MG ZS EV arrives as Australia’s cheapest electric car

The starting price for battery-electric motoring in Australia has dropped to $40,990 plus on-road costs as Chinese brand MG today launches its MG ZS EV.

The first in a planned rush of electrified new models from the brand over the next five years, the all-electric MG ZS is almost $20,000 cheaper than the only other EV in the small SUV class – the Hyundai Kona Electric that starts from $60,740 plus on-road costs for the Elite model, or $65,290 for the Highlander.

The MG ZS also stands as the most affordable EV of any description, significantly undercutting the Hyundai IONIQ Electric and the Nissan LEAF small cars that are priced from $48,970 and $49,990 respectively.

Speaking at the launch of the electric MG ZS in Sydney, MG Australia managing director Peter Ciao said: “Until now, a customer has to pay more than $60,000 for a small electric EV. This is the future, here. People need a good car with a good price.”

The launch pricing for the MG ZS EV follows the previous promotional offer of $46,990 drive-away offered to 100 early adopters late last year.

The national drive-away pricing is now set at $43,990, and Mr Ciao said the early adopters who committed to the higher price would only have to pay the lower amount.

These early buyers will also be the first to receive the sparky MG, with deliveries to be made before Christmas.

“For them, it will be a big surprise,” said Ciao.

“At first we just shipped 100 vehicles, but now we have 1000. My base target for next year is 3000.”

The package for the ZS EV includes a downgraded five-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty (with five years of roadside assistance) – two years fewer than the warranty covering other MG models – plus eight years and 160,000km coverage for the battery.

Service intervals are every 12 months or 20,000km, whichever comes first.

The MG EV – which uses a 105kW/353Nm electric motor – was due to arrive earlier this year but was delayed due to a battery upgrade designed for ‘hot weather’ countries.

It now packs in a 44.5kWh battery, good for a 263km range (WLTP) between charges, which is similar to the Hyundai IONIQ and Nissan LEAF but can’t match the 450km range of the Hyundai Kona Electric.

MG also claims the zero-emissions ZS can run for up to 370km between recharges in city driving, while acceleration from 0-100km/h is listed at 8.2 seconds.

Charging of the MG is claimed to take 40 minutes on a 50kW fast charger to achieve an 80 per cent fill.

There are three driving modes, three levels of regeneration for the battery, and three modes of charging – through a plug-in port in the grille – up to super-fast super-charging.

MG says there is no impact on the interior space of the internal-combustion models of the ZS and the battery is fully shielded in steel.

It also says the five-star Euro NCAP safety score should transfer to Australia, with a protection package that includes its MG Pilot system.

The ZS EV is available with a unique ice-blue body colour, but otherwise it is nearly identical to the regular models, including the recently launched MG ZST turbo that up until now was topping the range at $31,490 (Essence) plus on-road costs.