YOUR ELECTRIC VEHICLE QUESTIONS ANSWERED

September 8, 2021

Q. WHAT IS AN ELECTRIC CAR?

A. An electric vehicle (or EV) has no combustion engine like petrol and diesel models. It uses electrical energy stored in a rechargeable battery to drive the vehicle electrical motor(s).

The MG ZS EV is an electric vehicle with a large-capacity 44.5kW/h underfloor battery and a front-mounted motor driving the front wheels.

Q. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ELECTRIC CARS?

A. The most notable benefit of electric cars is that they have vastly improved energy consumption and do not contribute to air pollution.

Contrary to some mainstream commentary, an EV does not produce additional particulates via tyre wear or brake pad wear. In fact, the opposite is true.

An EV tyre is designed to lower rolling resistance and made with a harder rubber/silica compound, which means they wear far less quickly than other passenger tyres. And because the MG ZS EV (along with many other EVs) features regenerative braking, it actually relies far less on its conventional pad-and-rotor braking system to slow it down.

In fact, it’s actually very hard to pin any sort of emissions on an EV, and that includes noise!

Electric cars also benefit from the convenience of home charging.

Q. WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF ELECTRIC CARS?

A. The main disadvantage of electric cars at present is that they have a shorter range than petrol or diesel-powered vehicles. However, most daily driving and average commute distances are well within the range of the MG ZS EV, which can range up to (WLTP) 263km from a single charge.

Charging stations are also becoming commonplace, with ultra-fast chargers able to charge the MG ZS EV up to 80% in just 45 minutes.

Q. WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO DRIVE AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE?

A. Driving an electric car is very similar to driving a conventional car, but without a noisy petrol or diesel engine.

With only a single drive gear, the MG ZS EV is very smooth to drive, with instant and effortless response to accelerator and braking inputs.

The instant torque delivery of an electric motor also gives strong and seamless acceleration, especially in urban environments.

Q. WHAT IS REGENERATIVE BRAKING?

A. During acceleration and constant speed driving, the electric motors consume energy from the battery. When slowing down or braking, the motor then acts as a generator and feeds electrical energy back to the battery.

This partly recharges the battery to maximise the vehicle’s range. The MG ZS EV has three levels of regeneration, so drivers can choose the level of regen feel that suits them best.

Q. HOW DOES THE MG ZS EV HANDLING COMPARE TO A CONVENTIONAL VEHICLE?

A. Compared to other electric models, the MG ZS EV has its battery mounted under the floor.

This places the heaviest part of the ZS EV in the best possible location – low down in the car, thereby lowering its centre of gravity – to provide predictable, relaxed handling.

Q. SOMETIMES A PUMPING NOISE CAN BE HEARD WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. WHAT IS THIS NOISE?

A. This is entirely normal. Because there is no petrol or diesel engine, the brake vacuum assistance needs to be provided by a separate electrical pump.

The noise is simply the pump working to assist the brakes.

Because the MG ZS EV is a very quiet electric vehicle, it means that the pump can be heard more easily.

Q. SOMETIMES AN EXTERNAL DRONING NOISE CAN BE HEARD WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE. WHAT IS THIS NOISE?

A. This is completely normal and enhances the safety of the MG ZS EV. Due to regulations for electric vehicles, the MG ZS EV is required to be fitted with an exterior noise generator.

This is because at low speeds the MG ZS EV is very quiet, and the noise generator is used to warn pedestrians and cyclists.

Q. DOES THE MG ZS EV HAVE THE ‘ONE PEDAL DRIVING’ FEATURE?

A. Yes. The MG ZS EV on the highest KERS mode uses regenerative braking to drive with just the throttle pedal in most situations, allowing for smooth acceleration and slowing.

It is, however, the responsibility of the driver to use the brakes where needed.

Q. ARE ELECTRIC VEHICLES SAFE?

A. Electric vehicles are subject to the same active and passive safety regulations and ANCAP protocols as conventional petrol and diesel vehicles.

Electric vehicles are also required to meet extra regulated safety standards for high voltage systems.

The MG ZS EV, like all MG’s, is engineered and developed to meet all regulations and stringent global safety standards.

Furthermore, the MG ZS EV is equipped with state-of-the-art MG Pilot, which includes a range of advanced and autonomous features to assist the driver and keep all occupants safer whilst on the road and has been awarded maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE VEHICLE IS CAUGHT IN A FLOOD?
A. The MG ZS EV has a fully sealed high voltage battery and electrical system, rated to the highest levels of protection against water. The car is approved to ISIP67 water and dust protection.

Q. CAN I CHARGE AN MG ZS EV OUTDOORS IN THE RAIN?

A. Yes, there is no risk to people near the charger or the vehicle itself. The charging system and cables are all tested to ensure they can be used in the rain.

Q. HOW DO YOU CHARGE AN ELECTRIC CAR?

A. Electrical cars are charged by connecting a cable with plugs between a charger and the charge socket on the vehicle.

This can be done either at a public charging station or at home using a home charger or by using simple 3-pin 10A plug charger (like that supplied with MG ZS EV).

Q. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FULLY RECHARGE THE MG ZS EV?

A. This will depend on what charger is used and how much charge is needed. For a 50kW DC charger at a public charging station, it takes approximately 40 minutes to achieve 80% charge from zero. For a 7.2kW AC installed home charger or 22kW AC public charger it takes approximately 6.5 hours. For a 10A home charger with a domestic plug as supplied with your ZS EV it takes approximately 18 hours to 80%.

Q. WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED TO CHARGE AN MG ZS EV?

A. MG ZS EV comes with a 10A home charger with a domestic 240v-style plug. To improve home charging speed, you will need to invest in a 7kW AC single phase home charger/wall box.

The recommended home chargers for MG ZS EV may be purchased via JetCharge. To use public charging stations, you can download the Chargefox app.

Q. CAN I CHARGE MY ELECTRIC CAR AT ANY PUBLIC CHARGING STATION?

A. The MG ZS EV can be charged at any charging station if there is a compatible connector and as long as you have an account with the charge point provider.

There are some public charging stations owned by specific manufacturers; these can only be used by vehicles from that manufacturer.

Q. DOES MG ZS EV COME EQUIPPED WITH A TYPE 2 CABLE?

A. MG ZS comes equipped with a 10A domestic three-pin charger with a Type 2 connector for vehicle connection. If you wish, you can also purchase a 32A Type 2-to-Type 2 charge lead from your dealer.

Q. WHAT TYPES OF CHARGER CABLE WILL THE MG ZS EV ACCEPT?

A. MG ZS EV supports both Type 2 connector (for slow and fast charging) and CCS connector (for rapid charging).

Q. DOES THE HOME CHARGER COME TETHERED OR UNTETHERED?

A. Home chargers can generally come as tethered (they have the cable to connect to the vehicle) or untethered (they need a separate cable) – it is up to the customer to specify the type they require.

Q. IS THERE A TIMED CHARGING FEATURE ON THE MG ZS EV?

A. There is currently no timed charge feature on the MG ZS EV.

Q. WHICH COMPANIES PROVIDE HOME CHARGER INSTALLATIONS?

A. There are a variety of companies that can provide home charger installations. MG recommends you contact JetCharge to understand what is the most suitable for the MG ZS EV.

Q. IS A HOME CHARGER INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE VEHICLE?

A. No, home chargers need to be purchased separately.

Q. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CHARGE AN MG ZS EV?

A. The price of electricity changes due to market influences. If you multiply the rate ($/kW/h) by the capacity of the MG ZS EV battery (44.5kW/h), this will give the cost of a single full recharge.

Based on home charging, recharging the MG ZS EV would be less than half the cost of refilling a petrol car for an equivalent range . For example, at a retail rate of $0.27.56c;

Q. IS THE VEHICLE AND CHARGE CABLE PROTECTED FROM THEFT DURING CHARGING?

A. During charging the vehicle can be locked to protect against theft.

And as part of the charging process, the charge cable is interlocked to the car so it cannot be removed by anyone other than the customer.

Q. WHY CAN YOU ONLY RAPID-CHARGE THE MG ZS EV TO 80% AND NOT TO 100%?

A. Charging rate is limited by Li-Ion battery chemistry. The first 80% can be done quickly. The MG ZS EV battery management system (BMS) then controls the rate of the last 20% charge to fully charge the battery.

Q. HOW CAN YOU FIND ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING STATIONS?

A. The locations of charging stations are available in the Satellite Navigation system of MG ZS EV, although this would need regular online updates to keep it accurate.

Alternatively, there are a number of third-party applications that can be downloaded to smartphone devices such as Plugshare which are regularly updated with the latest charging stations, charging station type and location.

There are also applications from the charging companies themselves such as ChargeFox which can also provide live status information about charging stations such as Status, Location, Type, Online, Offline, In use etc

Q. WITHOUT AN ENGINE, HOW DOES THE MG ZS EV WARM THE INTERIOR?

A. The MG ZS EV is equipped with a heating and ventilation system like conventional vehicles. However, this is powered by electrical energy rather than taking heat from the engine.

Q. DOES THE MG ZS EV HAVE BATTERY WARMING/COOLING?

A. The MG ZS EV is equipped with liquid cooling to keep the battery to the optimised temperature for best performance and range.

During charging, the battery will be set to warm to an optimal temperature, so that even on cold days the battery performance will be optimised.

During operation, it is natural for an EV battery to warm up, and the liquid cooling will effectively cool the battery to optimise performance.

Q. DOES THE MGZS EV HAVE A TOWING LIMIT?

A. No. The MG ZS EV is not designed or developed for towing.

Q. WHAT IS THE RANGE OF AN MG ZS EV?

A. The MG ZS EV has a range of 263 km on the WLTP Combined cycle from a single charge.

Q. WHAT FACTORS AFFECT THE RANGE OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE?

A. Driving at higher speeds will reduce range. Driving at urban/city speeds is better for maximising range.

Using vehicle systems such as the climate control and heated screen will draw energy from the battery and will therefore reduce range. Cold outside temperatures will also reduce range.

Q. IF THE BATTERY RUNS OUT OF CHARGE, WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE CAR?
A. Like a petrol or diesel vehicle, the car will eventually stop if the tank runs out of fuel, so an electric vehicle will stop if the battery runs out of charge.

In the unlikely event this happens, with MG ZS EV you can call 1800 MG CARS for Roadside Assistance (included for the first year and reinstated each year for five years as long as you maintain your servicing at an approved MG service centre) to help get you to the nearest charging station.

However, the MG ZS EV provides information to the driver about predicted range and also provides increasing warning levels as the charge in the battery gets low.

Q. WILL THE MG ZS EV HAVE ENOUGH RANGE FOR MY JOURNEY?

A. For many people the MG ZS EV will have sufficient range (263km on WLTP cycle) for their journey. Based on average daily driving distance surveys in Australia, the MG ZS EV has enough range to cover a week of driving on only one or two battery recharges.

For longer journeys, planning using rapid charge stations for top-ups on the way can increase total journey distance.

Q. HOW LONG IS THE MG ZS EV BATTERY COVERED UNDER WARRANTY?

A. Yes, the lithium-ion battery is covered under an eight-year, 160,000km warranty. The vehicle’s traditional 12-volt battery is covered under a two-year consumables warranty.

Q. ARE ELECTRIC VEHICLES MORE DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN?

A. No, in electric vehicles there are significantly fewer moving parts and systems, so maintaining them is easier and less expensive.

This article originally featured on mgmotor.com.au and can be viewed here.