Australia’s cheapest EV now pricier

Australia’s cheapest electric car, the MG ZS EV, is now $1000 more expensive at $44,990 drive-away, following selected price hikes across the MG model line-up from July 1.

At the same time, however, the MG ZS EV now also comes with a seven-year, unlimited-km warranty – up from five years – in line with rest of the MG range.

While the new MG HS Plug-In Hybrid is now also $1000 pricier at $47,990 drive-away as of July 1, the MG ZS EV remains Australia’s most affordable EV.

At under $45K drive-away, it undercuts by at least $5000 the Nissan LEAF hatch (from $49,990 plus on-road costs) and the Hyundai IONIQ Electric fastback, the starting price for which also increased by $1000 this month to $49,970 plus ORCs.

Co-incidentally or not, the $1000 price rise for both EVs comes a month after most state governments began offering subsidies for electric cars, including a $3000 rebate plus free stamp duty in NSW.

Despite the first price increase since it arrived in Australia last November, the MG ZS EV also remains vastly cheaper than any other electric SUV, including the Hyundai Kona Electric (from $62,000 plus ORCs), the closely related Kia Niro EV (from $62,590 plus ORCs) and the upcoming Mazda MX-30 Astina Electric ($65,490 plus ORCs).

However, Hyundai Australia will soon introduce a cheaper, shorter-range version of its Kona EV and has promised up to 23 new EVs, Mazda Australia is plotting five new EVs and fellow Chinese brand GWM is eyeing a trip of budget EVs under the Ora brand.

Also going up in price from July 1 was Australia’s top-selling light car, the MG3 (now from $17,990 drive-away – up $1000) and the MG ZST 1.3 (now from $29,990 drive-away – up $500), while the MG HS Vibe is now $1000 cheaper at $30,990 drive-away.