GWM Australia will breathe new life into a disused fuel station in Collingwood on 2nd August 2026, transforming the forgotten forecourt into the ‘ORA Fun Station’ – a Euro summer-inspired pop-up experience that reimagines what a service station can be in the electric vehicle era.
Inspired by the Amalfi Coast, the once-traditional forecourt will be transformed into a vibrant courtyard complete with striped umbrellas, terracotta tones, barista-made coffee and the soundtrack of a European summer. GWM wall chargers will sit alongside the existing fuel bowsers, visually reflecting Australia's evolving transport landscape and the shift from petrol pumps to electric charging.
But the transformation goes beyond appearances. Turning the traditional service station concept on its head, three GWM ORA 5 SUVs will become the activation's sole power source. Using Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, the vehicles will generate enough electricity to power the entire experience, from the espresso machine and food truck to the DJ booth, speakers and lighting, replacing the role traditionally played by petrol and generators.
The activation is the physical expression of GWM's latest brand campaign, 'Live a Little MORA'. Playing on the ORA name, the campaign celebrates the idea that with an electric GWM in the driveway, there's always more life on offer. By transforming a cold Melbourne winter's day into a warm Euro summer oasis powered entirely by the ORA 5 SUV, the ORA Fun Station demonstrates how an EV can do far more than simply provide a mode of transport, giving locals the opportunity to socialise, enjoy a complimentary barista-made coffee and experience Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology in action.
“This is about showing people what an EV can actually do beyond simply getting you from A to B,” said Steve Maciver, Head of Marketing & Communications, GWM Australia. “Vehicle-to-Load technology is one of the most overlooked features of an electric vehicle. Many people simply don't realise their car can power appliances, tools, camping equipment or, in this case, an entire event. By taking a disused petrol station, one of the most recognisable symbols of the petrol era, and transforming it into the ORA Fun Station, we're demonstrating how EV technology can power experiences, not just journeys. That's the shift in thinking we want people to experience.”
For more on GWM’s ORA 5 ‘Fun Station’ pop up:
WHEN: Sunday, August 2, 2026 11:00am - 3:00pm.
WHERE: Little Sam's Service Station | 302-310 Wellington St, Collingwood VIC 306.
COST: Free public entry. This includes complimentary food, coffee, and entertainment.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
•Fuel up on fun: Guests can enjoy free Italian-style street food, fresh focaccia paninis, and premium espressos. These are served up courtesy of the retro Via Gianlu food van.
•Euro Summer Soundtracks: A live DJ will be spinning a curated set of upbeat Euro-house, funk, and disco classics.
•Keepsakes & Culture: Attendees can get a custom car-icature drawn by a live caricaturist. Visitors can also challenge a mate to a game of petanque. For a retro touch, guests can snap a classic Polaroid next to the ORA to take home.
The pop-up is part of GWM's broader push to reposition its EV offering around real, everyday use cases rather than spec-sheet claims. By transforming a disused fuel station into a fully functioning event powered entirely by the ORA 5 SUV, the activation lets the vehicle's battery and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability do the talking in a setting where people would least expect it.
Image for illustration purposes only.