Why Australia’s cheapest Electric Vehicle is a winner

The MG EV is cheap but that doesn’t mean it’s nasty. We took it for a test drive and liked what we found.

The MG ZS EV.

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My first car was a sleek sports wagon, which started with the push of a button.
I thought this was the most hi-tech invention ever. What? No key? Are we now in the future, I wondered.

We weren’t of course.

But we pretty much are now. In recent years cars have evolved from top to bottom and today they’re not only push button start (if you fancy that), there’s electric versions too, meaning you can skip costly, not to mention planet-destroying, petrol altogether.

Say hello to the MG ZS EV.

Even better, charging stations can be set up at home with little to no fuss and are also found in many public locations where you can charge up your vehicle for zero cost.

This is very welcome news with the soaring cost of living being front of mind for many Australians, if not all.

On the subject of the EV (that’s electric vehicle for the uninitiated) I was recently loaned the MG version for a weekend and I have to say, it is a winner.

Not too shabby — the MG ZS EV.

When fully charged this sleek SUV provides close to 300km driving capability, meaning even the most enthusiastic of drivers are set for at least the weekend and in all likelihood much longer.

It’s very zippy, has an incredible camera system making it terribly easy to park, yes, even parallel, and easy to squeeze down those tricky, way too tight for modern-day vehicles, city streets.

Got to love that high boot — perfect for loading groceries or unpacking prams.

The boot is spacious and high off the ground (hello easy grocery manoeuvrability) and the ride is pretty smooth for an electric (they tend to be a bit bouncy thanks to the weight of their enormous battery).

The stereo is without peer if that’s something that matters to you and it’s pretty to look at too. All in all – it’s a yes from us. And if you do fancy parking an EV in your driveway shortly you won’t be alone.

Charging the MG ZS EV. Right now you can charge for free in many public spaces. Picture: Supplied

This style of car is gaining traction in Australia with the numbers nearly tripling in 2021 and increasing by 65 per cent in 2022.

Electric cars now represent 3.39 per cent of all new car sales in Australia according to the latest State of Electric Vehicles report by the Electric Vehicle Council. The same report found that charging stations numbered 2147 Australia-wide as of June 2022.

This was a 15 per cent increase compared to early 2021 and nearly double the number in operation in August 2020.

MG ZS EV in blue may I keep it please.

Clearly, the MG is a an excellent option for those looking to enter the market thanks to its accessible price point. But if it doesn’t appeal, Australians can now choose from 45 different EVs and one is sure to appeal.

The MG ZS EV Excite, from $44,990.