I spoke last week about my first impressions of the small full electric MG ZS EV SUV –  the most affordable electric SUV here at $43,990 drive-away. Its equivalent in petrol power, the MG ZS T SUV $33,490. The EV is a well-built, highly equipped SUV . With three drive modes, Eco, Normal and Sport its drive-ability surprisingly brisk with great brakes and steering and a range fully charged of 263 kilometres – the driving experience a joy, my wife totally captivated by the electric driving experience. In urban driving it consumed battery power at around 14 kwh per 100km – so with my daily return commute of 64 kilometres I was able to drive for three days in Eco mode without charge.

The charging experience is where the love affair quickly diminishes – its tedious, the charging cord heavy particularly for a women  – 8 hours on a standard power point, 40 minutes though on a 50KW fast charger. Motoring has to be convenient, worrying about your available range is a constant fear. Yes, it’s well supported with a five-year warranty, 8-years on the battery, but the range is still short if you do a fair amount of weekly motoring.

For my money I’d buy the excellent value packed petrol  MG ZS T SUV and pocket the extra $10,500 for the EV.  The price penalty for pure electric power still too high.

I’m David Berthon.

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