Affordability central to MG's EV pitch in Australia

MG says affordability will be its key point of difference in Australia’s bourgeoning EV landscape.

The Chinese-owned manufacturer will join the EV segment next year with the rollout of 100 MG ZS EVs – each with a promotional price tag of $46,990 drive-away.

As it stands, that price undercuts Australia’s most affordable electric car, the recently updated Hyundai IONIQ Electric, by $1500.

Speaking with carsales at the recent launch of the new MG HS, MG Australia marketing director Danny Lenartic said the ZS EV loomed as a serious game-changer for the domestic EV segment.

“ZS EV will be the first electric car from us. It’s under evaluation at the moment in terms of infrastructure. It’s a huge step forward for the business, just like the MG HS is,” he said.

Driven briefly in China earlier this year, the MG ZS EV is powered by an electric motor rated at 105kW and 353Nm. Its 44.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack is water-cooled and promises a WLTP range of up to 262km.

In addition to the special drive-away pricing, the MG ZS EV is offered with a seven-year/160,000km warranty, with the battery covered for seven years also.

Standard features will include a panoramic sunroof, an 8.0-inch infotainment touch-screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, six-speaker audio and satellite navigation.

“We will bring the ZS EV out to Australia next year, we’ve already taken deposits so it’s a guarantee. Individuals are putting deposits down daily,” Lenartic said.

“There’s a pre-sale that was in market for the first 100 units -- $46,990. At the moment that’s the most affordable electric option in market.

“Time will tell. I guess it was horse and cart, steam engines, internal combustion and now electric’s time – but that’s been decades in the making. There’s an evolution happening, how that transcends in this country is yet to be determined.”

Lenartic pointed to MG parent company SAIC’s heavy investment in electric technology and infrastructure as a real advantage for Australian officials.

China is already enforcing strict quotas for EVs, legislation that is applying a clear ripple effect to car-makers and other jurisdictions around the world.

“Obviously the government in Australia will dictate much of what happens, but we’re not going to stop because clearly with the ZS EV, we’re heavily invested,” Lenartic said.

“The first electric buses in China rolled out with the Beijing Olympics. I do feel we’re well on our way.”