Thinkerbell & GWM team up to deliver world's first plug-in hybrid electric... pants?

GWM has partnered with independent agency Thinkerbell to launch what it calls the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric pants (PHEP) – wearable performance gear powered directly by a vehicle. The project was unveiled in the lead-up to GWM’s sponsorship of the 2025 City to Surf.

Australian decathlete Cedric Dubler wore the prototype pants during the event, turning Sydney’s best-known fun run into a live demonstration of the brand’s bi-directional energy capabilities.

The custom-engineered pants used GWM’s Vehicle to Load (V2L) feature, which allows appliances – and in this case apparel – to draw power from the hybrid battery system. The pants integrated electro muscle stimulation (EMS) technology, delivering bursts of targeted muscle activation when fatigue set in, mirroring how GWM’s Hi4-T hybrid drivetrain supplies extra power when needed.

Steve Maciver, GWM, said: “City to Surf gave us the perfect stage to showcase our technology in a surprising, light-hearted way. The PHEP project was a fun, creative demonstration of what our V2L feature can do, well beyond the expected.”

Thinkerbell’s chief creative, Tom Wenborn, added: “The GWM PHEP project showed how hybrid energy systems can extend beyond automotive, into performance, recovery, and personal mobility… if you don’t mind plugging your shorts into your car.”

The stunt follows on from GWM Carpool, another technology-led brand activation designed to draw attention to the innovative features in the GWM range.

Credits: Client – GWM; Agency – Thinkerbell; Production Partner – Vert

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