GWM still thinks EVs are better off small, but promises “more conventionally styled” ones

GWM doesn’t offer as many electric vehicles (EVs) as rivals like MG parent SAIC Motor, and the ones it does offer have quirky styling. But while its EV strategy is evolving, some things are set to stay the same.

“Electric vehicles, especially models like Ora, were originally designed as smaller city vehicles,” GWM chairman Jack Wei said via a translator.

“In the future, we will have more conventionally styled EVs.

“However, large EVs are less likely, because the original concept of EVs is for urban mobility. So the focus remains on smaller, efficient vehicles for city use.”

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His comments come despite GWM revealing an electric version of its new 5.2 to 5.3-metre long flagship luxury SUV, the Wey V9X, at this month’s Beijing motor show.

GWM has yet to release technical specifications for the battery-powered V9X, with the model launching first as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

Indeed, GWM offers a wide range of PHEVs, from mid-size crossover SUVs all the way up to large body-on-frame utes and off-road SUVs.

Its EV lineup, at least until now, has been limited to the range of Ora vehicles – including the Ora hatchback sold in Australia, and the Ora 5 crossover that’ll replace it later this year – all of which feature curvaceous, cutesy styling.

The Ballet Cat exemplifies this strategy, as a small hatchback explicitly referred to by GWM as a “women-only vehicle” and offering features like Goddess Mode and Warm Man Mode.

GWM established the Ora brand in 2018, but recently confirmed it would no longer be an EV-only brand.

Unlike other Chinese EV brands like Xpeng and Zeekr, which have transitioned to offering plug-in hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), Ora will add not only electrified powertrains incorporating petrol engines, but also combustion-powered vehicles with no electrification.

Notably, GWM still hasn’t launched a mid-size electric SUV, despite the Tesla Model Y earning the title of the world’s best-selling car in 2023 and inspiring a glut of competitors.

GWM will, however, launch the mid-size Haval Jolion Max crossover SUV in Australia later this year, which will be available with an electric powertrain – the first model outside of GWM’s Ora lineup to be available with electric power. As with the Ora 5, it’ll also be available with petrol and hybrid power, depending on the market.

When looking at other Chinese brands in Australia, Chery and Omoda Jaecoo both also have limited EV lineups, with just a small SUV for each.

BYD, however, offers everything from a city car through to a mid-size sedan and SUV, for a total of six EVs. It also sells full-size EVs in the Chinese market.

MG has five in Australia for now, with more to come, and offers a similarly deep bench including a large SUV and even a convertible, with a ute to follow.

GWM’s largest EV for now, at least until the Wey V9X launches in China, is the Ora Lightning Cat. It’s a mid-size sedan measuring just over 4.8 metres long, with a wagon version on the way. Though GWM brought an example to Australia for evaluation by media, the model has never been introduced locally.

The automaker did reveal a full-size electric sedan in 2021, the Mecha Dragon, but this never reached mass production.

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