GWM Confirms Two New EVs for Australia by Late 2026

GWM has announced it will expand its electric vehicle (EV) lineup in Australia to three models by the third quarter of 2026. This confirmation marks a significant expansion of the brand's presence, which currently offers only one EV - the GWM Ora hatch.

The announcement was made during the unveiling of the 2025 Haval H6 SUV in Melbourne, where GWM Australia's chief operating officer John Kett outlined the company’s strategic direction.

“We certainly have an EV story to share next year,” said Mr Kett, highlighting the company’s focus on expanding its portfolio quickly across various segments.

GWM’s Electric Expansion: What’s Coming Next?

While the exact models weren’t officially confirmed, GWM’s testing activity and previous media previews provide strong clues. The company is currently trialling an electric dual-cab ute in China, and a new mid-size battery-electric SUV has already been revealed in prototype form.

Also under consideration is the sporty Ora sedan (Ora Lightning Cat), a potential competitor to the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal, which was shown to Australian media earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the more retro Ora Ballet Cat, resembling the original Volkswagen Beetle, is also part of GWM’s global EV catalogue but has not been confirmed for local release.

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GWM’s Current EV Lineup in Australia

GWM launched its first electric model in Australia in 2023, the Ora electric hatch, known overseas as the Ora 03 or Ora Good Cat. Priced at $33,990 drive-away for the Standard Range, it remains one of the most affordable EVs in the country.

Current GWM EV Available in Australia

Despite the low price point, Ora’s sales in 2025 have dropped, with only 331 units sold by the end of June. That places GWM 17th in EV sales rankings, slightly behind Toyota and just ahead of Ford.

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EV Sales Performance and Market Position

GWM has climbed the overall sales rankings by offering both hybrids and internal combustion models. It was Australia’s 10th-best-selling EV brand in 2024 and improved to seventh overall in 2025. The brand has also overtaken MG to become the top-selling Chinese car brand locally, though BYD remains close behind.

GWM EV Sales Snapshot

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A Strong Focus on Plug-In Hybrids

Alongside EVs, GWM has doubled down on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Two PHEVs are already on sale in Australia, with a third — the Tank 500 — expected to arrive by late 2025. In addition, the brand offers four conventional hybrid models across its local showroom.

This balanced portfolio is designed to help GWM meet Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which penalises automakers for high average emissions.

Mr Kett emphasised that hybrids will play a vital role in GWM’s transition strategy.

“The only way to comply is to start bringing in technology that transitions people from petrol-diesel into EVs,” he said. “Plug-in and hybrid is the way to go.”

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Looking Ahead: GWM’s 2030 Goals

GWM is targeting a significant shift by 2030, aiming for 80% of its Australian sales to be EVs or PHEVs, with the remaining 20% made up of diesel vehicles. With new electric models on the horizon and strong hybrid offerings, GWM appears committed to a long-term electrification plan that balances affordability, practicality, and compliance.