Ora Cat, a new ID.3 competitor in the UK, could enter Australia next

China’s Great Wall Motor showcased the Ora Cat in Germany at the 2021 Munich Motor Show (IAA 2021). The company confirmed its European launch at the event, stating that it will accept reservations from the end of 2021 and commence deliveries in 2022. In the UK, the Ora Cat will be a cut-price VW ID.3 rival.

At 4,235 mm long, 1,825 mm wide, and 1,596 mm tall, it’s roughly the size of the German EV (4,261 mm x 1,809 mm x 1,568 mm). The wheelbase, measuring 2,650 mm, is considerably shorter, though (ID.3: 2,770 mm).

Platform & Specifications

The Ora Cat sits on a dedicated EV platform called ‘L.E.M.O.N.’, but unlike most new compact and bigger bespoke EVs, it has an FWD drivetrain layout. A permanent magnet synchronous motor is standard, and it is available in two states of tune: 105 kW (140 bhp) and 210 Nm or 126 kW (169 bhp) and 250 Nm. The UK will get only the 126 kW/250 Nm version, though.

Two battery pack options will be available: 48 kWh and 63 kWh. There’s no word on the cell chemistry, but based on the specs we’ve seen in Asian markets, it’s safe to assume that the 48 kWh unit consists of LFP cells and 63 kWh unit NMC cells. The former delivers an NEDC range of 400 km (249 miles) and the latter 500 km (311 miles) in the Thai market. In the UK, the 63 kWh battery pack should offer a WLTP range of around 260 miles. Charging it to 80% SoC at 80 kW at a DC fast-charging station will take 45 minutes. Accelerating from 0-60 mph would take 8.5 seconds.

In addition to the Porsche-style headlights and wheels, the Ora Cat features an LED tail light strip integrated into the rear windscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and more.

Price & Release Date

As per reports from British publications, the retro-style EV will cost around GBP 25,000 in the UK and thus be around GBP 6,000 cheaper than Volkswagen’s ID.3, the prices of which start at GBP 30,935.00. The official website of Ora UK says that the Cat arrives in early 2022. Potential customers can register their interest and subscribe to updates on the website.

Great Wall Motor announced on 15 December 2021 that it’s introducing the Ora brand in Australia in 2022. Along with the announcement, it included a picture of the Ora Cat, which led to Australian media speculating it as the brand’s first model in the country. If launched, the Ora Cat would rival the BYD Dolphin, another Chinese compact EV, which could go on sale Down Under in the first half of 2022.

Ora Cat FAQs

When will the ORA CAT launch?

The Ora Cat will go on sale in the UK in H1 2022.

What will the Ora Cat compete against?

The Ora Cat will go up against rivals like the Volkswagen ID.3 & the Nissan Leaf.

How will the Ora Cat be priced at in UK?

The Ora Cat is expected to be priced between GBP 25,000 and GBP 30,000 in the UK.

Featured Image Source: IAA