MG ZS EV 2020 electric car owner review

Steve Durham drives an MG ZS EV 45kWh 2020.

This is Steve’s first electric car, he’s owned the MG ZS EV 1-2 years and drives under 5,000 miles annually. The current mileage of the car is between 10,000-20,000 miles and he achieves 140 miles from a full charge.

Why did you choose the MG ZS EV?

Had an electric courtesy car and enjoyed the drive & features.

Positives

1. Tech
2. It’s very comfortable and relaxing to drive
3. Low running cost
4. 7-year general warranty and 10-year battery
5. The range predictions are accurate
6. Performance.

Negatives

1. I use public chargers very seldom but sometimes find them frustrating to use
2. Limited range, need to plan longer journeys to accommodate
3. Lack of holiday accommodation in the UK with EV charging facilities.

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

As it doesn’t have a heat pump the range in the winter falls to 120-130 miles. In the summer, 140 -150 (in Eco mode) is achievable. I would estimate around a 3-5% reduction in range since I got the car.

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

What are the standout technological features of the car?

1. I particularly like the adaptive cruise
2. I like the blind spot warning
3. Speed limit information
4. The car is very practical
5. The sat nav is good
6. Heated seats.

Tell us something people wouldn’t readily know about your MG ZS EV

I particularly like the emergency braking feature. I was driving really slowly into a very low winter sun and the car made an emergency stop as there was a cyclist that I didn’t see in front of me.

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

That they burst into flames spontaneously.

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

Mini Cooper Electric – great second car & sporty
CUPRA Born – longer range than my present car & also sporty.

Home charging unit

I use a smart ‘granny charger’ as I’m retired and quick charging is not a priority. It enables me access a low-cost tariff.

Tera Type 2 smart charger – connected to an EV-compatible BS1363-2. I charge at 9 amps and the app enables me to program remotely.

Electricity supplier & tariff

Octopus Go – no issues, excellent.

What public charging networks would you recommend to others and why?

I visit Scotland at least once a year and find their network reliable and low cost. In other parts of the UK costs and reliability vary but I find Zapmap helps me find chargers and I also use Zappay to pay. I find the need for network-specific apps/pay methods frustrating.

Insurance

Changed last year as the renewal quote from my previous provider was excessive. I was able to find the same level of cover from a new provider at a reduced rate.

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

Fuel – I estimate as a low millage user it’s around £35 to £40 per month. The (current) free road tax saves me a further £33 per month over my previous petrol car.