More Than 500 China-Made EVs Recalled in New Zealand

(CHUTTERSNAP/Unsplash.com)

More than 500 electric vehicles (EVs) manufactured in China have been recalled in New Zealand due to a programming issue.

The GWM Ora 2023, made by the Great Wall Motor (GWM) company headquartered in Hebei, China, is being called back for a software upgrade.

This comes as the same EV model was recalled in Australia due to a programming issue that can cause an electric arc to form, creating risk of injury or death.

In New Zealand, 523 EVs have been impacted by an international recall for the EV car, GWM national sales manager Sean Tupp said in EVs and Beyond.

Mr. Tupp explained to the publication the brand would instigate a recall campaign via its national dealership network when it has received all the required information from the manufacturer.

A recall notice published on the NZ Transport Agency website states the Ora 2023 produced between Jan. 11 and Sep. 13 this year is impacted by the recall.

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“Due to a programming issue, if the vehicle is being charged and operator wants to end the charging task by unlocking the vehicle and removing the charging plug, before cancelling the charge from the charge station, a reduced voltage can still be supplied to the vehicle,” the notice said.

“GWM will contact affected owners in writing, requesting they make an appointment at their preferred GWM Dealer, who will update the vehicle software, free of charge.”

The “all-new” 100 percent electric-powered Ora produces zero emissions and is available for about NZ$42,990 (US$26,000) in Auckland.

New Zealand also offers a clean car rebate, providing $7,015 (US$4,293) for a car that produces zero carbon emissions.

The rebate in New Zealand is offered to help the country become “carbon neutral” through cheaper zero and low-emission cars.

EVs Also Recalled In Australia

Meanwhile, in Australia, 1,659 GM Ora 2023 EVs are being recalled due to an issue that can lead to an electric arc forming between the charging plug and the vehicle.

A notice informing owners of the issue was published on the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication, and the Arts website.

“Due to a programming issue, if the operator removes the charging cable without cancelling the charge, an electrical arc between the charging plug and the vehicle may occur,” the notice said.

“If an electrical arc comes into contact with the operator or bystanders it will increase the risk of serious injury or death.”

GWM recently released its sales data for November 2023. During the month, the company sold 35,496 vehicles of all types overseas, up 76.7 percent year-on-year.

Overall, the company’s sales increased 40 percent in November compared to the same time last year.

Chinese automobile manufacturer Great Wall Motor (GWM) displays the new compact electric vehicle "ORA Good Cat 03" during the 30th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) in Tangerang on Aug. 10, 2023. (Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP via Getty Images)

Between January to November, the company sold more than one million vehicles, nearly 13 percent more than the same months in 2022.