GWM - on April 25, 2026 the automaker unveiled the Tank 300 PHEV Flex in Brazil, introducing what it calls the world’s first plug-in hybrid capable of running ethanol, gasoline or any mixture of the two; the 2027 model is on sale now from R$ 342,000 and could reshape electrification strategies in ethanol-driven markets.
- In short: Tank 300 PHEV Flex packs a 37.1 kWh battery, 394 cv combined output and ethanol compatibility — a first for plug-in hybrids.
Understand the technical leap and what it means
The Tank 300 PHEV Flex pairs a 2.0 turbo combustion engine running on the Miller cycle with an electric motor integrated into a 9-speed automatic, delivering a combined 394 cv and 76.5 kgfm of torque and 0–100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. Charging accepts up to 50 kW DC (30–80% in about 24 minutes) and 6.6 kW on AC, while the 37.1 kWh battery yields up to 74 km in the Inmetro standard and 106 km WLTP.
This ethanol-capable PHEV arrives in a country where ethanol is a core transport fuel — Brazil is among the world’s largest consumers of bioethanol — and could alter total-cost-of-ownership calculations for buyers who already rely on flex-fuel infrastructure. For background on biofuel role in transport, see IEA transport biofuel data.
"The system delivers 394 cv of combined power and 76,5 kgfm of torque, allowing the utility to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6,8 seconds."
Context and real-world impact
Beyond the powertrain, the Tank 300 retains its Hi4-T body-on-frame architecture with 4×4 and low-range transfer case, electronic locks front/center/rear and nine driving modes — preserving genuine off-road capability including water fording to 700 mm.
Fuel consumption in hybrid mode is stated at 18.3 km/l city and 18.8 km/l highway on gasoline, and 13.1 km/l city and 14.1 km/l highway on ethanol. Development involved Bosch do Brasil and GWM’s national operation with support from the Chinese headquarters, including calibration to detect ethanol blend and manage energy strategies.
What do you think? Will an ethanol-capable PHEV change your next vehicle choice? For more details, check out our specialized section.