Finally, MG goes ‘electric’!

MG has announced its first affordable electric car, reports Iain Robertson, heralding its arrival with a manufacturer matching of the government’s £3,500 EV grant, which equates to a massive £7,000 discount off a new car priced notionally from £28,495.

The company is keen to boast of the ZS EV’s high technology, which is actually just a suite of the usual adaptive cruise control, lane discipline, autonomous braking and blindspot monitoring systems available as standard on both Excite and Exclusive trim levels. Yet, there is no denial of its value-for-money price tagging, which is applicable to the first 1,000 UK customers to adopt the new model.

Naturally, the ZS is already acknowledged as a well-packaged budget-level motorcar albeit now powered by a clean(ish), efficient and dynamic electric powertrain. Combining a WLTP certified range of 163 miles, it is going to need its rapid charging capability for any longer trips. Fortunately, the same seven years warranty that is provided for all MG models also covers the lithium ion battery pack on the ZS EV.  



The car majors on interior space, making it ideal for both family and business use. It also features a substantial boot, with hidden storage areas, a split-level floor and practical aspects to keep items secure, when on the move. The bright cabin is illuminated by the panoramic, sliding Sky Roof, which creates an airy environment for occupants. The 8.0-inch colour touchscreen features satellite navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth phone connectivity, with audio streaming and DAB radio. It works easily and speedily, linking to mobiles and music systems instantly.




The EV package features a water-cooled 44.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack, feeding a front-mounted electric motor that delivers a modest 140bhp, supported by a very healthy 260lbs ft of instant torque. The battery pack is located beneath the car, for a lower centre of gravity, which helps with handling agility and balance. Three driving modes and three levels of regenerative braking help the EV to meet driver preferences.


Both the car’s familiar internal and external styling elements are largely unaltered, although the ZS EV sports the latest evolution of MG’s distinctive star-rider grille that frames the octagonal logo, behind which the CCS charging port is located. A new-style of 17.0-inch diameter alloy wheels is designed to be light and extremely aerodynamic, helping to create more efficient airflow, and the choice of four exterior colours includes a new Pimlico Blue.

With an enticing £21,495 price point at launch, ZS EV is a compelling option for customers wanting to switch from old school petrol and diesel cars to enjoy some of the benefits of electric motoring. MG is being intentionally disruptive with its affordability but do not be led up a garden path, as it is only the first 1,000 examples that incorporate the ‘deal’, which also includes free installation of a domestic wall-charger. The true entry-point (post government grant) is £24,995, for the Excite trim level and a further £2,000 for the better equipped Exclusive version, plus wall-box fees. Deliveries commence in September 2019. 

MSG Summary

Just as the regular ZS is a perfectly decent package, the EV version continues that trend. However, a punchier, longer range version must be on the cards, if MG is to compete head-on with other ‘budget-priced’ EVs.

Join the Priority Club

Whether it’s your weekly grocery shop, reducing your utility bills or looking for a weekend take-away delivered to your door, Priority Club has a deal to save you money!