MG electric cars
We have a range of electric cars from MG available on our all inclusive monthly subscription model. Read on for more info on our range and MG’s history in the EV space.
Why you should drive an MG electric car
Put your preconceptions away! If you’ve come here thinking MGs are best at home broken in a garage, let us reintroduce them to you.
MG are now real pioneers when it comes to the affordable electric car. They’re on a mission to prove that cheap can actually be cheerful, and they’re succeeding.
Well equipped, affordably priced and genuinely good to drive, electric MG cars are not just great for the environment and your wallet, they’re great to live with too.
If you’re looking to make the switch to an EV but don’t want to break the bank, an MG electric car might be just what you’re after. With their range of cars ever expanding too, from hatches to estates and SUVs, it’s highly likely there’ll be something that fits your lifestyle. We’ll give you a quick run-down on this now Chinese brand and explain why their EVs should be on your shortlist.
Our range of MG electric cars
How long has MG been producing EVs?
MG was founded by Cecil Kimber in the 1920s. Known for producing quality sports cars, popular MG models include the MGB, the MG TC, the MG3, and the MGF/TF.
Ownership of the MG brand has changed hands many times over the years, including Morris Motors Ltd, BLMC, and most recently SAIC.
In 2005 it was the purchase by Chinese firm SAIC (who were known as Nanjing Automobile Group at the time) which breathed a new lease of life into the brand and allowed MG production to continue after a several-year pause following receivership.
What does MG stand for? MG is an acronym of ‘Morris Garages’, named after the Oxford-based sales and service centre they sold cars out of.
Since then, it’s been confirmed the future of MG is certain to be electrified, with MG already introducing three all-electric models to the UK since 2020 to great reviews. MG have shown prospective new electric car buyers that other manufacturers have been a bit cheeky when it comes to pricing their electric models.
The MG4 EV, their all-electric hatchback for example, is considerably cheaper than the similarly sized Volkswagen ID.3 but is no worse to live with and can go just as far (if not further!) on a full charge. It’s prompted other manufacturers to seriously rethink how they market their new models, with MG paving the way for the affordable electric car.
More electric MGs are on the way too, like the convertible Cyberster sports car coming in 2024:
MG Electric Cars Range
MG are making a name for themselves in the UK for having refreshingly simple trim levels and options lists. Unlike other manufacturers which will give you a hundred different options for each car, the vast majority of MG cars have just two trim levels and the choice of just a few powertrains.
Their electric cars usually come in either Standard Range or Long Range battery packs to keep things nice and simple. If you don’t want the hassle of speccing your new car within an inch of its life, MG have done all the hard work for you here:
- MG4 EV – their all-electric hatchback. Similarly sized to a Volkswagen ID.3, the MG4 EV is a family hatch with generous equipment, great handling and ride comfort and very competitively priced, undercutting rivals by thousands without compromising on the important bits. The MG4 EV won WhatCar’s Small Electric Car of the Year award for 2023.
- MG5 EV – the 4s bigger, estate shaped brother. A spacious 5-door electric estate with 464 litres of boot space, extending to 1456 litres with rear seats folded. It also offers all the gadgets to be expected from a modern EV, as well as powerful acceleration and decent range (209 miles for the long range model). This car is all about sheer space with a huge boot and plenty of room inside for all the family.
- MG ZS EV was MG’s first UK release into the EV market and has been voted DrivingElectric’s Car of the Year 2022. The MG ZS EV comes in two battery sizes (51kWh Standard Range or 73kWh Long Range) with two specifications: ‘SE’ and the slightly upgraded ‘Trophy’. The ZS EV was their first all-electric car in the UK and the recently facelifted version brings a revamped, high quality interior and larger batteries to the party, meaning range anxiety is a thing of the past.
- MG Cyberster – their sports car due in the UK in 2024. Little details are known about this just yet, but we do know it’ll look awesome and be great fun to drive.
The MG line-up is also expected to grow, with an extended range MG4 model offering over 320 miles on a full charge and a plan for a performance-focused model offering 0-62mph in less than 4 seconds.
Why driving an EV is great
There are plenty of reasons why driving an electric car is great, and benefits not only you as the driver, but also the environment.
While MG produces great petrol and diesel cars, the benefits of an EV mean they’re the perfect choice for drivers looking to make the switch to electric:
- There are far fewer moving parts in an EV, which means maintaining them is cheaper and there’s less that can potentially go wrong
- Charging an EV is quick and simple – by using a rapid charge point, you can charge your EV’s battery to 80% in as little as 20 minutes
- EVs are far kinder to the environment, and by using green energy to charge the battery they can be completely carbon neutral after manufacture
- Compared to petrol and diesel, the cost of charging an EV is considerably cheaper than a tank of fuel
Why MG produces excellent EVs
In the UK, MG electric cars have only been available since 2019, however, it’s cementing itself as a favourite and is one of the country’s fastest-growing car brands.
In just a few short years, MG has made improvements and updates, meaning its EVs should be a serious consideration for anyone looking to make the move to electric.
Here are four reasons why you should consider driving an MG EV:
1. They’re fantastic value for money
While it’s true that EVs are more expensive than their petrol and diesel counterparts, running an MG EV is far cheaper. MG produces some of the most affordable EVs on the market, with prices starting at under £27k, or £469 per month on an elmo all-inclusive subscription. On top of that, EVs are exempt from road tax, don’t have to pay congestion charges and can occasionally park for free while charging.
2. They have great range
One of the advancements made to MG EVs since launch are the upgraded batteries. While early ZS EV models had a range of around 150 miles, new ones can easily surpass 225 miles in a single charge (in the real world).
3. They’re genuinely practical
With spacious interiors and huge boot space on offer, MG EVs don’t compromise – and crucially have the same amount of space as their petrol counterparts. They make for a great option for growing families who value space.
4. They have plenty of technology as standard
EVs are known for coming equipped with plenty of advanced technology, including feature-laden infotainment systems. Despite the reasonable price tag, MG is still generous with the tech they pack into their EVs, including all-around parking cameras, various driving assistance systems, large central touch screens, keyless entry and more, there’s plenty to keep tech lovers happy.
MG EVs on subscription
While the cost of buying an MG EV is reasonable, it still requires a large deposit, which can prevent eager drivers from taking home an MG of their own.
However, an alternative to buying is an MG subscription through elmo.
An elmo electric car subscription includes comprehensive insurance, servicing and maintenance, fair wear and tear for tyres and even breakdown cover, meaning accessing an MG EV of your own is easier and more affordable than ever.
FAQs
Why an EV by MG?
MG EVs are reliable, modern, and offer great range – all for a highly affordable price. An MG EV is a great introduction to the EV world.
Which MG EV is right for you?
The MG5 Excite and Exclusive models are roomy estate electric cars with great range, while the ZS EV is a roomy SUV which offers plenty of tech as standard, and is great value for money.
Who owns MG?
Ownership of the MG brand has changed hands many times over the years, the most notable (arguably) when it became a part of British Leyland (BLMC) and later the MG Rover group.
In 2006, MG was purchased by the Nanjing Automobile Group – which itself later became a part of the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (commonly known as SAIC). SAIC are the owners of MG around the world.
Where are MG cars made?
SAIC are a Chinese company with MG electric cars being largely designed and made at their plants in China and Thailand. Research and development of MGs still takes place at the well-known Longbridge plant in Birmingham, which is home to the SAIC Motor Technical Centre (now seen as the MG Motors UK headquarters).
Production of MG cars takes place mostly in China.
How much do MGs cost?
As of 2023, the MG3 petrol model starts from £13,820 with MG electric car prices starting from £26,995 for the MG4 hatchback.
MG5 estate models start from £30,995 with MG ZS SUVs priced between £17,820 (for petrol) to £32,995 (for Long Range electric). MG HS SUVs start from £23,555 for petrol and £31,095 for plug-in hybrid.
Why are MG cars so cheap?
MG cars are affordable because SAIC have invested millions into making their production processes smooth and transferable across various models. They’re also creating EV platforms that can be shared too, meaning battery technology can be shared across their vehicles much easier. We’d argue the question you should be asking is: why are other cars so expensive?
Are MG cars reliable?
In 2022, the MG ZS came seventh out of 39 in a reliability survey conducted by WhatCar? That meant it beat cars from more mainstream manufacturers like Skoda and Kia.
Are all MGs electric?
No, some MG cars can be specified with petrol or petrol plug-in hybrid powertrains.
How fast do MG EVs charge?
This depends on the MG EV you choose, but the MG4 Long Range for example can charge from 10-80% (that’s 155 miles) just 34 minutes at an ultra-rapid charge point.
