Foton's plug-in hybrid ute nears Australian launch

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 04:01 · Archive

Chinese vehicle maker Foton appears set to launch a plug-in hybrid version of its Tunland dual-cab ute in Australia.

A plug-in hybrid version of the Foton Tunland dual-cab ute appears to be nearing an Australian launch, with Australian Design Rule (ADR) certification documents appearing online. The documents list the model as the Tunland P4 PHEV, though Foton Australia has not yet officially confirmed the vehicle for the local market. A Foton Australia spokesperson told CarExpert: 'We're very much interested in expanding the Foton product portfolio, so stay tuned for now.'

The Tunland V9 PHEV, revealed overseas in September, uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with two electric motors and a four-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission, supported by a 32.85kWh battery. Total system outputs are 350kW of power and 800Nm of torque. Foton claims an electric range of 87km on the WLTP cycle and a combined range of up to 1000km, with the battery capable of a 30–80 per cent charge in 30 minutes on DC power at 32kW.

The vehicle matches rivals including the BYD Shark 6 Performance, Ford Ranger Hybrid and GWM Cannon models with a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, ground clearance of 250mm and a maximum wading depth of 800mm. If launched, the Foton would join a growing segment that includes the Shark 6, Ranger Hybrid and Cannon Alpha PHEV from 2025, followed by the GWM Cannon PHEV and JAC Hunter PHEV this year, with the Chery Stockman arriving early in 2027.

How it is being reported

• BYD Shark 6 getting another rival as new cut-price PHEV ute firms for AustraliaThe plug-in hybrid version of Chinese brand Foton's very American-looking dual-cab ute is firming for an Australian launch.Perth Now · 13 Nov, 03:34
• BYD Shark 6 getting another rival as new cut-price PHEV ute firms for AustraliaThe plug-in hybrid version of Chinese brand Foton's very American-looking dual-cab ute is firming for an Australian launch.The West Australian · 13 Nov, 03:34

In this story: Foton · BYD · Ford · GWM · JAC · Chery · Australia

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