2022 MG ZS EV pricing and specifications confirmed; now two models, prices up
Australia’s cheapest EV just got more expensive – although it will be able to drive further on a charge when first deliveries arrive in July 2022.
The updated version of the MG ZS EV will retail from $46,990 drive-away for a new entry-level Excite model. Those wanting a similar level of equipment to the previous car will have to step up to the better-equipped ZS EV Essence for $49,990 (previously, the ZS EV was only offered as an Essence).
That entry price is $2000 more than the car it replaces, which already had a $1000 price rise from its initial launch pricing of $43,990. Comparing the old Essence with the new Essence the overall price increase now tops $6000, or about 14 percent.
MG says “it offers more technology at a price that will allow everyday Australians to switch to electric motoring without compromise”.
Rebates and incentives offered by various state and territory governments will allow many to claw some of those price increases back, but it increases the gap between the ICE models and the EV of the compact SUV.
However, the price increases mean the rival BYD Atto 3 – also due around July – is more affordable in some parts of the country. And the BYD also appears to get more standard equipment.
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Despite being more expensive than the previous Essence model, the new ZS EV Excite model has had some safety features removed from its list of standard equipment.
Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert are no longer included in that entry-level model. That’s despite those features being fitted standard on the petrol-only version of the ZS (known as the ZST) that sells from $25,490 drive-away.
To get those safety features you have to step up to the ZS EV Essence, which also adds a panoramic sunroof, fake leather seats, wireless phone charging, mirrors that fold when parked, heated front seats and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat.
The warranty on the high-voltage battery has also been reduced from eight years to seven. However, whereas there was previously a 160,000km limit on the battery warranty, there’s no limit on how many kilometres you use it – although if you use it for commercial use (ride sharing or courier driving, for example) then the 160,000km cap kicks back in.
There’s still a single electric motor driving the front wheels. MG Australia hasn’t confirmed its outputs, although in certifying the vehicle for sale with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications it has listed the electric motor output as 130kW, which is well up on the 105kW/353Nm of the previous model.
Now for the good news…
The new ZS EV gets a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster (previously analogue) as well as a 10.1-inch infotainment screen (up from 8.0 inches with the old model).
All models also continue to get autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, 360-degree camera and revised styling that smooths and modernises the nose.
As part of the model update the new MG ZS EV gets a new 51kWh battery, up from 44.5kWh with the model it replaces.
That in turn extends the claimed WLTP range from 263km to 320km.
While Australian specifications haven’t been confirmed, overseas the car can now perform AC charging at up to 11kW (previously 7.2kW), allowing for a full charge in about five hours (or about 23 hours using a home powerpoint).
DC charging has been increased to 76kW, well up on the 50kW of the current car (although we have seen the previous MG ZS EV charging at more than 70kW). MG claims a 30-80 percent charge in about 30 minutes.
The updated MG ZS EV is due in Australia in the second half of 2022 The updated MG ZS EV is due in Australia in the second half of 2022 The updated MG ZS EV is due in Australia in the second half of 2022 The updated MG ZS EV is due in Australia in the second half of 2022 The updated MG ZS EV is due in Australia in the second half of 2022 The updated MG ZS EV is due in Australia in the second half of 2022 The updated MG ZS EV is due in Australia in the second half of 2022 The updated MG ZS EV is due in Australia in the second half of 2022
MG describes the battery as an “all-new, high-specification” battery. One of the biggest changes is with its chemistry; like the Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive it now gets a lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery (in testing two Teslas back-to-back we found the LFP battery to be faster charging).
A larger 72kWh battery is offered with the ZS EV overseas, but that’s not available here yet.
“The decision has been made to focus on the 51kWh lithium iron phosphate-equipped new ZS EV for the Australian and New Zealand markets, because it offers the right combination of range, battery stability and life, recharging time and value for our customers,” said an MG Australia spokesperson.
2022 MG ZS EV specifications
Price: $46,990 (Excite), $49,990 (Essence)
Basics: EV, 5 seats, 5 doors, SUV, FWD
Range: 320km (WLTP)
Battery capacity: 51kWh
Battery warranty: 7 years, unlimited km (160,000km if using the car commercially)
Energy consumption: TBA
Motors: 1 fron, 130kW (according to government certification documents; figure TBC)
AC charging: 11kW, Type 2 plug
DC charging: 76kW, CCS combo plug
0-100km/h: TBA
Such a shame MG didn’t opt for the bigger battery.
320km won’t get you comfortably from Sydney to Canberra on a single charge.
If they knew the Australian market they’d look at the #1 EV with 480km range and at least try to come close.
I was holding out for the new model but will have to hold off again, or splash for the Tesla
Dreadful decision not to release the long range here & in a place like Australia. I’ll now be looking elsewhere to BYD etc.
I am also VERY disappointed that the long range battery isn’t coming. Considering the long distance driving many Australians like to do, it is quite puzzling. Would anyone from MG care to explain? With the increasing number of new EV models now appearing, this could prove devastating to MG in the next few years. I have observed that Australians are also willing to pay for the extra range – MG, please note the booming Tesla sales – which makes this rather ‘stingy’ release look like a lack of understanding of the local market conditions. Unless MG are up to something else…please tell me it’s another MG model with a long range battery!!
MG created a lot of goodwill last year – we bought one – and are blowing it all this year by price gouging and withholding the long-range version. Really really dumb.