A new EV arrives in the UK this autumn, and it has a rather unusual name…
New electric vehicles are arriving on the market almost by the day, but the latest to be launched is this one. It’s from Great Wall Motor’s ORA brand, and is called the ‘Funky Cat’ (yes, really). It’s expected to go on sale in the UK in the autumn with deliveries starting soon after.
It will arrive here in First Edition trim and priced from £30,495 after the Government’s Plug-in Car Grant. The company are establishing a network of retailers but buyers will also be able to buy their Funky Cat through the ORA Online platform that launches in August. In addition, GWM ORA’s Queue Jump scheme is planned to launch in June, which will give customers the opportunity to place a £100 refundable deposit, granting priority access to stock when it arrives.
Additional versions will arrive in 2023, but for now the Funky Cat is equipped with a 48kWh battery that promises a WLTP-certified range of 193 miles, while the 126kW power output delivers claimed performance of 99mph and 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds. The battery can be charged using AC power of 6.6-11kW or a maximum of 80kW DC charging, the latter topping-up the battery from 15-80% in 40 minutes.
The company say they are offering owners ‘complete peace of mind’ thanks to a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on the battery, and service intervals of 2 years/18,000 miles.
While next year should bring more affordable trim levels, the First Edition is certainly very well-equipped. The lengthy roster of standard kit includes the likes of 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, wireless phone charging, LED headlights and electrically-adjustable front seats. Also featuring is a 10.25-inch infotainment display that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Buyers will be able to choose from four colours – Nebula Green, Starry Black, Mars Red and Aurora Green, along with a black or white contrasting roof. Interior colours range from black through to more eye-catching two-tone finishes.
Toby Marshall, Sales and Marketing Director, ORA UK, said: “We are really excited to launch the ORA Funky Cat into the UK market. This exciting new EV will set the precedent for the brand, offering customers a premium, technology led experience with a completely unique look and feel.”
Find more info:
ORA UK
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