MG ZS EV range and efficiency test | Australian Experience

[@martino9134]

'Regen on MG Pilot /ACC ' UK owner here . My understanding is the radar ACC system is an adapted Bosch system initially designed for SAIC' s ICE ZS models. They needed the driver assistance package in order to get to Euro NCAP 5* rating . The UK MG5 ( a rebadged Roewe Ei5 EV estate ) which only has std cruise control does engage regen . I guess the next upgrade version will fix these issues .

[@tooflesstesla]

Wonderful informative video! Please do more. I really really like this car for its price point. I drove it for a week in Australia (cold Canberra) and loved it; apart from some of the software niggles and satnav mistakes. As a Tesla owner, I think the MG ZS EV is value-for-money and has features that even my Model S does not have such as the blindspot indicators on the wing mirrors, great all-round visibility, heated seats, and rear window wiper. Also, a 7-year full warranty! I consider the MG ZSEV to be an ideal second EV for me; and I also recommend it to anyone who is considering an affordable family EV.

[@inderbir51]

Hi Chris thanks for sharing your experience and expertise with us. I drove my MG from Melbourne to Tanybryn 177 kms with 4 passengers and luggage. The car still had 20 kms worth of charge left but I was quite anxious as I could see the kms range going down rapidly. I guess it requires more planning than usual driving.

[@behramcooper3691]

Very informative and educational. Thank you. Some nice formulas. I will try all this out on my ZS EV 2022 that I expect in July/August. Of course, I always have the aircon on, but I am willing to make that sacrifice.

[@ElectraRC]

Well done mate. Keep them coming. Thanks.

[@someonesomewhere9133]

Thanks for the video. Just for information , the total usable battery is 42.5KW. So the calculations should be based on that figure.

[@curtisdean89]

99% sure you overtook me on the way to Bacchus Marsh. Love the blue stands out on the road, saw it coming from a mile away.

[@vishnunallani]

I have been riding ZS EV in Indian summer for 2 weeks now. My battery efficiency for all trips are within range of 6.4KWh/100km to 8.2KWh/100km with a combination of highway and city driving. I always have the AC on (fan set to 2). I use brakes only when necessary and try doing one pedal drive most times. Thanks for the calculation of range based on Kms traveled, calculation based on battery efficiency seemed pretty unrealistic (was showing between 430 to 560km range)

[@js-hl5hv]

I'm amazed the MG range indication is so accurate. I own the MINI SE, and lovingly call the range indication the GOM (guess o meter). It is woefully inaccurate. I recently did a trip which consisted of about 160km highway and 70km city driving. I had 11 percent when I finished from the 230km giving 258km theoretical range. The WLTP is 233km, and the GOM has never shown over 180km. This was with aircon set to 23 (in sunny Queensland). I was in normal mode as well (not green). The MINI seems to be very efficient, at least in my hands. I just wish my GOM was as good as the MG one - it is such a joke that I don't even bother looking at it now. I work out my own range by multiplying the battery segments by 30km (8 segments = 240km). This means I have a little left over. It seems EVs like Australian conditions. And you are spot on - the vast majority of Aussies are city dwellers who rarely stretch the range of their cars. Even these "low range" cars are more than adequate for most peoples use cases. Really enjoyed the video. Can't wait for the next one.

[@jhonquetglas3950]

Thank you for your explanation, it is by far the most rational I have seen.

[@ianthomas7863]

Very good info. Love your work, many thanks mate! 👍👍👍

[@pmacgowan]

I get a lot of free charging from destination chargers and IKEA (11kw ... need you own type2 to type2 cable). So I only charge at home about 40-50% of time using my excess solar. So it effectively cost me $0 to run my EV. Thanks Chris

[@bjorn5906]

can it charge 11kw? I thought its only single phase 7kw

[@MrBenHaynes]

Paul, I'm interested to know what device you use to only send excess solar energy to the car and not a combination of solar and grid power? I've heard of "Zappi", what's available in Australia?

[@pmacgowan]

@@MrBenHaynes With a Tesla you can set the max amps when charging, so for example if my solar is creating 2.5kw then I can set the max amps to 10 (10x235=2350w)

[@pmacgowan]

Ps Zappi can do it automatically, I have a std Tesla wall charger only ... it’s dumb

[@jhj7383]

so touching for an excellent video

[@kelvinwong829]

So what does the battery button do in the car?

[@chrisvanderstock]

Just shows you range remaining - which it always displays on lower left of digital display. Review out soon.

[@davidpearn5925]

The trucks go plenty fast enough for me and a B-double is perfect thanks very much. You need to understand that wind speed and direction plus air temperature and density are particularly important for a blunt MG highway range calculation.

[@MrBenHaynes]

Thanks for the video Chris. I don't understand why you add in the electricity "Utility daily charge" to your trip costs. I would argue that every household is connected to the grid and that the utility charge is not a part of the trip. Shall we add the utility charge to the petrol trip costs as well (because they are also connected to the grid). My MX-5 would cost ~$15 to complete your trip, (6L/100 @ $1.20) so twice your cost (at standard rates) and three times off peak! A great percentage of petrol cost is government tax, they will soon be charging electric cars a cents/km tax for road use.... I can't wait for BYD ea1 (hatchback) to hit the market for early $30K. That's the one I want! Cheers.

[@FreddyGunawan]

Nice review mate

[@chrisvanderstock]

Thanks 👍

[@ridetosunset9828]

Very helpful vid, thank you 😊 Saving money by driving EV, just my opinion it can’t be the reason, but hope to own one soon.. for the experience. 2021 MG ZST Essence $34,999 2020 MG ZS EV Essence MY21 $44,999 $10,000 more in price, and that will take me a lot long time to see the saving 😃😃😃

[@duncanburnet9185]

How much heat do you get through the glass sunroof roof? I live in Queensland and when I see a glass roof all I can think about is a tin of white paint and some pink bats.

[@chrisvanderstock]

It's actually okay. We've had a hot week in Melbourne, and with the shade in place plus the tinted sun roof, its fine.

[@steffenwestby4842]

You got an xtra sunscreen😉

[@KJSvitko]

If people were educated about the benefits of electric vehicles they would not buy old polluting petrol or diesel technology.

[@melvinreyansh8700]

instaBlaster.

[@thelinuxloungelizard]

Thanks, very good info on the brake usage. It's a poor decision by MG but there are others that do similar. Recently heard of brakes being used to correct lane drift.!!!????. ( I wish I could remember which review that was). My Outlander PHEV is a mixed bag but it does do regen very well, even during Cruise Control. So c'mon MG, it's been done before!

[@Peter-vn8ue]

Well Chris I think the vehicle applies the actual brakes so you get maximum braking force so you don't have a collision in an emergency braking situation, granted it would be good if all braking was captured by the regeneration system. I think all Ev's would use a bit of electricity to run the air conditioner system for heating or cooling and this will affect their range a bit, but some range could be recaptured through the regenerative braking system, every time the brakes are applied, if you are not driving a vast distance the aircon and other functions could be used as you will not run out of range. I really think the windows need to be tinted with aftermarket tinting for this vehicle, especially a band of tint applied to the top of the front windscreen. I had a look at this vehicle at the MG dealership yesterday and I definitely think it would benefit from tinting on all windows. It would be interesting for you to do a driving test on a very hot summer's day and record the temperature inside the car with the air conditioner running and again when the vehicle just sits out in the sun for a few hours to see how hot the cabin gets when the vehicle isn't driven but remains out in the hot sunlight. How much are The MS EV carpet floor mats for the set, Chris? I guess some will argue the initial outlay for your solar system and home battery with your savings per year, how long will it take to pay off your solar panels and home battery, but it's still far cheaper than paying for petrol. Even if you don't have Solar panels and can hopefully get a night rate tariff on your electricity that reduces the KW hour price while you are fast asleep and you charge your car.

[@chrisvanderstock]

The mats are included in the price, just weren't available at handover. I put ceramic tint on sides and back windows and that's helped cabin temperature. The sun/moon roof is tinted but not like a Tesla. The tinter recommended NOT tinting it as it could shatter due to heat stress with the film and glass. Thanks for the suggestions, I'll be sure to give them a go.

[@ElectricCarAustralia]

Great Video Chris, we're also loving our MG ZS EV 👍❤️. On the lack of Regen I have asked MG multiple times but not got an answer. From what I have read it's not going to be able to be fixed with software update unfortunately. 😔 We got the EV mat, perfect fit.

[@noeltriggell5296]

I have been told that Bosch are working on a fix however it is not a software issue.

[@michaelfink64]

Nice real work test, Chris. This looks like a good, reasonable priced solution that would suit a lot of people. By the way, if you are an RACV member, you will get 25% off the Chargefox cost (i.e. 30c/kWh).

[@chrisvanderstock]

Thanks Michael. I know about the RACV thing (member for too long LOL!), but wanted to give a real world example.

[@michaelfink64]

Makes sense, great job.

[@Nobody_Famous]

25%? NRMA is only 20%

[@MasterCamus]

So what would be the range when driving in Melbourne during winter where we have the heater on? Below 200km?

[@chrisvanderstock]

Not sure yet - I drive during the day (about 12 degrees) and haven't noticed any range drop yet. I'll do a full car review in about a month, which will include this efficiency.

[@whocares264]

and don't drive in cold weather, for good range

[@mondotv4216]

I suspect the ACC is just lifted from the petrol car and they’ll have no way of updating the system via software. Software is a bit of an Achille’s heel for MG. They did get rid of the bongs at least.

[@Peter-vn8ue]

I think also Chris if you calculated the electricity cost for those folk who have no solar or battery storage at home this would also give them a realistic cost of what an EV cost to run in this 3rd scenario. I agree driving the vehicle in Eco mode with level 3 regenerative breaking gives you the best range, seriously thinking about buying one at the end of March in Regal blue colour, if a get a decent trade-in price for my 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid. I noticed in your video when you took delivery, your EV showed 109km on the odometer. Was your EV a dealer demo or brand new?

[@basincut100]

I for one am extremely grateful that the MG ZS EV uses its brakes when in ACC and not regen “braking” when cars entering the freeway cut in right in front of you without giving way. The automatic braking in those circumstances is strong whereas simple regen “braking” would be nowhere near enough to avoid a collision.

[@continental_drift]

Could easily be designed to use regen then use brakes if required.

[@khalidbell]

Good job 👍

[@banntheman7925]

HEAT ALSO EFFECTS YOUR MILEAGE IN THE UK ITS A LOT COLDER SO WE CAN NOT FULLY CHARGE STILL A GREAT CAR

[@AndyM...]

Hi Chris, do you happen to know if the ZS EV has he function where if you hold the lock/unlock button on the remote it closes/opens the windows ?

[@chrisvanderstock]

Unfortunately no, just proximity for doors and boot.

[@AndyM...]

@@chrisvanderstock Thanks Chris, hoping to test drive this car shortly, hoping to see around 250ks on the range when started after a full charge :) Thanks for your excellent content !!!

[@notaurusexcretus4471]

That’s a shame about the fault with adaptive cruse control it has potential if they fix that

[@basilbrush6014]

Hi Chris, usable battery is only 42.5kWh, so not sure how you get some of those figures unless the reported figures the car provides are incorrect. Good video ✅ What sort of range are you getting non highway driving?

[@chrisvanderstock]

About the same - maybe because I like the right pedal too much! I'll do a video "... A week without charging" (honestly will) and see what the the average is. The trip computer resets after an hour, so I'll need to be vigilant about recording it.

[@wrigzzx]

I've been enjoying watching videos on the mg zs ev lately 😅 however is it climate control in the zs ev? If it is wouldn't it be better to set is at say 20 on the 21 degree day to get a little cooler instead of opening windows then turning Ac on when it gets warm as you said you did? And wouldn't that drop of 37km or whatever we saw decrease as the climate control got to temp? Are updates over the air or do you have to go to the dealer for say that regen braking in radar cruise? My mazda 3 diesel with ieloop regenerates when slowing with radar cruise although maybe a different system? I'm sure they'll update it eventually.

[@Nobody_Famous]

MG doesn’t have climate control. Just an old school hotter/colder knob

[@chrisvanderstock]

Yep not climate control, just the ol' fashioned hotter or colder nob. And no OTA updates - need to go to the dealer for that one.

[@MrBenHaynes]

@@chrisvanderstock that's a shame, climate air is a non-negotiable for me.

[@karkybibek]

The big question with ev is how long does the battery last? I want to see long term review with ev vehicle. New car can do 250 plus, but after 2 to 3 yrs, battery degrades rather than car itself.

[@chrisvanderstock]

This car has a 7 year battery warranty, so for me, not a concern as I'll most likely sell it around year 5. There are plenty of EVs on the road that have done 500,000 kilometres, and still have 90% battery capacity left.

[@davidpearn5925]

There won’t be ANY internal combustion engines available eventually and the depreciation will get worse and worse as they get more and more expensive.

[@sandyritchie287]

Turns out the 44.5kWh is raw capacity, the usable is said to be closer to 40.5kWh. Just for info.

[@chrisvanderstock]

Thanks Sandy. Another comment suggested 42.5 - but I can't find neither. Will investigate more.

[@tolemac21]

My concern with the pictures of Teslas and this one you were driving is the glass roofs. I want zero sun coming in from the top, is there a total block option on any of these vehicles?

[@chrisvanderstock]

Not to my knowledge sorry. It is tinted, plus the blind works well. But if you're worried about skin cancer, then I get it.

[@ElectricCarAustralia]

Hi @tolenmac, we are using a DIY 'cut to shape' foil reflective windscreen sunshade. Doing a video on it soon. Slide the DIY screen between the sunroof and sliding shade. Really is needed in Qld summers

[@tajendrasinghrathore]

Kona ev has the radar regen thing

[@sirasbjorn860]

Always keep HVAC on to keep car dry inside.

[@govindkhatuwala5257]

Good

[@WTFaq]

Legend

[@ganeshbatcha577]

Me and my family test drive in india car is nice but in the rear seat 3 passengers not satisfied with the long drive

[@xboxice2005]

lol even better now as fuel is over $2.00

[@sirasbjorn860]

Sorry, thumbs down. I always drive with ACC, except downi when I disengage ACC for regen. ACC is much more efficient during driving.

[@chrisvanderstock]

For the driver, I agree. Keeps a safe distance, matches speed of cars, reduces driver fatigue, and improves safety for all. However, by using brakes to slow the vehicle, it reduces its efficiency. EG, if on one journey, the car returns just 1 watt of energy to the battery, it is now more efficient.

[@titanx04]

Australia is still too far behind rest of developed countries. No discount given , and why is Australia talking about charging by the klm rather than a fuel tax.

[@henvan8737]

This vehicle has disappointing range. With battery degradation over time means even less range.

[@chrisvanderstock]

Agreed - if you need to do more than 200+ kms every trip, this car won't have enough range. However, for most car owners, it has plenty of range (Australian tend to do 11,000KMs/year - or about 40kms/day). And with an 8 year battery, I'm not worried about battery degradation.

[@jasonpriddle5623]

Please, for the love of all that’s holy, stop saying “and well “ ALL THE TIME.....

[@chrisvanderstock]

And well.... 😬

[@jasonpriddle5623]

@@chrisvanderstock Good one..... :-)

[@laciLaszloM]

be care of the rust problem this car is know to have......apparently not rust proofed and the 7 yr warranty is dodgy

[@kabirjones8563]

What rust problem? please post a link. Ive had mine through 2 UK winters and no rust. Its a great value car. My Hyundai Ioniq on the other hand may need a new battery as it might catch fire!

[@thanhnguyen-vr1cl]

so touching for an excellent video