A new era of electric mobility with the GWM ORA 03
The GWM ORA 03, the innovative and stylish "Pure Electric Vehicle" by GWM, is ushering in a new era for GWM in South Africa with the official launch of the all-new GWM ORA 03. This vehicle redefines electric mobility and makes its mark as the most affordable EV in the country.
GWM ORA 03 debuted with sneak previews at the NAMPO Harvest Day in May and the 2023 Festival of Motoring event at the Kyalami racetrack in August, impressing local car buyers.
Bianca van Staden, Head of Marketing, Brand & PR for HAVAL Motors South Africa, stated, "With ORA 03, we are ushering in a new era for GWM locally, as we aspire to contribute to the shift towards EVs and a greener, sustainable future. We aim to offer our customers a range of mobility solutions, from Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) to Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) to EVs, and ORA is the product that will drive our EV ambitions."
"As part of introducing the all-electric GWM ORA 03, we will also provide ORA customers with charging solutions through our connectiveCARE program," Van Staden added. To enhance the EV ownership experience, our 20 dedicated ORA dealers nationwide will offer GWM 7kW home charging wall box solutions.
The GWM ORA 03 is not just about style and affordability; it also boasts impressive safety features. It earned the title of the safest car in its class by Euro NCAP in the 2022 standard and achieved a five-star rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). These ratings are based on scores of 92% for Adult Occupant Protection, 84% for Child Occupant Protection, 74% for Vulnerable Road User Protection (pedestrians and cyclists), and 93% for its Safety Assist technology.
GWM ORA represents more than just vehicles; it embodies fashion, lifestyle, design, and urban culture, catering to the spirit of young, creative, and forward-thinking individuals. It prioritises "user centricity" and was developed in collaboration with those driving the cars.
Stepping into the GWM ORA 03, you'll encounter timeless charm and advanced technology. Its exterior combines classic elements with contemporary design, featuring round headlights that evoke nostalgia and a teardrop shape for modern aerodynamics. The unique tailgate design sets it apart from other EVs.
The exterior design incorporates practical features like an active air intake front grille, intelligent LED headlights, LED taillights, and electrically adjustable ORVMs with turn signals, emphasising the vehicle's commitment to technology and convenience.
Designed by former Porsche designer Emanuel Derta, every curve and element of the GWM ORA 03 contributes to its elegant and captivating appearance. It offers a range of exterior colours for personalisation.
The GWM ORA 03 lineup includes four models: the 300 Super Luxury, the 400 Super Luxury, the 400 Ultra Luxury, and the 400 GT Ultra Luxury. All models are powered by a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor delivering 126 kW and 250 Nm of peak torque to the front wheels. This allows the GWM ORA 03 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and reach a top speed of just under 160 km/h.
The range offers different battery options, with the entry-level 300 Super Luxury featuring a 48kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery for up to 310 km (WLTP cycle). The 400 Super Luxury utilises a 63kWh nickel-manganese cobalt battery for a range of up to 420 km (WLTP cycle). The 400 Ultra Luxury and 400 GT Ultra Luxury offer similar ranges, with slight variations in battery consumption.
Recharging times for the GWM ORA 03 vary, with fast DC charging taking around 50 minutes for the smaller battery and about an hour for the extended-range version. AC charging at home takes approximately 5.5 hours. In terms of cost, owning an EV like the GWM ORA 03 is significantly more affordable than petrol or diesel vehicles, both in terms of charging prices and environmental impact.
The GWM ORA 03's interior provides a luxurious and technology-driven experience, featuring vegan-friendly materials, two 10.25-inch touchscreens, a rotary-style gear selector, and advanced infotainment systems compatible with Apple CarPlay and soon Android Auto. Standard equipment includes LED headlights, wireless phone charging, leatherette seats, adaptive cruise control, and more.
Safety includes multiple airbags, ISOFIX, advanced driver-assistance systems, and more, which are available across all models. The GWM ORA 03 offers a spacious interior with ample luggage space and a comfortable ride on GWM's dedicated electric vehicle platform.
The GWM ORA 03 is competitively priced, with models starting from only R686,950. To assure customers of its quality and reliability, it comes with an exceptional 7-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/150,000 km warranty on high-voltage parts, a 7-year/105,000 km service plan, and 7-year/unlimited km roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at 15,000 km/12 months.
The GWM ORA 03 is an exciting addition to the electric vehicle market in South Africa, combining style, affordability, safety, and advanced technology. It promises to be an environmentally friendly, cost-effective choice for drivers while offering a comfortable and connected driving experience.
Also worth a look: the GWM P500 and the Driven: The GWM TANK 300 HEV — Power Meets Eco-Conscious Off.
FAQ
Q: What does the GWM ORA 03 cost in South Africa?
The GWM ORA 03 starts from R599,900 for the base model, making it the most affordable electric vehicle currently available in South Africa.
Q: Is the GWM ORA 03 worth buying as an electric vehicle?
The GWM ORA 03 is absolutely worth buying if you're after South Africa's cheapest EV with proper safety credentials, boasting a 5-star Euro NCAP rating and comprehensive charging support through 20 dedicated dealers nationwide.
Q: What is the range and charging time of the GWM ORA 03?
The GWM ORA 03 delivers a WLTP range of 310km on a single charge and can be fully charged at home using the included 7kW wall box solution in approximately 6 hours.
Q: How safe is the GWM ORA 03 compared to other small cars?
The GWM ORA 03 is exceptionally safe, earning the title of safest car in its class from Euro NCAP in 2022 with scores of 92% for adult protection, 84% for child protection, and 93% for safety assist technology.
Q: Where can I service and charge a GWM ORA 03 in South Africa?
You can service your GWM ORA 03 at any of the 20 dedicated ORA dealers nationwide, and each dealer offers home charging wall box installations as part of GWM's connectiveCARE programme.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, absolutely buy the GWM ORA 03 if you're ready to make the electric switch without breaking the bank. At R599,900, it's the most affordable EV in South Africa and the safest car in its class according to Euro NCAP. With a decent 310km range, 5-star safety rating, and proper dealer support through 20 nationwide outlets offering home charging solutions, the ORA 03 makes electric motoring accessible for South African families. This isn't just the cheapest EV you can buy, it's also one of the smartest purchases under R600,000 in the country right now.