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 $10 price cut, just 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 falling due to recent reductions in the prices of raw materials.
It’s the largest single contributing component in EV cost .
The Ora Standard Range is priced at $39,990 and entry-level Extended Range is $45,990.
Ora Ultra sells for $48,990 and GT for $51,990.
Standard features across the 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 GWM is offering buyers of the Extended Range, Ultra and GT a free wall-mounted GWM Charging Station valued at $1690.
Installation is not included in the offer and customers should look to arrange installation through a GWM-preferred installer or their own provider.
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 30 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 kilometre warranty, five years roadside assistance and five years capped price servicing.
GWM Ora ($39,990)
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