MG extends cheap EV offer
MG’s offer of a heavily discounted price for presales of its ZS EV proved so popular the company has extended it, writes
Just two months after it launched a special price offer for orders of New Zealand’s cheapest new electric vehicle, MG Motor New Zealand has sold all 50 of them.
The special price of $49,990 for the first 50 pre-orders made MG’s ZS EV small electric SUV the cheapest new EV sold in New Zealand, even if buyers won’t actually see their cars until the middle of next year.
But don’t kick yourself if you missed out, because the offer has proven so popular that MG Motor NZ is now offering the next 100 pre-sales for a similar price of $50,100 plus on-road costs.
The pre-sale discount strategy is similar to one used in other markets for the ZS EV launch, with a special price offered to the first 1000 buyers in the United Kingdom, where MG will also be matching the United Kingdom Government’s EV subsidy.
MG hasn’t announced a full retail price for the ZS EV in New Zealand yet, saying it will do that when the EV is launched next year.
However, it says the introductory price represents a ‘‘substantial incentive’’.
‘‘We are delighted to offer our Kiwi customers more choice and affordability with our new MG ZS EV, and it’s exciting to see such strong interest in the MG ZS EV after only two months of pre-sale,’’ said Anthony MacLean, a business manager for MG Motor NZ.
‘‘As we herald a new era of electric motoring in New Zealand, we’re making a commitment to ensuring it’s a smooth transition for all with our affordable and practical EV model. We’re undertaking extensive research and planning into the model’s compatibility with New Zealand’s electric vehicle infrastructure, and the model is set to make the most of New Zealand’s extensive DC rapid-charging network.’’
Customers keen on reserving a ZS EV can do it either at a dealership or through a dedicated portal at the company’s website.
Currently, MG has seven dealerships in New Zealand, with Winger MG Wellington being the latest to join Winger Motors in Hamilton, Euro City in Hawke’s Bay, Tristram in Auckland, Farmer in Tauranga, EuroCity in Napier, Cartown in Palmerston North and Cockram in Christchurch.
drove the ZS EV at parent company SAIC Motor’s test track earlier this year.
It’s powered by a 44.5kWh battery giving 105kW/353Nm and a range of 262 kilometres under the official ‘‘real world’’ WLTP test regime now being used in Europe.
The CCS Combined and Type 2 charging ports in the grille are compatible with New Zealand’s charging infrastructure.
The ZS EV can be powered up to 80 per cent in 40 minutes using a 50kW fast-charger, seven hours with a 7kW charger unit of the type that can be installed at home – or simply trickle charged using a standard three-point plug. The MG ZS EV will come with a seven-year, 130,000km new vehicle and battery warranty.
SAIC Motor sold more than 140,000 New Energy Vehicles (NEV) in 2018, doubling the NEV sales of the previous year for the fifth consecutive year.