GWM to launch Porsche-like Ora Lightning EV

GWM, which has brands like Haval in Australia, is to hold a launch event early next week for a highly anticipated four-door coupe EV sedan called the Ora Lightning Cat. 

To some, the new model – which will initially be available only to China-based customers – may look a lot like a smaller version of the Porsche Panamera. with the four doors and the swooping back. From the front, it has some resemblance to earlier Porsche 911 models with roundish headlights.

Ora is GWM’s electric-only brand and is also expected to arrive in Australia sometime in 2023, starting with its hatchback offering of the Ora Funky Cat. 

This model has been previously spotted by The Driven testing in Melbourne back in August. Ora Funky Cat is also about to go on a roadshow across the UK before launching as a right-hand drive EV in that market.

The new Ora Lightning is 4,871 mm in length which is longer than the 4,694 mm length of the Tesla Model 3 which is the best-selling EV model here in Australia. It’s also over 600 mm longer than the Funky Cat hatchback model.

The Ora Lightning will also be available with single and dual-motor powertrains, according to reports from cnevpost. The single-motor version can deliver up to 150 kW of power while the dual-motor version doubles that to 300 kW. 

The more powerful version propels the four-door coupe from 0-100 km/hr in 4.3 seconds. 

The Ora Lightning also comes with four battery packs supplied by Svolt Energy which is also a subsidiary of GWM. The capacity of the packs will be 63.87 kWh, 64.31 kWh, 79.62 kWh and 83.49 kWh with NEDC range from 555km to 705 km. Converting to WLTP cycle, expect the range to start at 450 km which is ideal for a four door EV in 2022.

The Lightning is expected to be launched in China first but it’s also more than likely to head to Europe after GWM showcased it at the recent Paris Motor Show earlier this month. This could be a good sign for a potential Australian launch in 2023 too.