Complete specifications of the new Ora R1 electric car have been leaked on the Chinese web days ahead of its launch. Apparently the updated model will be available in one more configuration that packs a 37 kWh battery pack and a more potent motor generating 45 kW (61.18 PS) and 130 Nm of torque. The range in the new configuration will be 405 km (NEDC test).
New colour options are also expected to be released along with the aforementioned changes, one of which can be seen in the unofficially revealed image above. The price of the Ora R1 electric car in the new top-of-the-line configuration will be CNY 84,800 (INR 9,05,449.46).
New Ora R1 EV specifications
| Aspect/Specification | Configuration 1 | Configuration 2 | Configuration 3 |
| Battery Pack | 28.5 kWh | 33 kWh | 37 kWh |
| Electric Motor Power | 35 kW | 35 kW | 45 kW |
| Electric Motor Torque | 125 Nm | 125 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Range (NEDC) | 301 km | 351 km | 405 km |
| 0-50 km/h | 5.6 seconds | 5.6 seconds | 5.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 102 km/h | 102 km/h | 102 km/h |
| Normal Charging Time (3.3 kW charger/6.6 kW charger) | 9 hours/4.5 hours | 10.5 hours/5.5 hours | 6 hours |
| Fast Charging Time (30%-80%) | 0.5 hours | 0.5 hours | 0.5 hours |
The longer range and the cosmetic updates are considered as a response from Great Wall Motor to the soaring demand for compact vehicles that suit personal mobility needs in the post-COVID world. The launch of the plain and simple Wuling Mini EV, and the funky and spacious Baojun E300 (from SAIC) bring variety to the Chinese base segment that guarantees a safe and inexpensive mode of transport in the city.
Great Wall Motor is learned to be mooting the ‘GWM Electric’ brand in place of Ora for markets like India where it intends to launch products the near future. There would be EVs from Ora as well as Haval in the future.
GWM displayed the Ora R1 at Auto Expo 2020
Great Wall Motors unveiled the Ora R1 electric car at the Auto Expo 2020. The Ora R1 is currently a China-only model and the company is trying to learn what the Indian audience makes of the tiny hatch by displaying it at the Expo. Ora is the electric sub-brand of GWM and has two models on sale in China built on the ‘ME’ high-strength steel platform.
The R1 is 3.5m long, 1.6m high and gets a wheelbase of 2.47m. The dimensions make it possibly the smallest electric car in the world with rear doors. However, do not judge this one by its size as the vehicle is very capable. It employs a 33 kWh battery and a 35 kW/125 Nm electric motor which endows it with a travel range of 351 km in the NEDC cycle. Through DC fast charging, the battery pack can be charged from 5% to 80% in 40 minutes. Note that these specifications are of the older model.
The hatchback is quite generously equipped (given the size and price segment it is positioned into) with features such as a large touchscreen that controls everything from the air conditioning to the navigation and entertainment, and safety equipment like 4 airbags, TCS and ESC. The wheels are pushed to corners of the car to open up a surprisingly spacious cabin.
Ora R1 electric car – Launch in India?
The Ora R1 was launched in China (with a hefty government subsidy) at a price of 59,800 RMB to 77,800 RMB (INR 6.1 lakh to INR 7.9 lakh) and with an intensive level of localization, it could undercut the Mahindra eKUV100 as India’s cheapest zero-emissions car.
Great Wall Motors would do better in the long-term to operate in the premium segment for the initial years to establish a brand cachet. It would not immediately want to be considered as maker of cheap or entry vehicles as that would negatively influence sales of the high-margin Haval SUV series. A top-down approach would be the ideal way to map products (seeing the blueprints of new entrants Kia and MG) as Great Wall Motors’ Indian team would be well aware.
Also See: Great Wall Motors displays the iQ sedan-cross electric car at the Auto Expo [Video]
Ora R1 Autonomous car
GWM also displayed an autonomous vehicle based on the R1 at the Auto Expo.
Source – Sina.com & Xcar.com.cn
