Power to the people

The idea of owning an electric car sparks many thoughts and cost is usually one of them.

While many automakers talk about making EVs more affordable, MG has delivered with the release of its updated ZS EV.

Priced from $44,990 driveaway, MG’s sleek new 100% battery electric mid-size SUV solves Australia’s EV affordability issue. And the company hasn’t just delivered on pricing; MG has packed the ZS EV with remarkable levels of value and technology, making it ideal for value conscious EV buyers.

MG Motor Australia is leading the way when it comes to encouraging families to begin their transformation from internal combustion engines (petrol and diesel) vehicles to EV’s by enabling people to become an all electric family with the MG ZS EV and a transitional solution, with the MG HS Plus EV.

The MG ZS EV is available in two model grades: the entry-level Excite and the range-leading Essence. Both feature a 50.3kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery powering a highly efficient electric motor. The result is a solid 280Nm of instant fun-to-drive torque and 130kW of power, giving the ZS EV unexpected acceleration and responsiveness.

MG has designed the ZS EV with its advanced lithium-ion battery underneath the passenger compartment, giving it a low centre of gravity for impressive handling and cornering agility, qualities not usually found in mid-size SUVs.

With up to 320km of driving range from a single charge, there’s plenty of drive time between recharging stops. In fact, the MG ZS EV’s easily exceeds a week of the average Aussie’s commute, making the MG ZS EV an ideal choice for daily driving.

Adding to the enjoyment of driving the MG ZS EV is the choice of three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Sport. These allow the car to adapt to the driver’s needs in different situations.

Eco mode maximises the available driving range, but without restricting acceleration when it’s needed. Normal mode gives drivers the enjoyment of MG’s signature driving experience. And Sport mode delivers extra responsiveness for even more driving fun.

Together, they give owners a broad user range for all sorts of driving needs.

Adding to the ZS EV’s intelligent efficiency are three regenerative braking modes. Each varies the intensity of battery regeneration for different driving conditions. For example, the highest level of regeneration is useful for when driving in the city, maximising the amount of electricity put back into the car’s battery when in stop/start traffic – and delaying the need for plug-in recharging.

It’s another feature that makes owning a ZS EV smarter and simpler.

Supporting the driver at all times is MG Pilot, a suite of safety and technology aids offered in the ZS EV.

Eight of these smart features are fitted to the Excite model grade and they include Adaptive Cruise Control (which keeps a set distance from the car ahead when driving on a motorway), Forward Collision Waring (which alerts the driver to brake quickly should they need to avoid the car in front), and Lane Keep Assist with Departure Warning (which helps the driver avoid wandering out of their lane).

The Essence grade adds two extra MG Pilot technologies: Blind Spot detection (which alerts a driver to another vehicle traveling in their blind spot) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (which signals an object approaching behind the vehicle when reversing).

Together, MG Pilot’s suite of technologies constantly sense the ZS EV’s surroundings to detect and avoid unseen hazards, giving drivers peace of mind.

MG has made recharging simple with MG ChargeHub. The compact and stylish recharging unit has built-in ethernet and internet connectivity to make the unit future-proof and easy to operate.

Recharging the ZS EV is fuss-free. Via a 7kW Aurora MG ChargeHub, the ZS EV can fully replenish its battery from empty in just eight hours, ideal for overnight recharging.

Part of the additional value packed in the ZS EV is its ability to “Vehicle-To-Load” (V2L) which allows you to use the stored energy from the ZS EV to recharge an e-bike, or power electrical camping equipment, or laptop on the go. Although a V2L external adaptor is required to use this function.

With V2L technology, it is possible to pitch a tent, and then draw power from the MG ZS EV’s battery to use everyday appliances such as a coffee machine, microwave, or an electric pump for inflating an air mattress.

Controlling your car? There's an app for that with the ZS EV. The iSmart app is, among other things, a charging management system which enables you to set the target battery level, check on the charging status and schedule charging times to save on your electricity bills.

It also allows owners to perform remote air-con control and door locking, real-time navigation, a really handy ‘find my car’ parking lot search, live weather updates and streaming audio from Amazon Music.

The sleek exterior design of the MG ZS EV matches a cabin suited to fun and family life.

The ZS EV carries 359 litres of cargo space to ensure you and your family have space to pack all of your needs and wants into the boot without compromise.
Up front, the 10.1-inch multi-function colour touchscreen makes connecting personal devices simple. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto let you take your music with you on the road.

The leather-trimmed steering wheel feels great and matches the soft-touch materials used throughout the cabin. And the panoramic stargazer sunroof in the Essence grade delivers a feeling of even greater spaciousness.

Other standard equipment includes energy-saving LED lighting, satellite navigation, a 360 View Camera, and 17-inch Propellor alloy wheel aero covers. The Essence grade adds front seat heating, wireless phone charging, rain-sensing wipers and roof rails, and more.

The MG ZS EV is backed by a seven-year warranty and the availability of Precise Price Servicing.

So, is this the best-value EV on the market? Easily, thanks to loads of standard equipment and advanced user-friendly tech in a sleek and practical SUV package, all for $44,990 driveaway.

Contact your local MG dealer and test drive one today.

Related: Why EV ownership is now easier than ever