If you're new to driving an electric car, we know how daunting it can be when it comes to charging them. But don't worry, we're here to help and we want to make your transition from combustion to EV as smooth as possible.
We've put together a handy guide on all things charging for the ORA 03.
Firstly, there are three ways to charge...
But how does charging actually work?
ORA 03 comes with a combined charging system (CSS), which, in other words, means one socket for all three ways of charging mentioned above.
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.
But how long does it take to charge?
What about charging 0 - 100%?
A lot of manufacturers quote their charge times with the assumption the battery won't ever go down to zero.
As will all EVs, charging from 80 - 100% also takes the longest. It's kinda like filling up a hug with water - when it gets to the top, you have to pour the rest in slowly so it doesn't spill over.
It's best practice to keep your battery levels between 10 - 80% to increase its life and longevity.
Do I need to buy some charging cables?
Your ORA 03 will only require the use of two types of cables. Type 2 for home and on-street charging, and CSS Rapid Charging.
As mentioned previously, all charging is done through the CSS socket, whether that's at home or out on the road.
When you purchase a new ORA 03, it'll come with a 3-pin to type 2 connector which allows for 'trickle charging' from a domestic outdoor 3-pin socket.
You can also upgrade to a standard type 2 cable which will cost £210 inc VAT.
| 3-pin domestic plug to Type 2, AC (home charging without a wall box) | Type 2, AC (home charging with dedicated wall box and on-street) | CCS, DC (Rapid charger, tethered cable) |
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What is 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.
Home charging made easy...
GWM ORA has made charging simple. They've partnered with Octopus Energy to provide you with an easy home charging and energy solution.
