Could Australia’s EV wars be about to hit another major milestone?
Just less than two weeks after BYD moved to undercut the GWM Ora with a new sub-$30,000 Essential grade of its cheapest EV, the Dolphin, it appears GWM could be about to fire back.
UK-based publication Autocar has reported the budget brand has moved to offer a new entry-level grade on the Ora 03 (as it is known in the UK), bringing its entry pricing down by a staggering £7000 ($13,775) to £24,995 ($49,187).
Any price cuts taken in Australia are unlikely to be as drastic as they are in the UK given Australia’s new-car prices are significantly cheaper. For example, the GWM Ora Standard Range already starts here with a limited-time national drive-away price of $33,390 until January 31.
But as another right-hand drive market, word of a substantial price cut, particularly with our current EV price wars raging, is promising news.
CarsGuide has contacted GWM’s local division asking whether a new entry-level variant is in the pipeline. An update to the story will follow with a response.
In the meantime, Autocar has reported the new Pure variant will replace the previously entry-spec Pure+ in the UK, while maintaining the same 48kWh battery unit offered here, which delivers 310km of WLTP-rated range, and much of the same standard kit.
That includes the Ora’s 10.25-inch with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as a surround-view camera, as is offered in Australia.
It does lose seat heating, ventilation and massage functions from the Pure+, though, features currently reserved for the top-spec GT Extended Range variant in Australia.
Should GWM look to cut its Ora pricing in Australia, it would be the third brand to do so in just the first month of 2025, following Nissan’s Leaf run-out sale and BYD’s recent Essential announcement.
That would leave just the MG remaining as the only brand yet to announce a price cut on its affordable electric hatchback, the MG4, which until last November was Australia’s cheapest EV.
Australia's cheapest EVs in 2025
Variant | Price |
BYD Dolphin Essential | $29,990 (before on-road costs) |
GWM Ora Standard Range | $33,990 (national drive-away) |
Nissan Leaf EV | $34,990 (national drive-away) |
MG MG4 | $34,990 (national drive-away) |