2021 Electric MG5 LR - Mobile Workshop.

We've recently found the need for a longer range service vehicle but still required a certain amount of usable space. Therefore the new MG5 LR was our new purchase. We sent it to a local company for a conversion specifically for what we do and to carry the amount of parts we need. Here's how it looks in it's finished state.

[@bobadams7654]

Great conversion. I'd wondered about removing the plastic cover under bonnet to create storage- voila, uv done it. I'm waiting for an ex demo facelift model to be available.

[@kinross24]

Having a test drive soon of the LR, but notice the new facelift with big battery and new infotainment and software coming early 2022 to UK. Might wait in that but then there’s gonna be great deals on the current version. Hmmm, dilemma! Great choice for a work horse!!

[@IslaSprollie]

Will the update have adaptive cruise ?

[@EverythingCarsandMoreECAM]

@@IslaSprollie the long range does

[@EverythingCarsandMoreECAM]

I would go for the new version as it looks better and you will have the new mg I smart app to control your phone. It will be loads better

[@IslaSprollie]

@@EverythingCarsandMoreECAM I have a Honda e for personal transport, so have been spoilt by wireless CarPlay and Adaptive Cruise etc but I was to replace our family bus (Kia Carens) with a more sensible EV like the MG5 for dog duty etc. However I would not want to go back to regular cruise control. So the updated MG6 sounds good.

[@Kosh42EFG]

What size is the Really Useful Box in the Frunk?

[@positivelycharged1296]

Perfect for the job! Well done James

[@leesmart1971]

My Kona has loads of space under the bonnet. Fitted gas struts and a big plastic box just like you've done. Hyundai garage removed it when they serviced the car and put it in the boot saying it was a fire risk. Slung it straight back when I got home....

[@dcvariousvids8082]

Scare mongering by dealership or a lack of understanding of materials, as the box shown here and the Kona Electric’s fake engine cover, are made of the same substance. They look different but are the same. The fake engine cover has a darker colouring pigment and is thicker, that’s about it.

[@catielakemusic]

My binge-watch has reached this point and I love the MG EVs. Watching this and, as a fan of SUVs and estates, I am keen on the MG5. Then I spotted an article this week on the planned replacement of the MG5 with an estate MG4!?!

[@whitemoor66]

That's a cracking conversion! Thought you might get one of these after your experience with the standard 5. Good information on the laden efficiency too. Looking forward to seeing more on this 👍.

[@chriscondie3688]

James, nice plaster on yer finger! Once again thanks for doing the break fluid on the Zoë, the auto door lock now works randomly for the first time in years.

[@Jamesandkate]

Thank your good lady for that. Paw patrol. The battery has been disconnected and it may have reverted to on in the main menu screen.

[@Horizoncsafaris]

Love it, love it, love it! Great set up and clearly well thought out and fitted. Proper job! Would be great as a paramedic response car 🚑

[@Jamesandkate]

Thank you, sir!!! :-)

[@dougowt]

Very nicely sorted. Often wondered when watching you on your travels, if you couldn’t have an awning to attach to a roof bar, to give you some weather protection. A heated jacket probably wouldn’t got amiss in the winter too

[@neillgatley8770]

Loving the home made frunk. Could you do a video please of cars where an after market frunk is an option? It's perfect cable storage for the MG5.

[@decay900913]

Nice job! Please do a video detailing the frunk mod.

[@sheldonv8]

Cracking conversion. Stripping mine has made it higher at the back but then again I'm not carrying loads of heavy kit. Always end the day empty of blinds.

[@iainansell5930]

i'd cover the inside of the windows with ply aswell... something could always come loose and go through a window... cover the rear electric window controls and make sure child locks are on aswell...

[@richardsedorski1206]

Looks good and we’ll kitted out bit disappointed vid was so short.👍👍👍

[@Jamesandkate]

This will appear again, don't worry.

[@simonclements]

Could you tell me the size of the plastic box please 👍😃

[@tomholmes3411]

I like what youve done to the wheels looks better than the standards

[@BuntaBall40]

Great fit out mate

[@GlynHudson]

Nice work, that looks very tidy. Just like a Tesla mobile service ranger!

[@Jamesandkate]

Thanks, Glyn.

[@jameshoran131]

Got a few questions about the frunk: 1: doesn't removing the cover that comes with the car effect it's waterproofing? 2: is there any structural concerns with removing the metal bar that was in the middle of the bonnet? 3: what size box is that and how is it fitted to the car?

[@MarkGaudie]

Awesome James! Best wishes to the new guy starting with CleevelyEV. Hope he’s aa good as you mate. I’m sure he will be. All about the best customer service. 👍👍

[@Petelmrg]

Brilliant; let's bring back the proper cdv! That is going to be a very comfortable way for you to travel and keep fresh for the next job.

[@philwilliams6768]

I hope that you will do some regular updates on your experiences doing the mileages you do in the MG5. As someone who does lots of miles travelling around the country every day and looking at an EV it would be good to see how you get on.

[@DorsetSaferRoads]

Oh that's clever, hooking the bulkhead into the above the rear rood hand holds.

[@AllenHart999]

Where did you get it converted? I want one. Thanks

[@caterthun4853]

Like the solid partition. This should reduce heating requirements and battery use. Thought the Zoe van should have had similar. Small vents perhaps in partition to allow air flow

[@JonLovejoy]

Hi James, how is the plastic 'froot' box secured or does it just sit on top?

[@Jamesandkate]

Literally sits on top and kinda wedges in place.

[@dataanalyst5704]

When are you getting a new van? You seem to drive a few different things here and there and review them but I thought you might end up with a Maxus eDeliver 3, you really liked that one. You did say the env200 was a little past it’s best. The review you did on it prompted me to test drive one and I’ll hopefully be ready to buy one before Christmas.

[@Mickster428]

Great job looks mint 👍

[@SebastienChedalBornu]

Do you think it's possible to use your frunk to plug to a standard wall plug with a long cable and connect that cable to the ac T2 charger inside it and get the cable out so to plug in the car ? I'm asking because I looking a way to secure the charge in front of my home as it almost on the street without any fence

[@kabirjones8563]

Hi James could you give a bit more info on the frunk you have, does it just sit in the gap, have you packed out it underneath or round the sides? I have just put a deposit on a MG5LR so I am very interested. Thanks for your reviews, I am sorry to see you leave the MG owners, you helped me to get in on the opening offer on my ZS EV some 2 yrs ago. So thank you.

[@ConnectCreativeDesign]

Silly question but do you recall where you purchased the tub under the bonnet from please (or have the exact dimensions?) I'm looking to add something like that to my 5. Also, apart from removing the large plastic cover under the bonnet, did you have to move/amend anything else to fit it in please? Thanks!

[@johndouglas770]

I have same question, where did you get the box for the frunk, I guess the capacity is measured in litres, but I would also like the dimensions and to know if you can still fit the lid on the box please?

[@5teep]

@@johndouglas770 UK supermarkets carry them e.g. Tesco (other sellers are available :)

[@johndouglas770]

@@5teep I know where to source them, it's size James used that I would like to know😉

[@fixthatpc]

How much weight do think is in it, looking at one my self for a company with ladders to put in the roof and towing would it cope with it

[@pauldowling6536]

Wot size box have you put in the front and is it OK to do this with mg

[@TheBigT.]

Great video and van conversion. I recently took a MG5 EV for a 200 mile test drive and was really impressed. It handled the dreadful weather very nicely and was comfortable and refined. I really want one now. The questions I have for you is whether it is worth waiting for the new version shown in the MG Europe event last week and how durable do you think the MG 5EV will be in the longer term? What is the rust protection like? How do you think it compares to the build of other EVs?

[@Jamesandkate]

I think it'll be spot on. But i'll let you know in 20k miles.

[@andrewarcher3924]

Wow such a waste of space at the front. Looks like somebody could do well making an unofficial frunk casing. Do you get any rattling from the box?

[@Jamesandkate]

Spot on, someone will do it if MG don't.

[@craigevans6156]

Well done, an excellent job!

[@matbowden9156]

Just watched ya 143k update, and came back to this one. Is the battery box in thr front still all OK after all those extra miles??

[@stevezephyr]

Very neat, great conversion.

[@MrT33CEE]

Fantastic James, really interesting conversion, done over 12k miles in mine since June last year, we have been wondering whether to get these and convert them to vans for the rest of our guys, Renault Zoe Van has the range we need but it is just too small, we have a fleet of 8 vans (Caddy, Transit Connect, Custom and a Vito), so we are keen to move over to EVs as our current vehicles reach end of life.

[@samy8897]

Long time , where is marvel R

[@buzzofftoxicblog791]

Agree why do so many BEV cars leve the bonnet empty? Really like our small frounk we find our little frouk so useful for cables and even my soft travel bag in there a veary small BMW i3S. MG van need job great idea 💡 👍 👏

[@rogerhudson9732]

The low estate car profile must win over a van, it also keeps the CoG low as well.

[@DorsetSaferRoads]

Can you put a roof rack on for ladders?

[@mickhursey4802]

Have you removed the front framework to enable you to fit the plastic box? I would be rather nervous about removing that, as I suspect it forms part of the vehicle’s stiffening and front crumple zones?

[@Jamesandkate]

There isn’t any structural framework, it’s just a piece of plastic.

[@DorsetSaferRoads]

Can it take a roof rack?

[@danpallant3315]

Is there any signs of rubbing or chafing on that box or anything is rests on? Looks pretty close to the ac pipes. If you lined the area with tape, you could foam the box in place then it'd really be a custom fit piece that'd not rub anything. A bit like the tray in the front of an mgf

[@MCSMIK]

Very cool, excellent use of space there for sure! And with better rapid charging speeds and longer range this is clearly better than the ENV200?

[@ghost70]

Whats the gross weight of the car now with all that kit in it ?? Would the shocks need upgrading to handle that weight now?

[@livecricket7206]

Excellent

[@davidsworld5837]

premier inn advertised cheque in the post from them you see why people ask about the box in the frunk. when you take it a petrol engine gets hot they don't accept that an electric engine in the front does not get hot. how is it connected to keep it in place. there is a use for a really useful box not advertised by them ad plug.

[@doubledutch13]

I wonder who the X top arms are for 😝

[@Jamesandkate]

You know it :-)

[@davidsworld5837]

Is it you that's getting them or now have them

[@mondotv4216]

It’s a neat conversion but I had a bit of a chuckle. My old Holden Adventra was bigger than that in the back with the rear seat in. Too big for British roads I guess.

[@yawarhussain7495]

Excellent car

[@robwoodphotos]

James & Kate I have a VW E-up! That is brilliant for 70% of my motoring needs. However, I would benefit from having a larger car with more space and greater range for the four months May-August. I’ve looked at renting and subscription but there are limitations or extra costs especially for taking the car overseas. I’m wondering about buying a used MG5 then selling it at the end of the summer. Seems an ideal long distance vehicle. Do you have any thoughts?

[@Jamesandkate]

In terms of buying and selling, be cautious, the market is all over the place, but the car itself is ace. This particular car is now approaching 70k miles and has been perfect.

[@robwoodphotos]

@@Jamesandkate thanks I’m looking at less than one year old and the new version if I can find one … don’t want to buy new

[@nicholaszozar2709]

Does the conversion void the 7 year warranty?

[@5teep]

I don't think they made any structural changes, or anything that cannot be reversed so likely not.

[@Maker_of_Things]

That is excellent, and really well thought out to get the best space possible inside the back. I have been thinking very seriously about the EV5 and wondering about holding out for roof rack and towing ability. I think this may have swayed it for me. The other main thing I baulked at was the rear seats not lying flat when folded. I use my current Skoda Octavia estate as a van by taking the rear seat bases out for a really long flat floor. But I also need to, on demand as I am a carer, put the seats back in to carry parents around. Would that be feasible on the EV5, or is it a bigger 'tools' job to pull out the seats/seat bases? A couple of easy access fixings wouldn't be a problem. Thank you.

[@Jamesandkate]

The seat base does come out very easily. Takes about 2 mins, but it doesn’t fold completely flat, but not far off.

[@Maker_of_Things]

@@Jamesandkate That would do me. It would let me slide in timber and tool boxes, with a bit of adjustment. Thank you.

[@paulbrowne6087]

@@Jamesandkate Could you add your own hinges to fold up and out of the way like a Mercedes E class estate rather than having to remove the from the car?

[@5teep]

@@paulbrowne6087 No, the base hooks in under the seat backs in the centre. Nice idea though.

[@richardcorns8553]

Beast 👊

[@Finggy]

Impressive.

[@stelph82]

Out of curiosity why did you choose the MG over the PSA vans (Expert etc)? Was it the extra range / didn’t need all the space?

[@RedBatteryHead]

Great conversion. The efficiëncy won to this solution instead of the eJumpy?! Does it have heavy shocks? No electric output for tool chargers?

[@GratdchsTwo]

Hi James Where did you get the racking from, within the car. Looks great

[@keithware5314]

Great video and excellent job. I took delivery of my MG5 LR 3 weeks ago and love it but I'm thinking of having the windows blacked out just as you have, would you tell me how much it costs to have done?

[@tigerv88]

Keith I just ordered the MG5 long range and they offered me window tints or black outs depending on which I wanted for £299. Hope that helps

[@keithware5314]

@@tigerv88 It does help, thanks very much.

[@Telcontarnz]

Can you do the same frunk idea in the ZS?

[@Jamesandkate]

To a lesser degree, yes. It’s a smaller space.

[@scotspie501douglas7]

are you over weight with all the stuff and will you scrub tyres

[@alanjenkinson7812]

What mileage do you expect to do in it’s lifetime James?

[@Jamesandkate]

I'd like to say 200k, but something else will come along before then and we'll buy it.

[@russellswift6325]

This looks great, from a business point of view, is it now classed as a commercial vehicle ?...i.e. 100% tax deductible for a LTD company ? ... similar to the Outlander 4 work etc.

[@EVNewsReviews]

Hi Russell, yes you can claim 100% of the capital allowance on the purchase price as it's a zero emission vehicle. Regardless of being a commercial vehicle or not it will qualify for 1st year allowances so you can can deduct the full cost from profits before tax. Another reason to love EVs!!

[@davidthornton3346]

I ordered my Long Range about 8 weeks ago now. Was expecting delivery of it a little over a week ago, but lack of truckers means it's still not been delivered to dealership. Got all this money in my account just waiting to buy the thing!

[@ΓιάννηςΠαπαγαλία]

I'm very jealous of UK. We don't have an EV station wagon in the USA.

[@Jamesandkate]

It's a real shame because there's more room in this than Most SUV's.

[@5teep]

Is it still classed as a car for the taxman?

[@Jamesandkate]

It is, but it's an EV so 100% tax deductible.

[@5teep]

@@Jamesandkate Cheers, I think the idea is great. I drive an MG5 as a company car (so get stung by the taxman) when what I could really do with is a van. Maybe MG SAIC will take note of your conversion and release a van variant :)

[@davidwilkins4327]

Looks really good - really nice conversion. BTW does the LR have different alloys to the original version, or are those an upgrade? They look much better!

[@davidmaclean5326]

The wheels are an upgrade.

[@davidwilkins4327]

@@davidmaclean5326 Thanks!

[@Paul.Woodcraft]

Will some clever person produce an aftermarket Frunk the plastic box is functional a really sensible place for cables, but not terribly good looking.

[@chrisw443]

these dont exsist in the US. What a neat wagon. Or as you say "estate car" I miss the cargo space of my gasoline wagon.

[@computerbob06]

You should have said your 1st cousins, fathers, brothers, girlfriends, former roommate was a nurse! You'd have paid 5k less! (Can't remember the exact line from Spaceballs!)

[@TheKingpleb]

I'd maybe look at some stronger springs for the rear of that as it looks a wee bit compressed and can't be good long term as they begin to sag. No one like s a saggy rear end 🤣

[@Jamesandkate]

I’ve already been doing this. I’m actually looking at a completely lowering kit with higher spring rate units. I could pimp it up 😂

[@TheKingpleb]

Noooooo don't pump a van! You'll regret it when covering distances and its low and stiff for long jaunts up and down the M1,6,40.... Your back won't thank you 🤣 Unless you go airsprings maybe...

[@G0ogs]

Pity MG don’t do a van , they would sell like hot cakes but I guess the parent company uses their other brands for that.

[@mikow6722]

Yep, SAIC owns both MG and Maxus, so you can have Maxus ev van

[@graemetaylor629]

its not a van that's why you haven't enough room

[@garden-Railway]

Why not just buy an EV van

[@Jamesandkate]

Range mainly.

[@JonathanPorterfield]

This is cheaper than any ev van as of today , new with this 200 plus mile range !

[@davidsworld5837]

it may also be that cars have more tec in them for driving than a van. and more likely to get better range due to shape. don't stand out more for thieves at distance its another car in a car park. and you have better access to the back with doors that you don't get with a van.

[@alanthompson2367]

Sorry James thumbs down on this one for your type of work ev van needed ok I know your going to get more mileage but the cost to covert doesn't make sense

[@janhenkins]

Hi James! What size box did you use for your "frunk conversion"?