EV Pilot - GWM Ora
Overnight Charging
Power Assistant Function
For this pilot, we're prioritising maximum vehicle range and reducing the need for frequent visits to public fast-charging stations. To achieve this, vehicles should be charged to 100% SOC (State of Charge) during overnight charging.
To set your vehicle to charge to 100% SOC, follow these steps on the Multimedia screen:
Tap the Power Assistant button to open the Power Assistant page.
Use Power Flow to view charging status and total range.
Go to Charging Management to set the charging mode and SOC limit.
Set the SOC to 100%
Real Range vs WLTP
WLTP
What it means and how it's measured
The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) is a standardised global testing protocol that estimates vehicle emissions, fuel economy, and electric range.
WLTP testing is conducted under controlled conditions and includes a mix of simulated driving scenarios across four phases. The test is performed at a constant ambient temperature of 23°C.
The four phases are:
LOW
Max speed: 56.0 km/h
Average speed: 25.7 km/h
Duration: 9:40
MEDIUM
Max speed: 76.6 km/h
Average speed: 44.5 km/h
Duration: 7:12
HIGH
Max speed: 97.4 km/h
Average speed: 60.8 km/h
Duration: 7:35
EXTRA HIGH
Max speed: 131.3 km/h
Average speed: 94.0 km/h
Duration: 5:23
Real Range
Why it’s different from WLTP
After charging overnight, your vehicle may not display the full WLTP-rated range. Instead, it shows a ‘real range’ – an adjusted estimate based on your actual driving patterns, similar to how petrol or diesel cars show range.
Real-world range is affected by many factors, including:
Vehicle weight (passengers or cargo)
Weather and temperature
Road surface and elevation
Driving style and behaviour
Because these variables are constantly changing, real-world range also fluctuates. Additionally, electric vehicles are rarely driven until the battery is fully empty, which can make the real-world range appear lower than WLTP values.
For this pilot, we are using a conservative assumption that real range + safety buffer = ~65% of WLTP. This estimate will be reviewed and updated as the pilot progresses.
Early Insights
Intelligent Cruise Control
ONLY USE IN FAIR WEATHER
GWM advise that the cruise control assist system should be used only when driving in good weather and on unobstructed roads.
The cruise control assist system is not recommended for use in urban areas, on winding or narrow roads, wet or slippery surfaces, in heavy rain, or in other inclement weather conditions.
The use of the cruise control assist system is not recommended when driving in hilly terrain, mainly for the following reasons:
When driving uphill or downhill the cruise control assist system may not be able to maintain the set speed.
After the vehicle in front reaches the top or bottom of a hill, the cruise control assist system may not be able to detect it, resulting in sudden acceleration or late braking
Low Battery Charge
WATCH OUT FOR ‘TURTLE MODE’
This came as a surprise, not a good one. When the vehicle gets low on charge it enters an energy-saving mode and the vehicle starts reducing speed, resulting in speeds that are counter-productive to safety on motorways.
We are taking this matter up with GWM.
In light of this experience we suggest that before embarking on your next destination (where there is charging access), make sure that you have at least 100km more range in the vehicle than what the next destination requires.
This will sometimes mean topping-up charge at public fast-charging station.
For those of you who are in areas where ChargeFox does not have adequate coverage, we are working with your accounting team to come up with a suitable solution for you.
Single Pedal Mode
DO NOT USE WHEN ICY OR WET
GWM do not recommend the use of Single Pedal mode when the road is icy or wet.
Also note that Single Pedal mode may turn off or not function in the following situations:
When the battery charge is too high or too low.
When the temperature of the battery is too high or too low.
When the temperature of the drive motor is too high.
When Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is activated.
When you switch to another driving mode.
Single Pedal Mode
CAN IMPROVE RANGE
This mode is suitable for all kinds of normal driving. It is flexible, simple, and can significantly improve range.
Please keep in mind that:
You should still be ready to use the brake pedal in an emergency.
Don’t use single pedal mode when the road is icy or wet.
Don’t use single pedal mode for parking.
Once your Ora has stopped in single pedal mode, do not get out of it.
Only activate when the vehicle is stationary and horizontal. Single pedal mode can be turned on and off in [Vehicle Settings] → [Driving] on the multimedia screen.
Charging & Range
This figure shows the estimated increase in your vehicle’s range per hour, based on the type of charging system used.
Keep in mind that charging is not perfectly linear — the final 20% (from 80% to 100%) takes significantly longer.
This information is useful for understanding:
How long to set your charging durations when using a Wallbox at home
How much time is needed to gain a useful charge at public fast-charging stations
Also consider:
You may not need to charge to 80–100% just to make it home
On longer trips, two shorter charging stops are often faster than one full charge
Eco Mode
NOT SUITABLE FOR 90 KMH+ DRIVING
The best mode for saving energy with energy consumption and comfort as the primary objectives. ECO mode is limited to 90km/h so only use it for driving at medium to slow speeds.
For speed zones higher than 90km/h use NORMAL mode.
When selecting ECO mode, use the multi-media screen and the [Vehicle Settings] → [Driving] page to switch the A/C automatic limit function on or off.
You cannot activate ECO mode if you are travelling at 60km/h or over. In any case, we strongly recommend that you only change any settings (apart from the toggle switches) when the vehicle is stationary.
Defogging / Defrosting the Windscreen
Instructional Video
Watch the video to see how to defog or defrost the Ora’s windscreen quickly and effectively.
Information From GWM
How It Works (GWM Instructions)
To clear the windscreen, it’s important to bring fresh air into the cabin rather than recirculated air.
Tap the aircon button – you’ll see that the vehicle is using recirculated air, and the fan is on level 1.
Switch on defrost/defog – this automatically increases the fan speed and switches to fresh air intake, which helps clear the windscreen.
The windscreen should clear within 2 to 5 seconds.
You can also apply an Anti-Fog Windscreen Spray to help prevent fogging in the first place.
Pingi Car Dehumidifiers
Pingi car dehumidifiers have also been provided. Please store them securely inside your cabin to prevent them becoming a hazard during sudden braking or in the event of a crash.
See: Important Reading
Vehicle Servicing & Roadside Assistance
1,000km/1 month
FREE SERVICE
Your free service will be carried out at your local GWM dealership at the 1,000 km or 1-month mark, whichever comes first.
Please note the following:
This is primarily a safety check.
Dealerships will be advised that a diagnostic check of the battery is required as part of this service.
If you have any additional concerns or issues, please inform both Mercurien and the dealership ahead of time.
It’s especially helpful if the dealership is made aware of any issues prior to your appointment.
Every 15,000km/12 months
MERCURIEN PAYS FOR SERVICING
Your Ora is serviced every 15,000 kilometres or every 12 months, whichever comes first.
The vehicle’s telematics system is connected to our fleet management platform (Fleetio), which automatically alerts both us and you (provided you’ve accepted your Fleetio invitation) when a service is due.
When the time comes:
We’ll contact you to arrange the service at your local GWM dealership.
Do not pay for the service yourself.
The dealership will contact us directly for payment.
We will pay by credit card, and once settled, the dealership will release the vehicle to you.
Roadside Assistance
5 YEARS COVERAGE
5-years of GWM Roadside Assistance is part of the package. The number to call is in the upper right hand corner of your front windshield.
1800 335 132
Tyre Repair Instructions
SOURCE: ORA OWNERS MANUAL
Please do not attempt to change a tyre on your Ora. Instead, call Roadside Assistance on 1800 335 132.
However, if you are out of mobile range, a temporary tyre repair kit is available in the vehicle.
Notice
The air pump and the tyre repair fluid can only be used to repair sealed tyres with a puncture on the tread.
The ability of the tyre repair fluid to seal tyre walls is limited. If the tyre has large cracks, splits or similar damage, the tyre repair fluid cannot be used to repair the tyre.
The tyre repair fluid cannister must be replaced after use. You should go to an authorised service centre to have it replaced by a qualified professional.
Warning
If the fluid has expired, replace and dispose of the expired fluid as hazardous waste.
Accidentally consuming tyre repair fluid is harmful to your health. Contact with skin can lead to an allergic reaction. If skin contact occurs, immediately wash the sealant from your skin with water or soapy water.
Tyre repair fluid should be kept out of the reach of children.
Do not stand next to the tyre whilst operating the air pump. If the tyre develops a split or is uneven, the oump must be turned off immediately.
Do not operate the pump for longer than 10 minutes, otherwise there is a risk of overheating.
After using the tyre repair fluid to repair a tyre, do not driver faster than 80 km/h or further than 200 kilometres.
Temporary Tyre Repair Instructions
Step 1 – Safety First
If you're repairing a tyre in a location with passing vehicles, place a warning triangle in a safe position and turn on the hazard lights.
If the puncture is caused by a nail or similar object, do not remove it — it will help the sealant plug the hole.
Step 2 – Prepare the Pump
Ensure the air pump switch is in the OFF position (0).
Remove the power cable and tubing from the kit.
Step 3 – Connect the Sealant
Unscrew the cover of the tyre repair liquid air intake.
Screw the inflation tube firmly onto the air intake port of the sealant bottle.
Then screw the air outlet tube from the sealant bottle onto the tyre’s valve.
Step 4 – Power Up
Plug the power cable into the 12-volt socket inside the vehicle and start the car.
Step 5 – Inflate the Tyre
Switch the air pump to position I to begin inflation.
Inflate the tyre to 240–250 kPa.
Step 6 – Disconnect
Once inflated:
Turn off the air pump.
Unplug the power cable from the 12-volt socket.
Disconnect the sealant from the tyre valve.
Step 7 – Drive Immediately
Drive immediately — within 1 minute — at a speed of 20–60 km/h for 5 km.
This helps distribute the repair fluid and seal the puncture.
Step 8 – Check the Pressure
Reconnect the air pump and check the pressure reading:
If the pressure is below 130 kPa, the tyre is not sealed.
→ Do not continue driving. Contact an authorised service centre immediately.If the pressure is above 130 kPa, inflate the tyre to the pressure indicated on your vehicle’s tyre pressure sticker.
Step 9 – Finalise
Turn off the air pump, disconnect the inflation tube and power cable, and replace the valve dust cap.
Managing Fire Risk
Content below is based on Fire and Rescue NSW guidelines.
Minimise Risk
Make sure that your EV is identifiable by emergency services. There should be a blue “EV” sticker/badge on the number plate to indicate that it is an electric or hybrid vehicle. These stickers are there specifically to warn emergency responders of the presence of a high voltage battery. Information on the requirements is available from the NSW Government website.
When installing charging equipment, ensure the charging cable and/or unit is electrically compliant and installed by a qualified electrician to AS/NZS 3000 Electrical Installations “Wiring Rules”, Appendix P Guidance for Installation and Location of Electrical Vehicle Socket-Outlets and Charging Stations.
FRNSW recommends that a smoke alarm or a heat alarm is installed in Class 10a buildings (i.e. private garages) where an EV is regularly parked or charged. We recommend having a licenced electrician install interconnected mains-powered devices where possible. Check with the manufacturer or distributor to ensure device models are compatible for interconnection.
When charging your EV, only use extension leads and power sockets that are intended for use in the charging of electric vehicles. Always exercise caution when charging in wet weather, and especially during electrical storms.
If an Incident Occurs
Act quickly and make sure the parking brake is engaged and the vehicle is switched off before evacuating the vehicle of all passengers.
Keep clear of the vehicle and warn passers-by to keep at a safe distance (at least 30 metres), even if there is no visible smoke, vapours or flames.
Call Triple Zero (000) and inform the operator that the vehicle involved is an EV. Clearly detail the make and model of the vehicle, which will allow responders to access additional emergency information specific to the vehicle.
Ensure that remote keys cannot inadvertently start the vehicle.
If anyone has been exposed to spilled electrolyte, flying debris, smoke or vapours, or flames, seek urgent medical assistance. Burns should be immediately treated with cool running water for 20 minutes. Burns larger than a 20-cent piece require emergency care. Treat with cool running water immediately, call Triple Zero (000), and follow the advice of the operator.
Damaged EVs
A study conducted by Western Sydney University in July 2023 titled "Fire Incidents, Trends, and Risk Mitigation Framework of Electrical Vehicle Cars in Australia" suggests EV fires are even less frequent: according to the researcher's methodology, Australia experiences approximately six EV fires per million EVs, comparable to the global average.
This research suggests that if EV uptake follows the projected trend of reaching 1.7 million by 2030, there will be just 9-10 EV fire incidents in Australia that year.
Putting Fire Risk Into Perspective
Research and Statistics Into The Likelihood of Occurrence
Australian Research
An electric vehicle that has been involved in a collision, a fire, or has been submerged, must be treated with caution as the high voltage battery pack may be compromised. Damaged EV batteries may ignite hours, days, or even weeks after the initial incident.
Damaged EVs should be kept in an open area at least 15 metres from other vehicles, buildings, and/or other exposures.
Contact the sales point, service point or vehicle manufacturer for advice.
Do not charge or use the vehicle unless it has been inspected and cleared by a qualified technician.
International Insurance Statistics
A 2022 analysis by insurance company AutoinsuranceEZ showed that based on US-based National Transport and Safety Board data:
ICE vehicles are 60 times more likely to catch fire than electric vehicles and
Hybrid vehicles are 138 times more likely to catch fire
Wallbox Wifi Setup
If you have solar installed, you can view the mix of self-generated solar power and grid-supplied electricity in the statistics section of your mobile app.
Home Charging vs Public Charging
Home Charging
Generally Less Expensive
Why?
Greater control over timing: charging can be scheduled to avoid peak electricity tariffs.
Lower capital costs (Capex) to install chargers.
Lower operating costs (Opex) to maintain chargers.
No commercial profit margin.
Note: Once you exclude the Daily Supply Charge (which applies regardless), the cost per kilowatt-hour (c/kWh) for home charging is often significantly lower than that of public charging.
Public Charging
Generally More Expensive
Why?
Chargers must be available 24/7, so energy is often purchased at peak wholesale prices.
Higher capital costs (Capex) for installation.
Higher operating costs (Opex) for maintenance and servicing.
A commercial profit margin is typically added.
Note: The added Capex, Opex, and profit margin can increase the retail price by up to 30c/kWh, on top of the 25–30c/kWh cost the provider pays for the electricity itself.
Charging Etiquette
To keep charging stations accessible and considerate for all EV drivers, please follow these simple guidelines:
Park only while charging. Don’t occupy a charging bay once your session has finished.
Move promptly when done. Be mindful of others who may be waiting to charge.
Avoid unplugging others' vehicles. Only do so if you’ve been given permission or the station clearly allows it.
Use the right charger for your needs. If your EV doesn’t need a high-speed charger, leave it free for others who do.
Keep cables tidy. Re-wrap the charging cable after use to avoid trip hazards or damage.
Report faults. If a charger isn’t working, notify the operator via the app or help number.
Let’s work together to make public EV charging smoother and more respectful for everyone.
Environment & Range Guidance
Air Conditioning
Use Sensibly
In the Australian climate, Air Conditioning (A/C) is a valuable tool to reduce driver fatigue. However, the use of A/C or heating can reduce the range of your vehicle. So, the A/C temperature should not be set too cold or too hot; please set an appropriate temperature to reduce energy consumption.
When the power battery charge is low, it is recommended to reduce the use of A/C to increase the range of the vehicle.
Please switch off the A/C as soon as it is not needed.
Wet Weather
Can Reduce Range By 5-10%
Bad weather can impact energy/fuel consumption on both EVs and conventionally powered vehicles by 5% to 10%*. This is because, with the exception of very light drizzle, wet weather increases the rolling resistance between your tyres and the road.
When conditions are wet then we recommend factoring reduced range into your trip planning.
Some people report better fuel consumption figures in wet weather - probably due to them driving to the conditions: lower speed; lower RPM.
Hilly Terrain
Can Reduce Range By 10-20%
If the trip is mostly uphill, an average EV with a weight of 2 tons consumes roughly 7 kWh for 1000 meters of altitude (about 2 kWh per 1000 ft). Driving down the hill, some 50%-70% of that energy can be regenerated back.
All in all, compared to a flat terrain, hills reduce the range (in most cases) by about 10%-20%, please factor that into your trip planning.
Windy Conditions
Can Reduce Range
Windy weather can negatively a vehicle’s aerodynamics, increasing fuel/energy consumption and reducing range.
When conditions are windy then we recommend factoring reduced range into your trip planning.