Ora Good Cat set to be Australia's cheapest EV when it launches in April
The GWM Ora lowers the entry price for EVs in Australia. Images: GWM Motors Australia
Starting from $43,990 + on-road costs
45.4 kWh + 59 kWh (usable) battery sizes
Up to 420km (260mi) range, 80kW DC charging
126kW/250Nm front-mounted single motor
Great Wall Motors has opened the order books for the GWM Ora (nee Ora Good Cat) in Australia, and customers will be able to pounce (sorry!) on this little feline from April. Set to become Australia’s cheapest electric vehicle, the Ora should provide an excellent package for those looking for a sub-$50k that isn’t an SUV.
The Ora’s before on-road pricing pits it against MG’s ZS EV Excite, also priced from $43,990, and it’s significantly below the Fiat 500e’s expected $52,000 price when it lands in Australia later in the year. Another small EV, the Mini Cooper Electric, is priced at $55,650. The extended-range model Ora is available for $47,990.
What features do you get with the GWM Ora?
The size, performance, and specification of the GWM Ora should best all the abovementioned vehicles. This is one well-equipped little EV. LED headlights and tail lights, keyless entry, a surround-view camera, phone mirroring, a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and dual 10.25-inch displays.
A GT trim - available in the extended range model for $53,990 before on-roads - adds a sports bodykit, 18” alloy wheels, red brake calipers, a power tailgate, a panoramic sunroof, heated windscreen, power and memory driver’s seat, and automatic parking.
The Ora was penned by ex-Porsche designer Emmanuel Derta.
What about the battery range and charging speed of the GWM Ora?
The base model GWM Ora offers a 48kWh (gross) battery pack, with 310km WLTP range. While pretty decent for the price, drivers who intend to travel long distances frequently would be advised to pick the extended range model, which GWM claims 420km of range from its 63kWh battery.
The Ora fast charges at 64kW, filling the battery from 10-80% state of charge in around 45 minutes for both models. Type 2 AC home charging is available at up to 11kW, if your home is equipped with 3-phase power.
The GWM Ora’s design - cute or not?
I like it - though proportionally a little odd, it’s certainly memorable, with cute characteristics like those adorable headlights, and its pert rear with the wrap-around light graphics. The front arches are almost Porsche like - GWM enlisted former Porsche designer Emmanuel Derta to pen the ORA. It won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but in this price bracket, there’s the MG ZS EV if conventional design is your thing.
The GWM Colour Range.
What else should you know about the GWM Ora in Australia?
Five colours are available, with all but white costing $595 extra:
Hamilton White (Included)
Sun Black
Glacier Blue
Mars Red
Aurora Green
The Ora currently holds a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, with a 92% safety rating for adult occupancy, and an 83% safety rating for child occupancy. 5-year capped-price servicing is included in Australia, though we’re not sure what the price is yet. There’s a 7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty; 8 years for the battery. Roadside assistance is included for 5 years too.
Expressions of interest are open via GWM’s website.