ORA takes MG’s lowest cost EV title

A major pricing shift from GWM’s Ora brand has propelled it to the forefront of New Zealand’s budget-friendly electric car scene.

Great Wall Motors (GWM) recently announced a revised pricing for their fully electric Ora hatchback. The base Standard Range model is now available at a reduced price of $42,990, while the high-end Long Range variant is set at $47,990.

This marks a $5,000 deduction from their initial prices.

This repricing has catapulted the Ora Standard Range to the position of the most affordable new electric car in New Zealand, overtaking the $46,990 MG4 51kWh Excite.

After applying the $7,015 Clean Car Discount rebate, the entry-level Ora is effectively priced at $35,975.

That assumes you can get one this year, with National committing to kill the scheme on December 31 should it come to power.

GWM spokesperson Steve Maciver told EVs and Beyond that should not be an issue.

“Correct, there is supply on the ground and ready to go,” Mciver says.

So why the cuts? Despite strong reviews the Ora has struggled to cut through launches of similar-sized vehicles by BYD in the form of the Dolphin, and the aforementioned MG4.

Maciver suggests it has been a challenge launching the brand from scratch, and that they now have the vehicle priced where they want it.

“We are trying to launch Ora as a brand at the same time, and that is not easy,” Maciver says.

“With changes in the exchange rate, battery price changes and support from the factory, we are now able to price the car at a level we are happy with.”

In terms of features, the Ora Standard Range boasts a 48kWh li-ion battery, promising a range of up to 310km per charge. It also comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless charging capabilities, Apple CarPlay, artificial leather interiors, and automated LED headlights.

The Long Range Ora, on the other hand, houses a 63kWh battery, allowing it a more impressive 420km range. Both models utilize a 126kW/250Nm electric motor and have earned a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.