Tag Archives: Funky

News

Ora Funky Cat gets a larger battery for a range of 260 miles

The Ora Funky Cat, a unique competitor to the Volkswagen ID 3, produced by Chinese company Great Wall Motor, now comes with an upgraded battery that provides an improved range. Previously, the electric hatchback offered a 48kWh battery with a range of 193 miles. However, customers can now opt for a 63kWh battery, which offers a range of 260 miles, according to the WLTP test cycle.

The First Edition+ model, equipped with the larger battery, comes with a price tag of £33,795, which is £1800 more than the standard Funky Cat. This variant also includes additional features such as heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and parking assistance. Buyers of the First Edition+ model will also receive unique badges, mats, and keys.

Initially, only 50 examples of the First Edition+ will be available in the UK. Orders for this limited edition will begin on 12 October. Ora states that the First Edition+ is the first in a series of planned updates for the Funky Cat. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also being tested and are expected to be available across the range through a software update.

The Funky Cat made its entry into the UK market last year in limited First Edition form, with a 48kWh battery offering a range of 193 miles. All models come with standard equipment including adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless phone charging, and wired smartphone mirroring.

The Funky Cat, with its larger battery, offers more than double the range of the similarly priced Mazda MX-30 and slightly more range than even the top-of-the-line Renault Zoe. There will also be a mid-range option with a 58kWh battery providing a range of 209 miles in the future.

All models are capable of charging at 80kW from a CCS fast charger, while standard charging options include 6.6kW single-phase and three-phase 11kW AC charging.

Motorsport

Watch Ferrari Roma Test Mule Evaluate Possible V12 For 812 Replacement

A recently captured video shows Ferrari’s ongoing development of a new supercar, with distinct features hinting at a V12 engine that will most likely power the successor to the 812 Superfast.

The test mule, captured on public roads, emits a delightful engine growl enhanced by its unique tailpipes and throaty exhaust note. The camouflage wrap conceals the modified Roma body, which has a longer nose design to keep the powertrain hidden.


Long-Term Review

Ora Funky Cat 2023 long-term test

Mileage: 3,450

Life with an Ora Funky Cat: Month 4

Just one small part can prevent the whole machine from working – 24 May

It’s frustrating. I can’t insert the 50kW CCS plug into the charging port of the Funky Cat. Let’s try the 43kW Type 2. Nope, same issue: it goes most of the way in but doesn’t click into place, and as a result, the charger can’t communicate with the car.

We’ve already spent half an hour on a beautiful Sunday afternoon trying to find a charger and get enough power for a half-lap of the M25. My patience is wearing thin. I won’t go into detail about my reaction here.

My partner, who is more level-headed than me and less emotionally invested in the situation, takes a calmer and more logical approach. While I hadn’t thought of it, she suggests searching online for a solution.

I assumed that because the Funky Cat is new and rare, I wouldn’t find much helpful information from experienced owners on forums. But luckily, someone else had recently encountered the same problem, and their situation was even more urgent than ours.

“Urgent help needed,” reads the post she found on an EV forum. “I’m on holiday in Cornwall and the pin inside the charging port seems to be locked, so I can’t fully connect any charger. It usually slides into the hole in the charging cable when pushed in. I need to go home on Wednesday and cannot charge!”

Reading this, the idea of me being a bit late for a family barbecue doesn’t seem so important anymore.

This is great information. With this knowledge, we point our phone torches into the port and see the tiny pin causing all the trouble.

One person on the forum had suggested disconnecting the 12V battery to reset the system and clear any issues, but I don’t want to do that because it would reset all the settings to their factory defaults, and I don’t have the necessary socket with me. It’s at home, which is now a 20-minute walk away.