MG ZS EV is an electric SUV that has made waves in India. At this affordable price, rich in features, and with aggressive marketing by the brand, the ZS EV has become one of the more serious contenders in the EV fray. Let’s see if the EV really lives up to its billing as the eco-friendly dream car or if it’s better left on the shelf.
MG ZS EV Promoted Fresh Start
It was a major unplug for MG when it launched the ZS EV, snapping immediately to the attention of those who care about their surroundings and of those who dream for new technology, marketing as a practical, zero-emission alternative to petrol or diesel SUVs, with a solid range of up to 461 kilometers. It wasn’t long before it became a family SUV that made the transition to electric driving seem easy and accessible.
Long-Term Owners Speak Out
Long-term MG ZS EV owners report mixed outcomes. Many are very much in love with their vehicles, but for others, issues with the car cannot be ignored.
“The stated range is just not feasible,” says Ravi, a ZS EV owner from Mumbai. He claims to be achieving 320 kilometers in the city traffic but less than 300 kilometers on highways with AC and a whole load.
This is what many owners expected, as per the claims made by MG during marketing. The concern on the range remains the most frequent problem, with charging infrastructure still in the development process in most areas.
Charging Infrastructure: A Growth Pain
While the cities of Delhi and Bengaluru have significantly improved their EV charging networks, charging stations are few in outer and small cities. Many ZS EV owners found long road trips a logistical nightmare, finding fast chargers could sometimes be a challenge.
This infrastructure gap had left some owners wondering whether they should have waited for the market to mature before jumping into EV ownership. The lack of accessible charging points outside metro cities can be frustrating for those hoping to take their ZS EV on weekend getaways or longer journeys.
Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, recently reminded this: “The upfront cost of electric vehicles is indeed falling, but battery endurance and the cost of replacements remain something buyers should be wary of.”
Driving Experience Reported by Users
There can be no argument over its zesty liveliness in the city. Instant torque off an electric motor gives instant acceleration, making it feel its zippy self on city roads. A big plus is the smooth, silent drive in that stop-and-go traffic.
But when you have to cut across highways, some owners feel that the driving experience begins to fall a tad flat. “It’s great for short drives, but I miss the punch and engagement I used to get from my petrol SUV,” says Priya, a ZS EV owner from Pune.
Industry Perspective: What Experts Say About MG ZS EV
Andy Palmer, former Aston Martin CEO and one of the early proponents of electric cars said, “As with any new technology there will be bumps along the road. But those embracing electric vehicles early are, in fact, helping to drive change toward a more sustainable future.”
These expert voices remind us that the EV market is still very much at its nascent stage, and while nothing as imperfect as the ZS EV might appear to make sense, it indeed marks an important step towards ditching fossil fuels.
ELCTRIK Speaks
If you frequently spend miles of your day driving, or if you live in an area with fewer charging points, or even if you’re worried that the battery is going to slowly degrade over time, the MG ZS EV might just prove a bit too much of a gamble.
