Will this be the cheapest EV in Australia next year?

New local trademark filings have surfaced that bolster the prospects of the ORA Good Cat becoming the first EV from Chinese car-maker GWM in Australia – and it could be the cheapest new electric car available across all brands when it launches.

GWM confirmed overnight that ORA and the Tank off-road brand will both launch Down Under next year, and the local subsidiary is now working with the factory to finalise each model line-up.

Just as local representatives have previously suggested the ORA Cat is the most obvious contender to lead GWM’s EV charge in Australia – and that a business case was being developed for the small hatch – new trademark filings with IP Australia for the ‘Good Cat’ nameplate and badge have emerged under classes nine, 12, 35 and 37 (computer technology, vehicles, marketing and vehicle maintenance).

Such a broad sweep suggests a full-scale launch program is being readied to back the introduction of the ORA Good Cat in Australia, which is expected to see the electric hatch start below $40,000.

Pending the launch of other rival EVs such as the BYD EA1, the 2022 ORA Good Cat is primed to become the cheapest new electric car in the market.

The BYD e6 is currently the most affordable battery-electric vehicle in Australia, listed at $39,999 plus on-road costs (and available in only limited numbers), while the MG ZS EV starts at $44,990 drive-away.

The ORA Good Cat is a small five-door hatchback around the same size as a Hyundai i30 or Volkswagen Golf and is available in China for less than the equivalent of $35K.

Underpinned by GWM’s LEMON EV platform, the Good Cat is powered a single electric motor mounted to the front axle developing 105kW/210Nm.

A variety of battery capacities are set to be on offer, with a claimed NEDC driving range of 400-500km, depending on the battery.

While GWM Australia is keeping its ORA launch line-up under wraps for now, carsales understands the Good Cat will lead the charge and serve as a launch pad for bigger and sportier derivatives to emerge Down Under including the bigger Lightning Cat, the Cherry Cat SUV and the Volkswagen Beetle-inspired Punk Cat.

There’s also a Ballet Cat to watch out for as well.