Cheap, Chinese and Amazing PT2

This week James has been putting the MG5 LR through its paces over a 2000 mile distance. From the South coast to the North East of England the MG5 has been working very hard. Possibly the best value for money EV with class leading space you can buy. Follow him to find out how it got on.

[@catielakeradio]

The more I see how well the MG5 performs, as well as your work to dispel the myths surrounding EVs, I am pretty much sure my next car will be an MG EV! Thank you guys. I hope you're all well.

[@garyheavens2389]

Excellent Video. I thoroughly enjoyed this video it shows us true life working of the car, not just driving around country lanes with no traffic. Excellent stuff.

[@Jamesandkate]

Thanks, Gary 🙏🏻

[@JonathanPorterfield]

Brilliant James 👏 the MG 5 LR looks brilliant and that e Niro , over 5 miles per kWh ! Thanks for taking the time for this video pal , hard when your putting the hours in on servicing too 👍 😉

[@martinmccoy449]

Hi James and Kate,I watched your first review on the MG5 and was so impressed that I bought one.I am a Taxi driver in Ireland and only work nights.I have the car 5 weeks and am averaging 3.8 miles per kW.It is a lovely car to drive and my customers love it.I reckon that if I worked days I could get 4.5 miles per kW from the car.Thanks for all the great videos the 2 of you produce.Sorry should have said 3 of you.Your daughters input is also very important.

[@michaelgrace1298]

How is the cost of changing, I presume you charge during peak hours, I'm getting the same car soon and like you I work nights on the taxis, mine will be going on charge after 4 am

[@Jamesandkate]

Amazing feedback, thank you 🙏

[@MrTree421]

Can you explain why the days should be more economical for driving? Aren't the streets way emptier at night?

[@martinmccoy449]

@@MrTree421 The main problem is temperature,especially at this time of the year.At night I have the heating on all the time.This does effect range.On the few occasions I have driven the car during the day I rarely need the heating.I believe that the batteries are less efficient at lower temp so economy drops at night.I should say I only drive the car in Normal mode because I do not like the throttle response in Econ mode.

[@paulbrowne5049]

I test drove the MG5 long range and was very impressed by it's smooth comfortable ride. It put my 2017 model S on coils to shame.

[@sailingoctopus1]

I couldn't do your job, whatever car I was driving. All those miles and all that traffic, no way. Great car. I pick mine up next week.

[@ramblerandy2397]

Really impressed by the real world range of that MG5 LR. EDIT: And, as I sometimes do, I fail to comment on a very well presented video. Considering that the FT job is the servicing, you do an extremely good job of keeping the audience informed and involved. I'm guessing that, after gathering your thoughts, this is all quite unscripted and off the cuff. Very impressed indeed.

[@richmaniow]

That's quite an eye-opener, it's extraordinary that your having to drive the length of the country to carry out what look like mostly basic services. I guess it highlights we're still in the early phase of electric cars, presumably in the near future most of customer's will be a lot closer to home..

[@K12beano]

Loving this Working Update, James. Really interesting/encouraging to see what that MG is capable of. I presume it is a comfortable drive for such long distances.

[@BuntaBall40]

This is a great EV video, using the vehicle as you would daily

[@JIMWSMITH]

Thanks for taking the time out in your schedule. Mg5 seems to be earning its keep , quite impressed with it ... The mg range are certainly holding there own, so nice to see, after so many people wanted them to fail...

[@4wheelsgood]

Have just ordered a ZS EV and this is so good to see that if the mg5 can handle this sort of mileage the ZS will be amazing for my needs

[@thumper1747]

First watched you when I was considering a Citroen EV van and your assessment really helped. I also really appreciate how you provide an insight into ownership and this MG seems to have got the balance right in terms of battery size (weight) and range. Miles per kWh is super useful way of assessing running costs. Given that you are vulnerable to the weather, I’m surprised you don’t have a van with an extendable canopy so you can work out of the rain. Fantastic content and thanks G

[@jimwright5492]

Hi James,watched this vlog and it answered a lot of questions I had about heating ect,cars back in my head again ,wife thought I had got over it but it's back lol,thanks again

[@kinross24]

Keep up the vids James. Great to see in depth review of the MG5 but also insights into various ev issues.

[@brettsta72]

Brilliant video. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to put this content out. Very impressed by what you’ve done with the car and the car itself. Thanks.

[@thevideoark]

Great video. Very informative and helpful. Stay safe and I hope you all have a great holiday.

[@rigel1632]

Thanks James, really enjoyed this and also some of the info on the services you’re doing. Interesting to see how different EVs age and what wears out.

[@rikm12]

Yet another great video. Thanks for sharing your MG5 days

[@keithware5314]

Hi James I've had my long range MG5 for about 2 months and really enjoy driving it. I'm pleased it's working so well for you. Looking forward to more MG5 videos from you.

[@leejordanful]

Your work ethic is just amazing. I really admire you. You seem to have the mobile EV servicing market sewn up, so well done with that. The car is pretty good too!

[@richardwaller7721]

Great EV but by the end of it I think I was even more impressed by the endurance of the driver! 2000 miles spanning Kent to Sunderland, numerous EVs serviced and this video made at the same time. Not sure I’d have had the self motivation to add that to the “to do” list. Was delighted to hear that you’d got a holiday in store after the week which was clearly very well deserved!

[@Jamesandkate]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻

[@bartholomewbyrne8218]

Good to see you have got knee pad if I was doing your job I would get a pop up cover tent we use in perth wa to keep off the sun all the best bernard

[@paulhannaford3657]

Great content 👍

[@markgaudie80]

Nice work James. I’m looking at the new MG ZS EV Trophy at the min. Going to see Chorley EV next week to see what they can offer me.

[@craigevans6156]

Great that the new estate is working for the business. Stay safe and warm! We’ve just had 6 days without electricity ⚡️

[@ElectricCarAustralia]

Great video James. Really good to see a video of a regular vehicle working for a living. I do wish MG would bring this vehicle down under to Australia. I would trade the ZS EV tomorrow.

[@chargeheadsuk]

Love these videos, a great insight into the MG5. Having driven one at fully charged it seemed fine just not fantastic quality. But hey great value! The KW per mile is great 👌⚡💪

[@melcragg7814]

Great video. Impressive vehicle.

[@bobadams7654]

Am just looking at getting my first ev. Would like a van - but either expensive and very short range, or very expensive. And then....saw the M5 estate. Mmmmmm.... looking good. Would like to know more about options/ trim etc. Great vids Jsmes. Thanks.

[@scottlindsay2240]

Hi James, I’m really enjoying your videos about EV’s. You are helping give confidence to those like me who are getting close to making a commitment to buy an EV. Would it be possible to also add how much the charge ups are costing you?. I’d find that super helpful. Many thanks.

[@Jamesandkate]

Good point. I'll add this on my next video 👍🏻

[@martinweston8147]

Great vid, it’s about time MG gave you a referral code to hand out, you could cash it in for bacon butties and flat whites 😉

[@Jamesandkate]

😂😂😂

[@rtfazeberdee3519]

Surprised the satnav took you clockwise around the M25 to Croydon. The car is doing great. Great video too

[@paulbrowne5049]

That's mental miles. I drove from Herts to Liverpool and back in one day in my tesla model S with autopilot and it nearly killed me. Props to you.

[@Olivarus238]

I love work. I could watch you doing it for hours 😉 It was your early videos on the MG5 that introduced me to the car (EV's in general actually) and this latest video is very, very reassuring as I am finally getting an EV in a couple of week's time and, of course, it's an MG5 LR. By the way, what Satnav app are you using? Thanks for all your videos and the information and advice that comes with them. Keep on filming! 👍

[@Jamesandkate]

Hi, glad you enjoyed it. I use Google maps generally

[@robertmackenzie5850]

Very underrated cat the MG5

[@Timstravels01]

Excellent stuff. Seriously considering one of these as my next EV.

[@Jamesandkate]

I think a Tims Travels in an MG5 would be a good watch. I've been keeping up with you and Mrs TT recently 👍🏻

[@Timstravels01]

@@Jamesandkate watch this space with the MG and thank you for the supporting the channel. Keep up all your great work.

[@judebrown4103]

James, I've got ask... and I do so as an ex-London bus driver who has not been to London for probably more than thirty years so apologies if it is a daft question... but is there a reason why you don't barrel straight through London, given you'd pay zero congestion charge? There must be a reason obviously but even with traffic I'd have thought it was more direct so therefore quicker? Ooh James, I've moved the video on to your visit to Kent. It's got me very concerned because when eventually we can afford to get a used ev I was looking forward to having you chaps at Cleeveleys look after it. I live in Kent too though and I'd feel bad contributing to such a long exhausting day for you! Our village is right at the end of the M2 so I guess that's not so bad... As you probably gather this is heavily edited but I've finished the vid now! So glad to hear you compliment the e-Niro, pretty sure that's what we're aiming for in a couple of years. Thank you for these videos, I do look forward to them and they're always a pleasure to watch. They're contributing to the confidence and knowledge I'm carefully acquiring ready for the transition to cleaner motoring. Keep up the good work, it's appreciated. 🙏😊👍

[@davidspencer7254]

Even with an EV and without access to bus lanes the city is an ache to go through. Always quicker unless its Sunday morning or the early hours of the morning to M25 it, or worst case North Circular and past Chessington.

[@judebrown4103]

@@davidspencer7254 really?! How things change! Last time I did drive a car into the part of London which was my bus route I found myself following a bus down a bus lane, very embarrassing. Which is probably why I've not visited for a while 😂 Still amazed the M25 can possibly be quicker... 😯

[@davidspencer7254]

@@judebrown4103 I'd be surprised if crossing through London during a working day would ever be quicker.

[@judebrown4103]

@@davidspencer7254 thirty odd years ago it could be... if you knew a few sneaky bus lanes 😂

[@bdeithrick]

Good man Jude. If you get into one sooner say a cheap leaf you would save more than your ice car now.

[@kiae-nirodiariesencore4270]

Another brilliant video James, my goodness you do some miles! Reminds me how lucky I am not to have to deal with UK traffic anymore, I did 35 years of being a ‘corporate road warrior’ in the UK, now happily retired in rural France with the 2019 Kia e-Niro. The MG will certainly earn its keep with you. How long do you plan to keep it for?

[@alanjenkinson7812]

I saw some pictures of a new facelift model today, looks nice. I know you have it loaded up but whats the build quality like for the dreaded squeakes and rattles? 👍

[@bobbye8071]

Hey up James good to see you pal , hope everyone is OK . looking forward to more videos . Bobby

[@ianlynch2507]

Hi James, Great work as ever.This is exactly the information and stats that prospective buyers need. My Lr iss on order and Im looking forward to some mile munching, One question I have is the sat nav your using the car one or android auto? Great channel am looking forward to your reviews of the new Mg models

[@IslaSprollie]

I wish it could tow our 1350kg caravan because I'd replace our Kia Carens with it. Would be a perfect 'sensible' family/dog/caravan/child 3 transport to compliment my little Honda e.

[@richardsavage6729]

Great video James. May I ask if you've had any issues with the car yet & how much it cost to charge at the charge points during this video? We've decided to go down to one car & go full EV, got a ZS long range on order. Hoping we've made the right decision.

[@bighilly0]

Another great video James. Mg5 really is a serious player. Love the details on the motors your fixing 👊🏼👊🏼 by the way. I sold my scooter😎 ev’s in the park 👏👏👏👏👏👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼

[@Jamesandkate]

Good work, glad you enjoyed it

[@bighilly0]

@@Jamesandkate I enjoy all your videos mate changed my world forever 👊🏼👊🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@johnmackay7789]

Great video James. I'm very curious as to the arrangement you have with usiing the customers charge points to top up.

[@paulbrowne5049]

I'm pretty sure he just asks politely. Only an absolute w@#ker would refuse 50p worth of electricity considering he's there to do a job for the client.

[@johnmackay7789]

@@paulbrowne5049 one reason i was asking was for a question I asked myself the other day. If I was to get myself an ev van (im a carpenter/kitchen fitter) and I found myself on more than occasion not having enough charge to get home, what would the arrangement be?

[@paulbrowne5049]

@@johnmackay7789 the cost two the customer is so insignificant nobody would refuse I'd imagine.

[@eamonstack4139]

Great real world video. Summary video would be excellent. Can't wait for your test some new Chinese cars: BYD EA1 (dolphin), ORA Cat, and/or Leapmotors T03; and MG Marvel of course. As the EV market matures, the Chinese manufacturers will fill the gap left by European and Japanese laggards.

[@computerbob06]

Unfortunately, hardly any of those cars will ever make it to Europe let alone the UK, so might be hard for James to review them! Fully Charged can only review them because their presenter lives in China. I also doubt they'll be anything like as cheap if they came to Europe, just look at Nio!

[@eamonstack4139]

@@computerbob06 Ora Cat and Marvel already in, or coming to, Europe, as far as I know. Spring coming to UK and Ireland and Malta.

[@FancyaBevMate]

Hi mate I'll need to get the leaf serviced at some point so will be in touch soon. Cheers

[@Jamesandkate]

You have our email address??

[@FancyaBevMate]

@@Jamesandkate no, and yes please mate.

[@user-jf5yz1zw9l]

Meant to ask in the previous MG station wagon video, what's the situation with speeding in England? Here in the states people will go 85-90 even when the speed limit is 70. They'll only slow down if they're solo or near a cop hotspot. Never driven an EV so I have no idea if speeding in them tanks their range.

[@davidthornton3346]

Did you ever fail to connect with a Rapid charger? I've had my MG5 LR about a month and a half now, and there's been the odd occasion where it has failed to connect to the charger which has been quite frustrating. Other than this though, I love the car

[@robp1316]

Just curious do you pay the customers so you can use their home chargers?

[@davidws5439]

James, you made a comment that you should have kept the Tesla Model S. Was that do to the range, size or the Tesla Superchargers or all the above. I could see where a very long range vehicle that charged fast would be great in your work and save travel time. Shorter day!

[@lewismcnicholas2631]

Hi James - who did your commercial conversion? Thinking about one of these and would be nice to be rid of the back seats to give the dogs more space - any recommendations for who could do it and cost?

[@Jamesandkate]

The company are CVA in Hinckley.

[@stuartw969]

OMG - YOUR LIFE SEEMS LIKE A PRISON SENTENCE! Thanks for a hugely informative video - massively skilled in many ways. But change your life, you are very able and could succeed in many other areas.

[@SwedishVilsten]

MG5 about to launch in Sweden and prices was just leaked at the equivalent of 35k £. But we only get the facelifted executive long range version here. Not sure if it's that great of a purchase at that price.

[@charlybeagrie1119]

What range do you get at 80 mph on the motorway?

[@sebastianmdx]

What does a major service of an EV include?

[@Telcontarnz]

When you put the ‘frunk’ in did you ‘tie’ it in at all? I’m keen to do for the ZSEV and have been trying to work out how to do so since you had the commissioning video..

[@bdeithrick]

Double tape and Velcro. Let me know what size box fit it

[@chrisw443]

if only this was in the states its a great car!

[@Jamesandkate]

Fingers crossed it gets there. It really is very good

[@Andi_mit_E]

I think that the English were already born in a raincoat! ;-)

[@GrrMeister]

*What was the total cost of charging ?*

[@scotspie501douglas7]

how is the MG looks a great car great video when you plug into a customer charge point what does it cost

[@Jamesandkate]

Normally a few £££‘S.

[@IslaSprollie]

Just watched the quick comment you made James, about the reliability of the Model S. As you have first hand experience of problems, could you one day do a quick video of the best and worst reliability with EVs made to date?

[@Jamesandkate]

I will do that for you.

[@IslaSprollie]

@@Jamesandkate Thank you 😊

[@chrishorsfall2022]

Hi James, How do you find the comfort in the MG5, I have a model 3, my wife has the ZS EV, i find I cant really get comfortable in the ZS on long journeys

[@adamnuttall5714]

The excite is a much softer feel with the cloth than the exclusive with the leather seats. I find out excite brilliant

[@cawfeedawg]

I really hope MG starts exporting their lineup to the states... We just dont have any choice yet. 😢😢

[@paulbrowne5049]

You get Tesla's at two thirds the price that we pay in the UK so it's swings and roundabout's.

[@bdeithrick]

Tesla 1 .2 & 3. And the bolt. LEAF. That’s a huge choice. 😆

[@cawfeedawg]

@@bdeithrick 😒

[@cawfeedawg]

@@paulbrowne5049 I admire the accomplishments of Tesla, but its just not for me.

[@honesty_-no9he]

Yes with this limited range you need way better charging infrastructure for non TESLA cars.

[@SirHackaL0t.]

Interesting that it took you via dartford for croydon. That seems the long way round.

[@paulgreen8996]

and a toll bridge!

[@Jamesandkate]

I think it was an accident ACW. Normally I pass Heathrow going that way.

[@deceptor99]

It would be nice to know how much from A to B in £s . For example if a diesel car costs me £00s for sixty miles, how much does a electric car cost? And how much do motorway electric charges compare to city charges.

[@richardcorns8553]

I run a Peugeot e-expert van most months I cover about 1600 miles so roughly 400miles per week. We Also run a Tesla model 3 which covers around 100 miles per week. The van is on the home charger every night being topped up for the next day, we top the Tesla up Friday night. Our overnight 4hr window rate is 4.67p kwh. Last month we consumed 732kwh on both vehicles for a total of £ 34. Very cheap motoring. I avoid public charges at all costs. Most charge 45 pence kwh now, in my electric van this makes it as expensive as the diesel version to run.

[@cosmoray9750]

I heard MG5 has a recall. Anyone knows what it is all about ?

[@simonB7046]

A bit late reply, but it was only a firmware update to make the brake lights come on in regen 3 if you are rapidly slowing down.

[@robmog88]

Hi James, puzzled why you stop at gridserve rugby and charge to 80% at the end of the day when you’re only 20 (?) miles from home and could charge overnight much cheaper?

[@computerbob06]

He probably uses the time for video editing etc, whereas there's lots of distractions at home? But also the Model 3 will be charging and if they charged the 2 cars, it would split the charge to 3.6kw per car, needing c.18 hours to charge. Also, of course, if on Octopus Go, it's only cheaper for 4 hours, then slightly cheaper the rest of the time. But the charging costs are probably provided by Cleveleys, so why not a rapid charge?

[@robmog88]

@@computerbob06 fair points, but I’ve got two EV’s and splitting up the charging works fine. Charge one on one night then the other the next night, in the summer we generate enough solar to keep both running for no cost.

[@Jamesandkate]

@@robmog88 indeed, 2 EVs, occasionally 3, and some email time. Remember we don't pay VAT so it's less than 30p.

[@RedBatteryHead]

No V2L available for your tools? Did you take this over the eJumpy cause off efficiency and range? As a Van the eJumpy would be a bit more practical, not?

[@Jamesandkate]

I've looked at it but the efficiency is terrible. All my tools are battery so a charge every few days works ok.

[@RedBatteryHead]

@@Jamesandkate oke. Just seen the MY2022 gets V2L on the 5. Always handy.

[@mikeyonwin8195]

Hi James and Kate Oooops ! Cheap, Chinese and Amazing PT2 ?

[@mikeyonwin8195]

Ooooops 😱 Comment withdrawn !

[@wobby1516]

Hi James do you travel as far as Hailsham 8 miles from Eastbourne East Sussex, I’ve an E Niro.

[@Jamesandkate]

Yep, I'm a regular in those parts.

[@wobby1516]

@@Jamesandkate You have another customer next year. I’ll be in touch.

[@Brian-om2hh]

I'm sure I've even seen James do a video while he was in Scotland doing a service..........

[@cloggsy1971]

As a ‘normal’ driver, MG5 or MG ZS EV Trophy Long Range?

[@4wheelsgood]

I've just had this same dilemma. I ended up going for the ZS Trophy. The extra spec was worth the extra in my opinion. But was sorely temped by the MG5. Both great EVs and MG are doing great stuff

[@cloggsy1971]

@@4wheelsgood I’m probably not going to be in the market until July/August next year, but these two are looking favourite 👍🏻

[@Jamesandkate]

If it's the new MG5 you're talking about, I'd take it.

[@davidheaney9249]

Sat there for 37 minuets 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@sirasbjorn860]

Though MG5 did not have acc and pilot. Hmmm

[@iainansell5930]

why on earth would you go dartford way around m25!! wow lol

[@shuttayerface503]

Bet you wished you had waited as there is now the much better and longer range mk 2

[@davidspencer7254]

Its making it far too easy. Compare this with the imiev video or the long distance leaf races. What a tiring job though....

[@masterwai111]

I don't understand why someone 200 miles asks you to do a service.... Why not local. Surely it be cheaper too... Am I being stupid and missing something.

[@robertmackenzie5850]

There is still very bad badge snobbery in this country . When I mentioned to a friend of mine who has high end EVS that I be was looking at a MG5 , his reaction was a load of Chinese junk and won’t last three years before it rots away

[@Jamesandkate]

I have a word that discribes people like him. Out of interest, which high end EV does he own???

[@fanfeck2844]

Most products we buy are made there, or at least many of the components. Most people seem to think the Chinese Tesla is far superior to the US built ones.

[@bdeithrick]

How in hell did you get 4.6 m/kWh at 65 mph? Tailwind

[@malcolmfowler8972]

My technique is to sit at a safe distance behind a coach or lights goods vehicle at 60-65mph. It makes a huge difference to the overall m/kWh

[@Jamesandkate]

I think it was a good wind helping me.

[@DorsetSaferRoads]

Somebody save me some maths, how many miles is he getting 100%-15% ?

[@malcolmfowler8972]

I'll have a stab showing my workings. I'm sure someone will correct me if I've made any wrong assumptions? MG5 LR has a 57kWh useable battery capacity. 100%-15% is 85% of battery. 57 x 0.85 = 48.45 (So used 48.45kWh of energy) James appears to be averaging around 4m/kWh. So 48.45kWh would get him 48.45 x 4 = 193.6 miles.

[@Jamesandkate]

@@malcolmfowler8972 spot on 👍🏻

[@davids8449]

Do yourself a favour and buy a Honda or Toyota