The continuing influx of Chinese built electric vehicles has seen the addition of the first EV from Great Wall Motors (GWM) to the previous offerings from MG and BYD. It joins the
other electrified GWM/Haval models – Jolion and H6 hybrid.
Launched here in February 2023, GWM Ora EV is a compact hatchback which, with a
recent price cut, just (by $10) sneaks under the $40,000-mark plus on-road costs.
It comes with two power options, Standard Range with a 48kWh battery offering WLTP
range of 310km, and Extended Range from a 63kWh battery providing WLTP range of
420km.
The entry-level Standard Range and Extended Range variants have been on sale since
launched and were recently joined by mid-spec Ultra and GT models, both with the 63kWh
battery.
The July 2023 update of the Ora saw prices drop slightly due to the costs of battery
technology (the largest single contributing component in EV cost) falling due to recent
reductions in the prices of raw materials.
The Ora Standard Range is priced at $39,990 RRP or driveaway of between $40,606 and
$42,927 depending upon the state or territory. The entry-level Extended Range is $45,990
RRP ($46,606-$49,641 driveaway).
Ora Ultra sells for $48,990 RRP ($49,606-$53,039 driveaway and GT for $51,990 RRP
($52,606-$56,307).
Standard features across the Ora range include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lights with
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL), 10.25-inch full colour instrument cluster, leatherette seats,
powered front seats, automatic anti-glare rear-view mirror and heated door mirrors.
There’s an excellent range of safety equipment starting with seven airbags together with
360 degree around-view camera, rear parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking
with pedestrian, cyclist and crossing detection, intelligent adaptive cruise control with
stop/start, blind spot detection, forward and rear collision warning and driver inattention
alert.
There is also lane keep assist, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert and traffic
sign recognition.
Infotainment is through a 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen with connectivity to Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto as well as wireless smartphone charging.
Ora Ultra adds additional comfort and convenience features including: electric hands-free
tailgate, panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, memory setting for driver’s seat and
side mirrors, heating, ventilation and massage functions for the front seats.
The top-spec Ora GT also comes with GT alloy wheels, powered tailgate, red brake
calipers and automatic parking.
As a launch offer with the July update GWM will offer buyers of the Extended Range, Ultra
and GT a free wall-mounted GWM Charging Station valued at $1690.
Installation of the GWM Charging Station is not included in the offer and customers should
look to arrange installation through a GWM-preferred installer or their own provider.
Installation is not included.
As a guide, the recent Wallbox that we purchased cost $500 to install.
This launch offer will be extended to customers who have already placed an order for a
GWM Ora and is available to buyers who take delivery before the September 30th cut-off
date (or while charger stocks last).
Able to be connected to single-phase power, the GWM Charging Station is configured to
connect with the new GWM Ora and all Type-2 equipped EVs.
Like all GWM products, the new GWM Ora is backed by a seven-year / unlimited km
warranty, five years roadside assistance and five years Capped Price Servicing.
We’ll be testing the GWM Ora shortly and will provide our normal review at that time.
