Pete Singleton drives an MG5 EV Exclusive (pre-facelift) 52kWh 2021.
This is Pete’s first electric car, he’s owned the MG5 EV 2-3 years and drives 5,000-10,000 miles annually. The current mileage of the car is between 20,000-30,000 miles and he achieves 194 miles from a full charge.
Why did you choose the MG5 EV?
Reasonably priced, roomy & the range is acceptable for me.
Positives – List 3 or more reasons why you love this electric car
- The range is reasonably good
- it is comfortable
- the boot is roomy
- front seat heaters
- Android Auto/Apple CarPlay as standard
- driver’s seat can be adjusted electrically.
Negatives – List 3 or more things that you really don’t like about this electric car
- The display software can be a bit hit and miss, slow to react and sometimes ‘freezes’. It feels outdated.
- no 360° cameras (only on rear)
- no blind spot warning
- the headlights are not particularly strong
- headlights do not switch on early enough when daylight fades.
Compared to when you first bought the car, does your battery still charge at the same rate & do you still get the same range?
I’ve noticed no change in range or rate of charge.
Have you experienced any faults with the car? If so, what have they been?
- The rear camera failed (a software issue which was quickly rectified)
- My very first charge at a public (rapid) charger failed. A software issue which was rectified by the dealer.
- Driver’s door sometimes needs an extra ‘slam’ to shut (door mechanism sticking). This will be checked at next service.
- On reversing, noise from rear brakes. Not rectified properly on last service but will be reported again on next service.
What are the standout technological features of the car?
- Regeneration settings (KERS)
- Good all-round steering wheel adjustment.
What’s the biggest or funniest myth you’ve heard about EVs?
They catch fire and you’ll be stranded in a long traffic queue.
What electric car(s) are you interested in next and why?
Probably another MG but my main priority will be cost.
Home charging unit – outline both positive & negative elements
Rolec – sometimes it has to be rebooted before it will begin charging.
Electricity supplier & tariff – outline both positive & negative elements
E.ON Next Flex Drive – reasonable cost from midnight to 7 am. No negatives, it’s just what’s best for me.
What public charging networks would you recommend to others and why?
InstaVolt, GRIDSERVE & Shell Recharge – no apps necessary. Just plug in, charge and go. You do come across chargers out of order so I do think all suppliers need to ‘up their game’.
Insurer – outline both positive & negative elements
As with insuring any car, you need to shop round annually. My LV insurance doubled this year, so I changed to AA. But I know this will rise too in a couple years. I’ve found insuring an electric car is not much different from insuring an ICE vehicle.
Please itemise where you’re saving money (or not) owning & running an MG5
- Much less servicing costs
- no VED (currently)
- much cheaper using electricity over fossil fuels
- over a month, charging costs me around £50 as opposed to £60 – £100 in petrol
- my first service was under £90, 2nd service was £120
- I save approximately £300 – £500 annually.
See other MG5 EV Owner Reviews here
