Electric GWM Ute to offer 450km range

The forthcoming all-electric GWM Ute should provide a driving range of 450km at the top level of the zero-emissions dual-cab line-up, based on new data from China.

Product details from the Chinese government’s Ministry of Innovation and Information Technology show that the incoming Ora Cherry Cat – an all-new SUV from GWM’s EV sub-brand, which is also under consideration for Australia – will be offered with a 150kW electric motor and the choice of either a 60.5kWh or 79.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The batteries provide a WLTP-verified cruising range of about 350km and 450km respectively, while the power output from the electric motor tallies with the 150kW (and 300Nm) quoted when an EV version of the GWM Ute (aka Poer in China) was unveiled at the Beijing motor show last year.

The quoted driving ranges are also broadly in line with previous figures that put the EV ute at 405km between recharging (based on the Beijing show car), while earlier estimates indicated a 500km range was possible.

It’s believed that the powertrain for the Ora Cherry Cat will be deployed in the GWM EV Ute, as well as several other new electric cars from the Chinese auto giant.

It also shows that GWM is well down the track towards production of its new-generation electric vehicles, with the GWM Ute in line to become the first mainstream EV ute in Australia as the larger Rivian R1T, Tesla Cybertruck and other electric pick-up trucks also head towards these shores.

Among other details lodged on the official Chinese government website include a 180km/h top speed quoted for the Ora Cherry Cat, while the larger 79.6kWh lithium-ion battery uses NMX chemistry.

This identifies it as a cobalt-free nickel-manganese battery, which is a cheaper (as cobalt is in high demand) and more ecologically friendly alternative.

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the GWM Ute is also in the works.

GWM Australia’s marketing chief Steve Maciver previously told carsales an all-electric version of its well-received 4x4 dual-cab ute was coming, but wouldn’t confirm timing.

“It’s too early to say. EV and PHEV utes are probably still a little way off,” he said.

“There is without a doubt all these alternate powertrain options on the cards, and I think we’ll get the [electric] ute eventually.”

GWM Australia also continues to study the Ora EV sub-brand for this market, and is looking closely at the Ora Cherry Cat (which measures 4510mm long and has a 2710mm wheelbase) given it falls into the top-selling mid-size SUV category.

“Yes, Ora continues to be on the radar here,” said Maciver.

“The development of any new product is looked at, including the Cherry Cat. But it’s too early to say at this stage whether it’ll come to Australia.”