The 2021 MG ZS EV has been launched in Australia priced from $40,990 plus on-road costs (or $43,990 drive away), which makes it comfortably the cheapest electric car you can currently buy locally. Powered by a 105kW/353Nm electric motor that sends its power to the front wheels only, the 44.5kWh battery pack allows for a WLTP-rated range of 262km, which can be extended according to MG to around 370km in urban use thanks to regenerative brakes.
Speaking at the local launch of the ZS EV, Peter Ciao, CEO, MG Motor Australia and New Zealand, said: “Until now, buyers have had to pay a premium price for an EV. This has meant that only a small portion of the public can afford to buy an EV. Our vision at MG Motor is to change this situation by making electric vehicles available and accessible to everyone. By removing the affordability barrier, we are seeking to fast track EV adoption in Australia and New Zealand.”
Under the bonnet of the 2021 MG ZS EV is a 105kW/353Nm electric motor that sends its power to the front wheels. The motor is fed by a 44.5kWh battery pack that’s mounted under the floor, which can be recharged overnight when connected to a regular 7.2kW AC household socket, or up to 80 per cent in just 45 minutes using a 350kW DC station.
A full charge gives the ZS EV around 263km of WLTP-rated range, though MG says up to around 370km is achievable in urban conditions thanks to the car’s regenerative brakes, which recoup energy while coasting or braking. This compares well to the 315km range in the $49,990 Nissan Leaf and 311km range of the $48,790 Hyundai Ioniq.
Curiously, the 2021 MG ZS EV does not feature the same updated styling as the recently launched ZS T, instead it uses the pre-updated look that’s still on sale as the ZS. Unique exterior features to the EV variant include LED headlights, dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels, electric-folding mirrors and behind the MG badge at the front, a charging port.
Other standard feature additions include significantly more active safety tech, including autonomous emergency braking with forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, speed sign assist and blind-spot monitoring. These features helped the ZS EV earn a five-star NCAP safety rating – it’s yet to be rated locally, however.
Other standard features on the 2021 MG ZS EV include an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, inbuilt navigation, a six-speaker sound system, keyless entry and start, a panoramic glass sunroof, synthetic leather upholstery with heated front seats, auto headlights (which revert to auto mode when the car is switched off), three different driving modes and a rotary gear selector.
The 2021 MG ZS EV is covered by an eight-year/160,000km drivetrain warranty and a five-year/unlimited km full warranty with five years of roadside assistance.
2021 MG ZS V pricing:
EV: $43,990 drive away
Keyword: 2021 MG ZS EV: Australia’s Cheapest EV Launched