Your definitive guide to the Ora Funky Cat Electric Car Lease

The Ora Funky Cat Electric Car Lease - Your definitive guide

One of the most amazing facets about the electric car world is the swathe of new brands and manufacturers arriving in the UK; Tesla, Polestar, BYD, Nio, Fisker and Ora (by Great Wall) are just some of the names to have arrived in the last 10 years.

Traditionally the likes of Audi, BMW, Mercedes and VW have dominated the “best cars to lease” lists but with the green revolution being in full swing from around 2020, the acceptance of new brands (and energy formats) has been surprisingly seamless.

Much of the credit must go to Elon Musk’s Tesla brand which not only cemented the ability for new OEMs to join the world of automotive production but it also solidified the notion that electric cars are a viable form of energy away from traditional petrol and diesel formats. So when the Great Wall-owned Ora confirmed that their Good Cat. Homao compact / city-car would be released as a Funky Cat in the European markets, there wasn’t actually the reticence or kickback which many would have thought.

As a smaller hatchback, the new Ora is a solution to the lack of affordable and cheaper EVs to lease. With much of the investment going into saloons, SUVs and Sports cars, many of which are priced well beyond £40,000, for many personal and business customers on a budget, affordability has been an issue.

Notwithstanding the Whole of Life cost savings you enjoy with an EV - cheaper fuel (electricity v petrol), lower servicing costs and potential congestion / low-emission zone savings - the premium some manufacturers have been charging for their zero-emission product has been obstructive. This often deviates the rhetoric away from the positive aspects of all-electric driving onto the usual dross which many media and lobbyists tend to regurgitate, like the expense or lack of charge points or poor education of those in procurement.

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But much has changed, with a rapid increase and improvement in charging infrastructure; companies like our client Raw Charging  are a prime example of what is being done to overcome these obstacles with destination solutions (shopping centres and pubs), not to mention an increase in domestic charge points. And at around £32,000, the Funky Cat is at least addressing the cost-effective debate. And with the Ora Family launching in 2024, it seems that Great Wall are enthused to make a real difference in the UK.

But is the specification good enough? Customers will almost certainly be content with the standard options on the First Edition, which is the original model to hit the UK to buy / lease. With a 10.25” cluster display, 12.5” touch-screen, 18” alloys, 6 speaker sound system, 360 degree surround system, adaptive cruise control.

Apple CarPlay, electrically adjustable folding / heated door mirrors, navigation, smart cruise control, high beam assist, keyless entry and start, LED headlights and interior lights, lane change and keeping assist, rear parking sensors and wireless phone charger, this isn’t exactly lacking.

In terms of colours, decide between Nebula Green, Starry Black, Aurora Green and Mars Red. Much like other vehicle producers, there are no options you can add to the vehicle. This ensures simplicity and quick turnaround, particularly if you need a stock option.

And how does the Funky Cat perform - what are the pros / cons? 

In terms of raw data the 45.4 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 8.3 seconds, 99 mph top speeds and 126 kW (or 159 hp). This model is a FWD option. Expect a combined winter range of 135 miles with warmer weather allowing for 185miles.

On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 5 hour 0 – 100% charging times with the 64 kW DC maximum allowing 45 minute 10 – 80% times. A small hatchback / city-car, this has a limited cargo volume of 228L and vehicle fuel equivalent of 143 mpg. This EV cannot tow.

In terms of the Pros - the 11 kW AC charge speed is a recognition to the importance of quicker AC facets, the car is well priced at around £30,000 and it offers unique styling. On Cons - 64 kW DC rapid charge is a little standard ( most EVs need to offer 100 kW DC), the combined real-range of 160 miles restricts this to low-mileage customers and the unknown quantity of GMW Ora could make this a highly depreciating car.

The automotive media have been fairly brutal on this small EV with What Car? at 2/5, Autocar at 2.5/5 and Parkers at 2.7/5. Compare this option against an MG4 SE Standard Range, Mini Electric, Renault Zoe and Vauxhall Corsa-e.

This new small EV will be available for both personal and business customers with the same support being available. For the retail markets, this could be that ideal small / Cheap run-around for low-mileage drivers or for those electric fans who don’t want to break the bank. For many 1st time BEV drivers, there maybe more reticence to spend the £40,000 - £50,000 which many of the leading models are asking for.

The Funky Cat is also that great “2nd car” with the benefits of Whole of Life cost savings over a smaller petrol or diesel option. And for many business fleets and company car schemes, the ability for employees to access more affordable all-electric solutions will be warmly received. Just because there are company car tax savings and tax efficiencies for the employer, doesn’t mean that everyone will want a prestige or performance car.

With many towns and cities invoking congestion-based charges, having a small electric car could present some additional savings too, while keeping urban areas more clean and green (for pollution). We expect many city-based businesses, like estate agents and commercial property agents to enjoy this nippy little EV.

A big thank you to our GMW Ora Suppliers, the Chorley Group , for supplying this demo for our e-car lease team to review and analyse. For customers in the Wigan, Preston and Chorley region who want to explore moving into electrification, speak to the family-run dealership.

With brands like MG, Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, Vauxhall and now GMW, their team are well-versed in electric solutions for personal, business and Motability customers. Indeed, the Chorley group were one of the first dealers in the north-west of England to put in place a specialist electric team to improve education and knowledge across their workforce and to enhance their customer proposition.

Because the transition to battery technology can be new, daunting and confusing, having legitimate experts who can seamlessly assist you, ensures that you receive a product which is suitable for your needs and requirements. Local to our dedicated electric car garage in Leigh (Greater Manchester), we can work collaboratively with retail and fleet customers on some amazing brands.

In terms of the car shown, the GMW ORA FUNKY CAT HATCHBACK126kW First Edition 48kWh 5dr Auto, this is based on the following configuration:

•  Metallic - Mars red with Starry black roof
•  Two tone leatherette - Red/Beige
•  18"" alloy wheels

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