MG4 EV 2022 electric car owner review

Robert Rutt drives an MG4 EV SE Long Range 64kWh 2022.

This is Robert’s second electric car, he’s owned the MG4 EV from new and drives 10,000-15,000 miles annually. The current mileage of the car is between 10,000-20,000 miles and he achieves 250 miles from a full charge.

Why did you choose the MG4 EV?

I had a mk1 MG ZS EV 44kWh before the ‘4’ and I was very happy with it. I do a regular 110 miles each way to our static caravan and back. In the ZS I would arrive with 15-40 miles on the GOM. This was fine but meant I had to charge before undertaking the next trip out and there wasn’t enough in the bank for an emergency trip back home; at the time it was 29 miles from a reliable InstaVolt site. Not a lot of charging options at the ‘van then so I’d granny charge off a site-approved installed socket.

In the ‘4’ I can now travel at motorway speeds, where possible, without thinking about wasting range and arrive with 120 (awful weather) – 150 (awful slow drive) on the GOM. I typically charge to 100% before setting out on this journey but don’t have to worry about range anymore. I was one of the first 1000 ZS owners which came with a free charger install. One of the first 1,000 MG4s too!

Positives

Perfect range for my use
smooth ride
enough acceleration
looks like a normal car – I went for the grey SE over the ‘look at me’ Trophy.

Negatives

Honestly, I struggle to find anything I don’t like. Original car, original software (LKA stays off in settings). One recall for driver’s door lock (which never affected me).

Compared to when you first bought the car, does your battery still charge at the same rate & do you still get the same range?

Yes, most of my charging is done at home on a 4.5 year old Rolec charger or on the granny at my caravan. Regular balance charge.

Have you experienced any faults with the car? If so, what have they been?

Only fault was the driver’s door lock recall which didn’t ‘hurt’ me at all.

What are the standout technological features of the car?

From a driver’s point of view I think it’s spot on. Though, to get the best out of the user interface, smart phone connection is a must. I just plug the phone in and everything I need is there. Android Auto works great for me. The digital radio reception isn’t always great where I live but Android Auto/radio apps take care of that.

Tell us something people wouldn’t readily know about this electric car

I would try to forget it’s an electric car and just give one a try. Find a new fossil car of similar size, have a look at boot and storage space. Have a test drive. How convenient is the nearest petrol station? Have a look at boot and storage in the MG4. Have a test drive. Is home/work charging possible? If home/work charging is possible and you’re open to a little change, I reckon it’s a no brainer.

What’s the biggest or funniest myth you’ve heard about EVs?

They catch fire too easily. How many have you seen spontaneously combust?

What electric car(s) are you interested in next and why?

There are loads that catch my eye in the £100,000+ bracket. Love the offerings from Lotus, Porsche, Mercedes et al. but because of the network they’ve built up any Tesla would be worth a look at. Even good second-hand vehicles available at the moment.

Home charging unit

Rolec HomeSmart – it has proven very reliable for me and works well with ev.energy app. I would recommend checking compatibility of car and/or charger with Intelligent charging from your electricity provider if setting up now.

Electricity supplier & tariff

Octopus Tracker – it suits my needs. If my car or charger was compatible I might consider Intelligent Octopus Go.

Do you use public charging networks?

Insurer

LV= no problems so far.

Please itemise where you’re saving money (or not) owning & running an MG4 EV

On the Tracker tariff my unit cost hasn’t gone above a monthly average of 18p per kW. A return trip of 220 miles will use less than 60kWh. Let’s round up to 25p per kW (I top up at my static caravan and that’s the cost there).

My old RAV4 (great car) did 30mpg, 220 miles = let’s be generous and round down to 7 gallons.
How much is a gallon? Just googled @ £6.50.

60×.25= £15
7 × 6.5= £45.50

I currently do this journey 2 or 3 times a month, 10 months of the year. Let’s be generous and say 20 times a year × £30.50 (the difference in petrol and electricity) = £610. My total yearly mileage is around 12,000 miles so the actual minimum is more like £1,800 on these figures, which are heavily weighted in favour of fossil. Possibly more like £2,500.