China’s Great Wall Motors (GWM) has announced that it will be introducing the Ora electric car to the South African market. Despite being the cheapest electric vehicle (EV) available in the country, it is still relatively expensive. GWM made the announcement over the weekend and revealed that it would be showcasing two of its recently launched brands, Ora and Tank, at the upcoming Nampo Harvest Day exhibition in Bothaville, Free State. The Ora Funky Cat, which will be sold under the name GWM Ora in South Africa, will debut as the country’s most affordable new EV. Depending on the trim level chosen by the buyer, prices for the GWM Ora will range from R716 900 to R915 900.
The Ora’s competitive pricing makes it the most affordable electric vehicle in South Africa
The Ora electric car will be displayed alongside Haval’s Jolion hybrid EV and a limited edition of the P-Series bakkie at the upcoming Nampo Harvest Day exhibition. With its competitive pricing, the Ora has become the most affordable electric vehicle in South Africa, beating out the previous title holder, the Mini Hatch Cooper SE, which had a starting price of R742 142. Interestingly, in Australia, the Ora is priced at A$47 891 (including taxes), equivalent to around R609 635 at current exchange rates. This makes it R107 535 cheaper than its price in South Africa. The large difference in pricing can be attributed to the high import duties imposed on EV imports into South Africa.
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These duties are hindering the country’s transition to greener cars and have been met with increasing criticism from industry leaders calling for the government to address the issue more urgently.
Features
The GWM Ora electric car has a modern, practical, visually appealing design. It’s exterior features a dynamic front grille, LED headlights, and a streamlined body that enhances aerodynamics and reduces wind resistance. The car is available in a variety of colours, including orange, blue, and green.
The interior of the Ora is relatively spacious and features an advanced infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and a multifunctional steering wheel. The car is powered by an electric motor that produces an impressive 126KW and 250Nm of torque. It has a top speed of 160km/h and can accelerate from 0-100km/h in eight seconds. The Ora’s battery pack provides a range of up to 420km on a single charge, making it one of the more efficient EVs available on the market.
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The GWM Ora electric car is equipped with sensors and cameras that provide a 360-degree view of the vehicle. It also has an advanced driver assistance system that includes features such as lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The car’s infotainment system features a large touchscreen display, voice recognition, and smartphone integration. Additionally, the Ora has a remote-control system allowing drivers to monitor and control their vehicles using smartphones.