GWM Australia to transform former petrol station into EV-powered pop-up

GWM Australia will transform a disused Melbourne service station into a European summer-inspired pop-up event this weekend, showcasing the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities of its ORA 5 electric vehicle.

The “ORA Fun Station” activation will take over the former Little Sam’s Service Station in Collingwood on August 2, reimagining the traditional petrol station as an EV-powered social space.

Inspired by Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the site will feature barista-made coffee, Italian street food and live entertainment, with GWM wall chargers installed alongside the existing fuel bowsers to highlight the transition from petrol-powered vehicles to electric mobility.

In a demonstration of V2L technology, three GWM ORA 5 electric SUVs will provide all of the event’s electricity, powering everything from the espresso machine and food truck to lighting, speakers and the DJ booth without the need for generators.

The event forms part of GWM’s “Live a Little MORA” marketing campaign, which aims to highlight practical everyday uses for electric vehicles beyond transportation.

“This is about showing people what an EV can actually do beyond simply getting you from A to B,” says GWM Australia head of marketing and communications Steve Maciver.

“Vehicle-to-Load technology is one of the most overlooked features of an electric vehicle. Many people simply don’t realise their car can power appliances, tools, camping equipment or, in this case, an entire event.”

Maciver says converting a former petrol station into an EV-powered venue demonstrates how electric vehicle technology is changing perceptions of vehicle ownership.

“By taking a disused petrol station, one of the most recognisable symbols of the petrol era, and transforming it into the ORA Fun Station, we’re demonstrating how EV technology can power experiences, not just journeys.”

The free public event will run from 11am to 3pm on August 2 at Little Sam’s Service Station in Collingwood, Victoria, with visitors able to experience the ORA 5’s V2L capability while enjoying complimentary food, coffee and entertainment.