Dayun Yuehu S5 vs GWM Ora 03
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The GWM Ora 03 wins on money kept: 54% retained after three years vs 49%, worth about R 146 034 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Yuehu S5 | Ora 03 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 399 900 | R 629 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 6 990/m | R 11 010/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 70% | 73% |
| Retained after 3 years | 49% | 54% |
| Value after 3 years | R 194 904 | R 340 938 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 204 996 | R 288 962 |
| Value after 5 years | R 134 350 | R 244 592 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Chinese (established) |
Dayun Yuehu S5 →
The Yuehu S5 arrived in July 2024 as South Africa's cheapest electric car at R399,900, with a VIP version at R449,900. It is a Picanto-sized mini SUV with a claimed 330km range and a 100km/h top speed, so it suits city use. Enviro Automotive imports it in small volumes, which keeps the used market close to nonexistent.
Known for: sa's cheapest electric car
GWM Ora 03 →
GWM's retro-styled electric hatch went on sale in late 2023 and has sold in tiny numbers, with fewer than 100 units registered in its first three years. Launch pricing near R687k has been discounted to move stock. GWM plans to reboot the Ora line locally with the cheaper Ora 5, so the 03's future is uncertain.
Known for: retro styling and very slow sales
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Dayun Yuehu S5 or the GWM Ora 03?
The GWM Ora 03. It keeps about 54% of its price after three years against 49% for the Dayun Yuehu S5, a gap of 5 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Dayun Yuehu S5 loses about R 204 996 over three years and the GWM Ora 03 loses about R 288 962. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Dayun Yuehu S5 runs about R 6 990 per month and the GWM Ora 03 about R 11 010, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.