EVs in Malaysia is not necessarily a new idea. Industry players like BMW was keen in introducing their i3 and even i8 models into Malaysia. To be fair, the i3 and i8 were hybrid vehicles. They introduced the 13s later, which went full electric. BMW also had their wildly popular 330e, and 530e hybrid models. Mercedes-Benz had limited success when they introduced their C350e, and E350e plug-in hybrid models later. Even Volvo enjoyed some success with their top-of-the-line XC90 plug-in hybrid. Not to mention, Nissan kick-started the whole electric journey with their Nissan Leaf, officially available in Malaysia.
In any case, it seems like Malaysia is ready for another EV. At least that is what GWM (Great Wall Motors) thinks with their latest ORA GOOD CAT. It is, in the current state of writing, also the most affordable EV you can find in Malaysia today.
When we say it is the most affordable in Malaysia, you do want to take it with a pinch of salt still. It will still set you back MYR 139,800 onward. That starting price undercuts Nissan’s offering by about MYR 40,000. Even at the top, it still sits MYR 10,000 less than the Nissan Leaf.
What you get for the money though is rather impressive. You get up to 500km in range if you go for the 500 Ultra model. For MYR 30,000 less you get up to 400km in range, which is still an impressive feat in an electric car. Both are also more than what you get from a Nissan Leaf, its closest competition in our opinions.
The motor still gives you up to 143PS, which is plenty for Malaysian commuting. That silent powertrain will get the ORA GOOD CAT going at a top speed of 152km/h, still well over the national speed limit. They did not quote its 0-100km/h time though.
Still, you get to choose between Normal, Sport, Eco, Eco+, and Auto driving modes to suit your driving style and moods. It is not all about driving dynamics either with the ORA GOOD CAT. You get intelligent parking system to assist you in three types of parking modes. To ensure that you are always safe on the road, GWM put cameras at every corner of the vehicle for 360-degree coverage and wisdom dodge system that detects large vehicles and even assist in avoiding them. It also offers auto emergency braking system, just for an added layer of safety.
Inside, it feels more like a laptop than a car. There is a 7-inch cluster display that greets you when you enter the car. That 7-inch cluster is extended to meet a 10.25-inch touch sensitive display that controls the vehicle’s multimedia systems that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Instead of a gear lever, you select your drive using a rotary knob in the center console. It even has an electronically controlled panoramic sunroof for even more interior light and that spacious feel. At the rear, your leather seats can be folded down to extend its storage to 858 liters.
The biggest problem with current EV technology is its ‘refueling’ or charging periods. With a regular AC port at your home, you can charge your car in about 8 -10 hours, depending on the size of your battery. With a fast charger, you get to charge your car fully within 2 hours, neat.
Being tech savvy does not mean that you must sacrifice sense when buying a car this high-tech. For its price, GWM has you covered extensively. If you get your ORA GOOD CAT in a package, GWM offers up to 150,000 km or 5 years warranty. Your battery is covered separately with up to 8 years or 180,000 km. While EVs are nearly free of extra maintenance services required by internal combustion engines, GWM offers your ORA GOOD CAT with five times free service labour for when maintenance is required. At the same time, GWM is even giving away a portable charger and home charger for your car.
The ORA GOOD CAT is now available in Malaysia, as mentioned, starts at MYR 139,800 for the 400 Pro option and MYR 169,800 for the 500 Ultra variant. The car has been in pre-order period for the past 3 weeks and is now officially launched. You can expect to see one on the roads soon as they are already shipping the EV to owners. You can request for a test-drive the ORA GOOD CAT at any GWM dealerships near you. More information on the ORA GOOD CAT is available on their website.
