GWM is persisting with an calculator relegated to history here but still used in Australia. It has yet to explain why.

RELEASE of efficiency data for an impending plug-in hybrid from China’s GWM might stand to be treated as suspect by Kiwi consumers.

The make has yet to explain why it has persisted in using the NEDC scale for determining fuel efficiency and electric pure range for the Tank 300 Hi-4T, when knowing that this scale is considered inaccurate and was fully consigned to history for new cars here at end of 2025.

NZ has wholly gone to a more accurate global measurement, WLTP (for Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Testing Procedure), and actually did so in 2018, mandating this transition from December 2021.

It at that time introduced a period of ongoing tolerance for NEDC in order to give brands a chance to fully adapt. That ended two months ago.

Shorthand for New European Driving Cycle, NEDC is nonetheless still accepted in Australia, where GWM has a regional office that delivers information to GWM New Zealand, based in Auckland.

When asked in November of 2024 why it was unable to provision WLTP data, given almost all other makes have transitioned, GWM Australia resolved to do better.

Yet, today’s release of data for the Tank 300 PHEV ignores WLTP. As did a media share issued at start of last month in respect to the Tank 500.

The EECA website says WLTP replaced NEDC and similar testing standards “… widely considered to be out of date and inconsistent with real-life driving.”

It continues “WLTP testing better reflects actual driving conditions to allow consumers to directly compare the emissions and energy consumption of different vehicle makes and models.”

EECA also accepts that while WLTP provides more realistic data, it also does not necessarily represent the actual emissions and energy economy an individual driver will achieve.

“Actual fuel economy may vary due many factors including individual driving styles, traffic and weather conditions, vehicle loading, vehicle maintenance and tyre pressures.”

GWM today cited an NEDC economy of 1.9 litre per 100 kilometres and said the 37.11 kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery will deliver 115km of electric-only driving range. The combined hybrid range is quoted at 955 kilometres.

NEDC figures have proven to consistently been found to be more optimistic than WLTP calibrations.

Using 50kW DC fast charging, the Tank 300 PHEV is claimed to replenish its battery from 30 to 80 percent in 24 minutes, and will also offer 6kW vehicle-to-load capability to power external accessories like power tools and small appliances, when camping or off-road.

The Tank 300 PHEV uses the Chinese manufacturer's Hi4-T off-road hybrid system, also used in the Cannon Alpha PHEV ute, which brings the benefits of a mechanical four-wheel drive, low-range transfer case, and front and rear locking differentials.

It will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol plug-in hybrid that delivers 300kW and 750Nm combined, paired with a nine-speed automatic.

The interior features 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, anine-speaker sound system, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Due in showrooms in April, the model is priced at $63,990 plus on roads for the entry-level Lux grade and $5000 more in Ultra specification. Metallic paint is a $595 cost.