb in his newly acquired BYD Shark 6. The vehicle sustained structural damage during the effort, including a bent chassis, and could only be driven in electric mode following the incident. Baker, who documented the attempt online, later received community support through a GoFundMe campaign, which had raised $1,045 at the time of reporting.
There has been no suggestion that the damage was due to a fault in the vehicle’s design or construction. However, the incident has prompted questions about how newer PHEV utes handle extreme off-road conditions compared with traditional diesel models.
In contrast, GWM’s Cannon Alpha PHEV completed the same course—reportedly after recent rainfall had worsened the terrain—without visible damage. The vehicle was equipped with Mickey Thompson all-terrain tyres, which are not standard fitment but are commonly used for recreational off-roading. According to GWM, the rest of the vehicle remained in factory specification.
Lucas Bree, owner of The Springs 4×4 Adventure Park, described the climb as one that has caused “hundreds of thousands of dollars” in cumulative vehicle damage over the years.
“It’s shut down some of the most heavily modified rigs I’ve seen,” Bree said. “So watching showroom-spec GWM vehicles, including a plug-in hybrid, make it to the top has completely changed my view of the brand.”
Alongside the Cannon Alpha PHEV, GWM also released footage of the Cannon XSR and the Tank 300 SUV navigating the hill. Both were fitted with Cooper all-terrain tyres and appeared to handle the ascent without issue.
The Ford Ranger PHEV, another high-profile hybrid ute expected to arrive in Australian showrooms in the coming weeks, has not yet publicly attempted the Beer O’Clock Hill climb. The segment is likely to attract increasing scrutiny as buyers weigh the off-road readiness of electrified drivetrains against conventional options in real-world settings.
