What is the Ora R1?

[VanAngelo]

Ora R1 is a new energy microcar launched by Great Wall Motors, built on the ME platform. It features a brand-new design language in terms of appearance, with smooth and rounded lines. The front fascia adopts a closed grille, and the headlights are designed in a circular shape. In terms of body dimensions, the Ora R1 measures 3495mm in length, 1660mm in width, and 1560mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2475mm. The interior design includes a three-spoke steering wheel and cannon-style instrument cluster, enhancing the car's sporty appeal. The Ora R1 also offers a multifunction steering wheel and multifunction buttons for added convenience.

[BriannaDella]

I know this car like the back of my hand—it's a common sight in our neighborhood, with many young people using it for daily commutes. The Ora R1 is actually the predecessor of the current Black Cat, a compact electric vehicle developed by Great Wall. The first time I test-drove it, I noticed how perfectly it suits city navigation. With a body length of just 3.5 meters, it can easily squeeze into tight spots like those cramped spaces near market entrances. The base model offers a modest range of 301 km, but that’s more than enough for daily commutes. Just plug it into a standard 220V outlet at home overnight to recharge. What really stands out is its design—the round headlights and two-tone body give it unmistakable character, while the interior is full of smooth, rounded lines, making it feel like driving a cartoon spaceship. The trunk space is its Achilles' heel, though; it can barely fit a folded stroller before it’s completely full.

[McAliyah]

From a technical perspective, the Ora R1 is a premium product among micro electric vehicles. Developed based on Great Wall's ME pure electric platform, it far outperforms those low-speed elderly mobility scooters. The 35 kW motor may seem unimpressive at first glance, but it delivers brisk acceleration in urban environments, with an energy consumption of just around 10 kWh per 100 km—translating to less than 6 cents per kilometer. Surprisingly thoughtful in safety features, it comes standard with dual airbags and ABS, and the body frame utilizes over 60% high-strength steel. Originally priced at just over 60,000 yuan after subsidies, it now sells for around 30,000 yuan in the used car market, making it a popular choice for new drivers looking for a practice car. The only downside is that the fast-charging port is only available on certain higher-end models, with the standard version requiring up to 10 hours for a full charge.

[Lopes]

My wife's best friend uses this car to pick up the kids, and it's practically the internet-famous model in the mom circle. The adorable front face paired with strawberry pink paint makes it stand out when parked outside the kindergarten. The 155 cm height is especially friendly for ladies, preventing skirts from getting dirty when getting in and out. The interior design is thoughtful, with a rotary gear knob that feels super high-tech, and the dashboard and central screen connected like a big eye. The most practical feature is the turning radius of just over 4 meters, making it easy to navigate sharp turns in old residential areas. The trunk is indeed a bit small, but it's more than enough for strollers and milk powder. Although the new model is now called the Black Cat, it still retains the R1's genes.