Summary
- Great Wall ORA is the cheapest electric car in Australia, priced at AU$36,000
- The ORA is part of a line of "Cats" marketed in China, with different versions available
- An owner in Western Australia organized a successful ORA meetup with positive feedback
- The Western Australia branch of the Australian Electric Vehicles Association has 260 members and is active in the community
- Great Wall Motor also imports other brands like Haval, Tank, and Great Wall, offering PHEVs and HEVs
Article
The Great Wall ORA, also known as the ORA Cat in China, is an affordable electric car that has gained popularity in Australia. Priced at AU$36,000 or less, it competes with other similarly priced electric models in the market. The ORA Cat is part of a lineup of “Cats” marketed by Great Wall in China, with different versions available in different markets. The retro aesthetic of the ORA Cat has been well-received, and global sales are approaching several hundred thousand units. The car is made in China and Thailand, with Australian models most likely coming from the latter market.
In Western Australia, the ORA Cat has gathered a following, with owners coming together for meetups to share knowledge and experiences with the quirky electric vehicle. One owner, Ant Day, organized a meetup in Perth where a variety of ORA Cat models were represented. The vehicles were praised for their smooth ride and good range, although some owners mentioned minor issues with features like Android Auto and CarPlay connectivity. Despite these hiccups, the ORA Cat has become a popular choice among EV enthusiasts in Perth.
Ant Day, who is the chair of the Western Australia branch of the Australian Electric Vehicles Association, has a collection of four electric vehicles at home, including the GWM ORA Cat. The WA branch of AEVA is highly active in the community, providing advice and support for all types of electric transport. Great Wall Motors also imports other brands like Haval and Tank, offering a range of PHEVs and HEVs in addition to the ORA Cat. The ORA brand stands for “open, reliable, and alternative,” with the Cat series named based on a famous quote by Deng Xiaoping.
The affordability and value of the ORA Cat in the Australian market have been highlighted by enthusiasts like Gary Thomas Storm, who consider it a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly electric vehicle. With more features and a lower service cost compared to competitors, the ORA Cat has become a popular option for those looking to make the switch to electric driving. Meetups and gatherings of ORA Cat owners have showcased the growing community of EV enthusiasts in Australia, with a shared passion for sustainable transportation and innovative technology.
Overall, the ORA Cat has carved out a niche for itself in the Australian electric vehicle market, offering an affordable and reliable option for environmentally conscious consumers. With its retro aesthetic and range of features, the ORA Cat has proven to be a popular choice among electric vehicle enthusiasts in Western Australia. As the EV market continues to grow, models like the ORA Cat are playing a key role in accelerating the cleantech revolution and reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
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