Rising Interest in Electrified Utes Among Australian Drivers
Australian drivers are increasingly looking for ways to cut costs on fuel, and ute owners are no exception. As a result, there is growing interest in electrified pickups, with plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) such as the BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV, and Ford Ranger Hybrid gaining significant traction. Purely electric (EV) alternatives like the KGM Musso EV and Toyota HiLux BEV also offer greater fuel savings, though they sacrifice some of the versatility of dual-fuel options.
For those in the market for a new ute, the decision can be overwhelming given the range of options available. However, several models have stood out for their performance, efficiency, and value. Let’s take a closer look at what some of the industry experts have to say about these electrified utes.
Expert Opinions on the Best Electrified Utes
Marton Pettendy, Managing Editor – Ford Ranger Hybrid
The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV was named Australia’s Best Electrified Ute in the 2026 CarExpert Choice Awards due to its exceptional value, large battery, long electric range, and comprehensive equipment list. While the BYD Shark 6 offers more power and speed, it comes at a higher price and has slightly less range. The Ford Ranger Hybrid, however, strikes a balance between affordability, performance, and practicality.
With a starting price of $59,000 drive-away, the Ranger Hybrid offers a unique combination of refinement, technology, safety features, and off-road capability. It also retains the payload capacity of a traditional workhorse and includes V2L capability, which is particularly useful for campers and tradies. Despite having the smallest battery among the three, the Ranger Hybrid still delivers strong performance and is backed by a century-old automaker with a strong dealer network.
William Stopford, News Editor – GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV
William prefers the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV for its smooth ride, plush cabin, and focus on towing and off-road capability. While it may not have the same level of luxury as the BYD Shark 6, the Cannon Alpha PHEV offers a more SUV-like driving experience and is designed with practicality in mind.
However, the model is not without its flaws. The spare tyre integration and dashboard graphics are somewhat unconventional, and the lack of “cool factor” compared to the Shark 6 may turn some buyers away. Nevertheless, the GWM is a strong contender, especially with an upcoming more affordable version of its smaller Cannon sibling on the horizon.
James Wong, Marketplace Editor – GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV
James sees electrification as a spectrum, but he believes many offerings in the ute segment are more about tokenism than real innovation. He praises the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV for combining capability with luxury and tech features, making it a compelling option for families who use their utes for camping.
While the BYD Shark 6 impresses with its EV-like performance, it lacks the variety of variants that suit different buyer needs. James is also intrigued by the Toyota HiLux BEV, which he views as a simple, no-nonsense option for most ute drivers.
Ben Zachariah, Road Test Editor – BYD Shark 6
Ben recently attended the launch of the BYD Shark 6 Performance and was impressed by its driving dynamics, economy, and build quality. While the Performance variant offers improvements, he suggests opting for the Premium model for a better balance of features and usability.
Damion Smy, Deputy News Editor – Toyota HiLux BEV
Damion believes the Toyota HiLux BEV is a strong choice due to Toyota’s reputation for quality, longevity, and resale value. He also notes that the bZ4X electric SUV is becoming a more competitive option as prices become more attractive.
Josh Nevett, Deputy Marketplace Editor – BYD Shark 6
Josh highlights the advantages of the BYD Shark 6, including its discounted purchase price, superior on-road dynamics, and upmarket interior. He also notes that the new Shark 6 Performance variant is capable of hauling 3.5 tonnes, making it a viable alternative to other models.
Max Davies, Marketplace Journalist – BYD Shark 6
Max credits BYD for being the first to introduce a PHEV ute in the market and for hitting the mark right from the start. He recommends the Premium variant for its balance of features, performance, and price.
Sean Lander, Head of Video – GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV
Sean prefers the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV for its towing capabilities, load tray, and overall comfort. While it has some issues with ADAS and infotainment, he considers it the closest thing to a true work truck among the current options.
