MG PHEVs now ‘+EVs’; up to 1000 wallbox chargers to hotels

MG has rebranded its HS plug-in hybrid SUV as the +EV, at the same time dropping the PHEV reference to the car powered by petrol and electricity.

Emphasising the “EV” part of the name in the car now known as the HS +EV brings it closer in marketing terms to a regular electric vehicle, even if nothing has changed with the car itself.

MG Australia CEO Peter Ciao says it’s all about simplifying the message.

FULL REVIEW: MG HS PHEV (or +EV)
FULL REVIEW: MG ZS EV

“MG will change the name of our plug-in hybrids to +EV,” he says.

“The term of hybrid has often been misunderstood. We wish to make it clear that this vehicle has two independent drive systems.”

The move comes months after Mitsubishi also walked away form referring to its Outlander PHEV as a PHEV, instead reverting to Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.

While he didn’t go into detail, Ciao said more PHEVs – or +EVs – were on the way to Australia.

“I want to launch more plug EV models in Australia and New Zealand.”

In the meantime, MG Australia is gearing up to launch the updated ZS EV.

While pricing and details haven’t been announced – the new ZS EV will be available with a larger battery pack that extends the range – the heavily updated model is due in the first half of 2022.

MG will no doubt be keen to hang on to its claim of selling the most affordable battery electric vehicle in Australia.

The title looks set to come under pressure in 2022 by fellow Chinese car maker BYD, which is planning big things locally.

MG is also planning to roll out up to 1000 EV chargers at selected hotels and resorts over the coming year.

The company has committed to supplying between 300 and 1000 free wallbox chargers to regional hotels with at least a three-star rating.

The company says “eligibility criteria is based on a combination of size of accommodation, hotel star rating, number of rooms, size of carpark, venue location”.

The MG-branded chargers – no doubt part of a broader marketing strategy – will have a Type 2 plug and supply between 7kW and 11kW to any EVs, not just MGs. Eventually, MG wants to have up to 3000 “charge hubs” around Australia.

However, it’s up to the hotel or resort to arrange installation, which usually costs at least $600 and can cost upwards of $1000.