Categories: EV News

GWM Ora electric hatchbacks recalled due to charging danger

Published by
Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson

More than 1600 electric vehicles are being recalled in Australia due a potentially lethal electrical issue that occurs when recharging the vehicle.

The federal transport department issued a warning for all variants of the GWM Ora electric hatchback on Monday after confirming a software error created “the risk of serious injury or death”.

The vehicle is one of the cheapest electric cars on the market in Australia and the recall comes just seven months after it arrived.

All 1659 GWM Ora vehicles in Australia will be affected by the recall, which has been blamed on a software problem.

“Due to to a programming issue, if the operator removes the charging cable without cancelling the charge, an electrical arc between the charging plug and the vehicle may occur,” the recall notice said.

“If an electrical arc comes into contact with the operator or bystanders, it will increase the risk of serious injury or death.”

A similar concern with the vehicle was raised by German motoring organisation ADAC in June after which the manufacturer issued a software update for the vehicle in Europe.

GWM will contact local Ora owners about the recall and update its software free of charge.

The hatchback is one of three electric vehicles on sale in Australia for less than $40,000, with a price cut just before launch bringing down its entry price to $39,990 plus on-road costs.

AAP

Recent Posts

Renault joins EV price war by slashing $10,000 off driveway price of Megane E-Tech

Vive la competition! Renault joins EV price war by slashing price of Megane's E-Tech

May 15, 2024

VW claims highest ever safety, efficiency and comfort rating for ID.7 electric sedan

VW’s flagship ID.7 electric sedan tops a prestigious vehicle test that covers safety, comfort and…

May 15, 2024

Another Chinese EV brand targets Australia market with low-cost electric hatchbacks

Another affordable EV maker to launch models in Australia in late 2024, thanks to the…

May 15, 2024

Nothing in budget for electrifying transport, which will be highest emitting sector by 2030

Labor commits $6.7 billion to an unproven green hydrogen industry, but neglects help to electrify…

May 15, 2024

The energy retailers offering lousy deals for home EV charging – on rates and control

Some consumers are being forced to give up control over EV charging in their homes…

May 15, 2024

Charge an EV for $5? Origin Energy trial goes public

The EV Power Up program offers electricity at 8c per kilowatt hour, which Origin estimates…

May 14, 2024