CHARGING YOUR GWM ORA

If it’s your first time making the switch to an electric vehicle, then charging can often be one of the more daunting aspects of the experience. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. The team at Wessex Garages & GWM ORA want to make EV’s easy, which is why we’ve put together this handy guide on all things charging for the ORA.

First things first, there are three ways to charge your ORA.

Publicly, on the street​​

Publicly, at a rapid charger​​

Privately, at home

HOW DOES CHARGING ACTUALLY WORK?

The ORA comes with a combined charging system (CSS). In other words, one socket for all three ways of charging.

The CCS socket is split into two sections: the top section is for charging at home or on the street on an AC current.

The bottom section is for rapid charging the vehicle using a DC current.

More on AC/DC later.

HOW LONG DOES CHARGING TAKE?

CHARGING AT HOME

15 – 80% charge –

5 hours 24 minutes​

ON-STREET CHARGING

15 – 80% charge –

3 hours 12 minutes​

RAPID CHARGING

15 – 80% charge –
42 minutes

WHAT ABOUT CHARGING 0-100%?

Most car manufacturers quote their charge times with the assumption the battery won’t ever get down to zero.

As with all EVs, charging from 80% – 100% also takes the longest. It’s a bit like filling up a jug with water – when it gets to the top, you have to pour the rest in slowly so it doesn’t spill.

It’s also best to keep your battery charge levels between 10%-80% to increase its life and longevity.

DO I NEED TO BUY CHARGING CABLES?

ORA 03 will only require the use of two types of cables, type 2 for home and on-street charging and CCS Rapid charging. As mentioned previously, all charging is done through the CCS socket, whether that’s at home or out on the road.

When purchasing a new ORA, the vehicle will come equipped with a 3 pin to type 2 connector which allows for ‘trickle charging’ from a domestic outdoor 3 pin socket. Customers can then optionally upgrade to a standard type 2 cable which will cost £210.00 inc VAT.

3-pin domestic plug to Type 2, AC (home charging without a wall box)

• This cable comes standard with any new ORA.
• This cable allows you to plug in at home using an outdoor domestic 3-pin plug (designed to trickle charge the battery).
• This cable cannot be used with any ‘on–street’ or rapid.

Type 2, AC (home charging with dedicated wall box and on-street)

• Type 2 cable required for home charging via a home charger wall box.
• Type 2 cable required for on-street charging (11-22kW).
• Type 2 cable not required for rapid charging.

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CCS, DC (Rapid charger, tethered cable)

• Rapid charging use only, plug and cable is always attached to the rapid charge point.
• 50kW- 350kW charge rate for rapid charging, ORA 03 can charge in as little as 42 minutes.
• Not possible to rapid charge at home.

WHAT’S AC/DC? POWER?

Power from the grid is always AC. It’s converted into ‘battery power’ using the car’s internal onboard converter – converting the AC power into DC power, which is then fed into the car battery. When you come across ‘AC’ it will always refer to home charging and on-street charging.

With DC power from rapid chargers, the DC converter is inside the charge point itself (rather than inside the car). Because it feeds power directly into the car without it going through the car’s onboard converter, it can charge at a much faster rate.

Images are for illustration purposes only and may be subject to change

**Vehicles are tested according to The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare figures with vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. Real life driving results may vary depending on factors such as driving styles, the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted after registration, vehicle load and weather conditions.