MG’s eZS, a Hyundai Kona rival, Packs the Bigger Battery! Does it have more range?

Explore the production-spec details of the all-electric MG model that is set to be introduced in India by late-2019

• eZS electric compact SUV uses a 44.5kWh lithium ion-battery pack, which is bigger than India-spec Kona EV.

• Has a WLTP test cycle range of 262km; likely to do much better on India’s ARAI test cycle.

• MG eZS’ electric motor makes 143PS and 353Nm of torque.

• eZS can fast charge from 0-80 per cent in 40 minutes; full charge from wall charger takes six hours.

• Hyundai Kona rivaling eZS is expected to be launched in India by December 2019 with a price tag ranging from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.

The MG eZS electric SUV was first revealed in China and has now been launched in the UK as well. It will launch in India too by the end of 2019 where it will compete with the recently launched Hyundai Kona Electric.

The eZS uses a 44.5kWh lithium-ion battery to power the electric motor that produces 143PS and 353Nm of torque. It has a WLTP (world harmonized light-duty vehicles test procedure) (combined) range of 262km from a full charge while on the WLTP city test cycle, the range goes up to 372km. These range figures would undoubtedly go much higher as per the Indian ARAI test cycle, as is the case with the Hyundai EV. 

MG’s battery can be recharged from zero to 80 per cent in 40 minutes using a 50kW fast charging station while the home box charger will take around 6 hours for a full charge. Both figures are pretty much identical to the Hyundai Kona. It will also come with the option to charge using a standard 3-pin plug in case of emergencies. The charging socket is hidden behind a panel on the front grille. Ahead of the launch of the eZS, MG has started installing fast chargers at select showrooms.

Also read: MG eZS Inches Closer To December Launch

Here’s how the two compare:

The UK-spec MG eZS electric SUV comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof and has a boot capacity of 448 litres, all of which should be offered on the India-spec model as well. However the suite of driver assist programs like Active Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning, collectively called ‘MG Pilot’, are unlikely to be offered in India.

On the plus side, MG will be offering internet connectivity and connected car technology with an e-SIM in the infotainment system, like the Hector. In the UK, MG is offering the eZS with a 7-year warranty that covers the battery too. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Kona Electric comes with an 8-year battery warranty in India and a 3-year/unlimited kilometre warranty overall.

MG has only recently made its entry here with the launch of the Hector mid-size SUV. It is locally built and is currently priced between Rs 12.18 lakh to Rs 16.88 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The eZS will be its second model in India and is expected to be priced between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh as a direct rival to the Hyundai Kona Electric. MG is already running a trial production for the eZS at its plant in Halol and will most likely be sold here as a CKD unit.

Related: Electric Vehicles To Get Major Boost As Govt Proposes GST Reduction, Tax Benefits

It is also important to note that the Kona is offered with a larger battery variant in various international markets for even more range. MG is expected to launch the eZS here by December 2019.

Read More on : Kona Electric Automatic