China’s Great Wall debuts low-cost electric vehicle in Thailand

BANGKOK — Great Wall Motors has begun selling electric vehicles in Thailand, the Chinese automaker said Monday, entering its first overseas market for EVs at a price below most of the local competition.

The Ora Good Cat subcompact starts at 989,000 baht ($29,800), on par with the lowest-cost electric sold in Thailand by MG Motor, the British brand owned by Shanghai-based SAIC Motor. The Good Cat also is 30% less expensive than the Nissan Leaf.

The cheapest Good Cat model travels 400 km on a charge, and can recharge up to 80% in 46 minutes using a quick charger. Great Wall initially will import the vehicle from China, but looks to begin local production in 2023.

Great Wall first entered Thailand last year when it acquired an assembly plant from General Motors. The automaker plans to turn the country into a manufacturing hub for electrified vehicles covering Southeast Asia.

Narong…