Overview
GWM Ora, though, not a brand we immediately recognise in the UK, is owned by the Chinese automobile manufacturer, Great Wall Motor Co., Ltd. GWM is the eight largest automobile manufacturer in China and was founded in 1984. Yes, the company is named after the Great Wall of China and is headquartered in Hebei, China.
The Ora brand was announced by GWM in May 2018. According to the manufacturer, Ora stands for ‘open, reliable and alternative’. The brand is dedicated 100% to electric vehicles (EVs). The brand’s entry into the European and UK markets has been very recent: 2022. In the UK, the company currently sells the following electric vehicles (EVs):
- The all-electric Ora Funky Cat
The company has announced its intention to launch a pure electric saloon in the UK in early 2024.
Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
Types Of Electric Cars: The Complete Guide For The UK
Overview GWM Ora, though, not a brand we immediately recognise in the UK, is owned by the Chinese automobile manufacturer, Great Wall Motor Co., Ltd. GWM is the eight…
Read More
Electric Cars: Pros And Cons: The Complete Guide For The UK
Overview GWM Ora, though, not a brand we immediately recognise in the UK, is owned by the Chinese automobile manufacturer, Great Wall Motor Co., Ltd. GWM is the eight…
Read More
Top Jargons Used For Electric Driving: The Complete Guide For The UK
Overview GWM Ora, though, not a brand we immediately recognise in the UK, is owned by the Chinese automobile manufacturer, Great Wall Motor Co., Ltd. GWM is the eight…
Read More
Air Quality: The Complete Guide For The UK
Overview GWM Ora, though, not a brand we immediately recognise in the UK, is owned by the Chinese automobile manufacturer, Great Wall Motor Co., Ltd. GWM is the eight…
Read More
Are Electric Vehicles (EVs) A New Invention? The Complete Guide For The UK
Overview GWM Ora, though, not a brand we immediately recognise in the UK, is owned by the Chinese automobile manufacturer, Great Wall Motor Co., Ltd. GWM is the eight…
Read MoreSign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter
The All-Electric GWM Ora Funky Cat Hatchback
Though the pure electric Funky Cat is new to our market, its exterior design has a sense of familiarity. A blend of styling from other family cars familiar to us: the all-electric Mini, the Porsche 911, VW Beetle and more!
For some reason, it works and results in a rather attractive (cute) family compact electric hatchback. However, we are not as convinced with the name, which has its genesis in the GWM China portfolio, further tweaked for the UK/ European markets.
Like the Vauxhall Corsa-e (50 kWh), the Ora Funky Cat electric car has incorporated a smaller onboard EV battery (48 kWh), which serves well for day-to-day commutes and shorter distance motorway driving. Not all electric vehicles (EVs) need to have a large EV battery.
Do keep in mind that the larger the EV battery, the heavier the vehicle weight, the greater the impact on efficiency and electric range. The Funk Cat has a 1540 kg minimum kerb weight. However, the manufacturer may introduce this model with a larger EV battery in due course (63 kWh).
GWM claims an e-range up to 193 miles (WLTP) on a single charge. Even adjusted for real-world driving conditions (165 miles), the e-range is ample for city and shorter motorway driving. It is worth noting that the Corsa-e has a slightly higher claimed range (222 miles). Having said that, the Ora electric does offer more e-range than the all-electric Mini (144 miles) and the all-electric Honda e (137 miles).
The manufacturer has kept its entry into the UK market simple: the Ora Funky Cat is available in only one premium trim level (First Edition – 4 body colours), and priced similar to other premium mid-sized electric hatchbacks currently available, but not as cheap as family electric cars like the MG4 EV. An interesting approach by GWM, given the nascent nature of the Ora brand recognition in the UK.
The five-door five-seat e-hatchback is not as compact as it looks. In fact, in terms of size it is closer to the all-electric VW ID.3 (length: 4261 mm) and the all-electric Cupra Born (length: 4322 mm). But despite this, the Funky Cat (4235 mm) offers a much smaller boot (228 L), compared to the ID.3 (385 L) and Born (385 L). Moreover, the Funky Cat boot does have a high lip. The Ora does not have a frunk. The EV cable can be stored below the boot.
In terms of performance, the front-wheel drive (FWD) GWM Ora electric is not as nippy as the all-electric Abarth 500e (0-62 mph: 7.0 seconds), but the Ora does deliver a decent performance. The electric vehicle (EV) can achieve 0-62 mph in 8.3 seconds (maximum power: 171 PS/ torque 250 Nm). The top speed is 99 mph. The EV has regenerative braking and offers one-pedal driving.
Though the Ora electric family car only offers DC charging up to 64 kW DC, given the size of the onboard EV battery and the fact that most charging is done at home, the 64 kW DC charging speed is just fine. According to GWM, the EV battery can be charged 15%-80%: 42 minutes. For home charging, using a dedicated residential single-phase EV charger, the EV can be fully charged in 5 hours and 24 minutes.
Interestingly, the EV incorporates a 3-phase AC onboard charger as standard. For those with access to three-phase (11 kW) charging, the electric car can be fully charged in 3 hours and 12 minutes. In general, we at e-zoomed recommend a topping up approach to charging an EV.
This way, charging times are shorter and it is also better for the long-term maintenance of the EV battery. GWM offers a 8 years or 100,000 miles EV battery warranty. This has now become the de facto standard for electric cars!
The GWM Ora has already achieved a 5 Star NCAP Safety Rating. The EV offers a host of safety features, to include: auto emergency braking, pedestrian & cyclist detection, blindspot detection, lane keep assist, lane centring function, ADAS safety package, reversing camera, 360 degree surround cameras, rear traffic cross alert & brake and more!
Other technology onboard includes: a 10.25″ infotainment display, 10.25″ instrument cluster, wireless charging and voice assistant. Interestingly, the e-hatchback also offers a facial recognition system, which recognises the driver and automatically adjusts the settings to the drivers preference.
The Funky Cat is not the first EV to incorporate this technology and we can expect it to become commonplace in due course. Surprisingly, it does not offer Apple Car Play or Android Auto (will be installed via over-the-air updates in due course).
Despite the compact size, the EV has ample headroom and legroom, but a tight squeeze for three adults at the back. Also limited is the rear-view visibility and there is no windscreen wiper. The interior quality is to a good standard and finish. It is available in a dual-tone colour scheme. However, the EV does not have heated seats, usually a must for markets like the UK.
We will need to wait to assess if UK consumers believe the proposition of the EV reflects the premium price tag, given the very limited brand awareness. But we do believe that Chinese automotive manufacturers like GWM, are well positioned for long-term success in the UK and European markets.
Company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-2%) tax rate, given the zero-tailpipe emissions. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. You can lease electric vehicles at very competitive prices via e-zoomed!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Decent all-electric range. 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard | Limited brand awareness |
| Appealing exterior styling | Cheaper alternatives available |
| Good level of safety and technology | Available in only one trim |
Gallery
The All-Electric GWM Ora Funky Cat Hatchback (credit: GWM Ora)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Body Type: | Hatchback |
| Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG): | Not Available |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In UK: | Yes |
| Variants (1 Option) |
|---|
| GWM Ora Funky Cat First Edition (from £31,995) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 48 kWh |
| Charging: | 64 kW DC rapid charging (15%-80%: 42 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (15%-80% : 3 hrs 12 mins) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 100,000 miles |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity : 16.7 kWh | £2.40 |
| Battery net capacity : 30.0 kWh | £4.32 |
| Battery net capacity : 39.2 kWh | £5.64 |
| Battery net capacity : 45.0 kWh | £6.48 |
| Battery net capacity : 50.0 kWh | £7.20 |
| Battery net capacity : 64.0 kWh | £9.22 |
| Battery net capacity : 71.0 kWh | £10.22 |
| Battery net capacity : 77.0 kWh | £11.09 |
| Battery net capacity : 90.0 kWh | £12.96 |
| Battery net capacity : 100.0 kWh | £14.40 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1603 |
| Width (mm): | 1825 |
| Length (mm): | 4235 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2650 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 11.2 |
| Boot Space (L): | 228 |
| Ora Funky Cat | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 48 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 193 miles |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 16.5 – 16.8 |
| Charging: | 64 kW DC rapid charging (15%-80%: 42 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (15%-80% : 3 hrs 12 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 99 mph |
| 0-62 mph: | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
| Max Power (PS): | 171 (126 kW) |
| Torque (Nm): | 250 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 1,540 |
| Colours: | 4 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
Featured Articles
The All-Electric Honda e Hatchback: The Complete Guide For The UK
Overview GWM Ora, though, not a brand we immediately recognise in the UK, is owned by the Chinese automobile manufacturer, Great Wall Motor Co., Ltd. GWM is the eight…
Read More
Cheapest Electric Cars 2023: The Complete Guide For The UK
Overview GWM Ora, though, not a brand we immediately recognise in the UK, is owned by the Chinese automobile manufacturer, Great Wall Motor Co., Ltd. GWM is the eight…
Read More
Best Small Electric Cars 2023: The Top 10 Complete Guide For The UK
Overview GWM Ora, though, not a brand we immediately recognise in the UK, is owned by the Chinese automobile manufacturer, Great Wall Motor Co., Ltd. GWM is the eight…
Read More
What Is One-Pedal Driving?
Overview GWM Ora, though, not a brand we immediately recognise in the UK, is owned by the Chinese automobile manufacturer, Great Wall Motor Co., Ltd. GWM is the eight…
Read MoreFeatured Products
-
Best-In-Class Home Solar Bundle Offer (440W All Black Jinko Solar 8 Panels + Sungrow Hybrid Inverter 3.6 kW): price includes product supply only – free delivery
Original price was: £2,205.95.£2,150.95Current price is: £2,150.95. (Including VAT) -
Best-In-Class Home Solar Bundle Offer (440W All Black Jinko Solar 8 Panels + Sungrow Battery Storage 6.4 kWh + Sungrow Hybrid Inverter 3.6 kW): price includes product supply only – free delivery
Original price was: £5,010.95.£4,800.95Current price is: £4,800.95. (Including VAT) -
Bundle Offer: SUNSYNK LifePO4 Home Battery Storage (5.32 kWh) + SUNSYNK Hybrid Inverter (3.6 kW/Single-Phase): price includes product supply only – free delivery
Original price was: £3,345.95.£3,299.95Current price is: £3,299.95. (Including VAT) -
Bundle Offer: Tesla Powerwall 3 Home Battery Storage (13.5 kWh) + Gateway: price includes product supply only – free delivery
£8,559.95 (Including VAT) -
Custom-Made Single-Phase EV Charging Cable Type 2 to Type 2 (2m to 50m, 7.4 kW, 32 amp, Black) – Free Delivery
£99.95 – £670.95 (Including VAT)Category:CablesType:Type 2Length (m):5 m7.5 m10 m3.5 m12.5 m15 m20 m17.5 m2 m22.5 m25 m30 m35 m40 m45 m50 mCurrent (amp):32 ampPhase:Single Phase (7.2kW)This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Untethered Ohme ePod Home Smart EV Charger (7.4 kW): price includes product only – free delivery
Original price was: £645.95.£625.95Current price is: £625.95. (Including VAT)Brand:OhmeCategory:EV Charging PointsCustomer type:ResidentialPower:7.4 kWCable:UntetheredPhase:Single Phase
