The key facts
- The ORA Ballet Cat is a Great Wall Motor electric car with a makeup mirror, 'Lady Driving Mode' and a 'Warm Man' mode to relieve menstrual pain
- Power will grow from 126 to 150 kW, speed from 155 to 180 km/h; the SVOLT battery will remain, with capacity and range data not disclosed
- According to CarNewsChina, 8,523 cars were delivered from July 2022 to June 2026; the concept was criticized for stereotyping
VW Beetle-style electric car with 'feminine' equipment
The Chinese ORA brand, owned by automaker Great Wall Motor (GWM), brought to market in 2022 the ORA Ballet Cat electric car, positioned as an 'exclusive car for women.' The model attracts attention with its design — rounded fenders and distinctive headlights reminiscent of the classic VW Beetle — as well as unusual equipment. The interior features a backlit makeup mirror, a cosmetics compartment and a built-in selfie camera. Particular attention was drawn to the 'Warm Man' mode, which turns on seat heating and climate control with a single button; according to the manufacturer, the function is meant to improve well-being during menstruation. There is also 'Lady Driving Mode' — a set of assistants including adaptive cruise control and parking assistance systems. On the website, the model is shown, among other things, in pink.
Technical update and possible new name
According to reports, the model is set for a modernization: the electric motor's power will increase from 126 kilowatts (about 171 hp) to 150 kilowatts (approximately 204 hp), and the top speed from 155 to 180 kilometers per hour. The body and overall design, according to available information, will barely change. The lithium iron phosphate battery from manufacturer SVOLT will also remain, but data on the capacity and range of the updated version have not yet been disclosed. According to CarNewsChina, the car may in the future be called ORA 6, but the renaming has not been officially confirmed. The price, according to CarNewsChina, is roughly the equivalent of 24,900 to 28,800 euros: 193,300 yuan for the version with a 49.93 kWh battery and 223,000 yuan for the version with 60.5 kWh.
Modest sales and criticism of the concept
Despite media attention, the commercial success of the Ballet Cat proved limited: according to CarNewsChina, only 8,523 cars were delivered in China from July 2022 to June 2026. The concept was criticized, including by the specialized outlet CarNewsChina, which pointed to the stereotypical nature of certain functions. In its view, 'Lady Driving Mode' may create the impression that women are less reliable behind the wheel, while the 'Warm Man' mode may be perceived as 'indecent.' Euronews notes that growth, seating position and comfort requirements vary among people regardless of gender.
A second retro electric car — the Punk Cat
In addition to the Ballet Cat, ORA presented another retro-style electric car — the Punk Cat, which also resembles the classic VW Beetle with its rounded body and distinctive headlights. The model was shown at the Shanghai auto show in 2021 and sparked discussions due to its similarity to Volkswagen. Unlike the Ballet Cat, the Punk Cat was not positioned as a 'women's' car; series production under that name was never launched.
