Thai-built GWM Ora debuts with bigger battery, longer range

The factory in Thailand that once produced the Holden Colorado and Trailblazer is now building GWM’s Ora electric hatchback — the first Chinese vehicle to be manufactured in the country for the Australian market.

The move also brings a major technical update, with the Ora gaining a new 58kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery developed by GWM’s SVOLT business.

The larger battery replaces the previous 48kWh and 62kWh packs, lifting the base model’s driving range from 310km to 400km under WLTP testing. That figure is just 20km shy of the now-discontinued Extended Range variant.

Despite the increase in range, the bigger battery adds about 130kg, slowing the 0–100km/h sprint by 0.8 seconds to a new claim of 9.1 seconds.

Power across the range continues to come from a 126kW/250Nm motor driving the front wheels.

Other upgrades include a heat-pump air-conditioning system, revised tyres, a USB-C charging port, vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability and the introduction of GWM Connected Services with scheduled charging.

The Ora Lux base grade comes with 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, faux-leather trim, power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual 10.25-inch instrument and infotainment screens, a surround-view camera, parking sensors and wireless phone charging.

For now, GWM says the updates are confirmed for the Australian market, with no change in price at the entry level. Whether New Zealand buyers will also get the Thai-built Ora is a question GWM New Zealand has yet to answer.

The MY26 Ora will arrive in Australian showrooms shortly.