Battery size: 44.5 - 72 kWh
Miles per kWh: 3.66
Max charge rate: 76 kW
Range: 163 - 273 miles
Introduction and history
The MG brand might still be associated with two seater sports cars - and men with oily overalls - but the badge has found new success with advanced hatchbacks and SUVs which offer impressive value for money.
And if a car like the ZS was great value when it's new, it’s going to be even better when it’s used. It was originally launched in the UK in 2019 and had a facelift in 2021, with a new nose and better tech. It’s a family-sized SUV and the early cars were powered by a reasonable 141bhp electric motor, which gives it the same sort of performance you’d expect from a 1.6-litre petrol engine. The later models had different outputs depending on the battery size, and confusingly it's the Standard Range which had the beefier 176hp motor, while the Long Range had to make do with 154hp. That's still enough for most people though.
They only propel the front wheels though on all versions – so don’t expect to be doing any off-roading despite those chunky looks.
The ZS was very popular on lease schemes such as Motability, which means there are plenty about on the used market. So you can afford to be picky and make sure the services are up to date to keep that brilliant warranty.
What’s the real-world range of a used MG ZS EV?
There’s a choice of battery depending on the year. The pre-2021 facelift model has a 44.5kWh battery with an official range of around 163 miles. In the real world on a used model, bank on 120 miles.
The later facelift versions had a choice of two power packs. The Standard Range used a 51.1kWh with a 198 mile range and the 72.6kWh Long Range had an official figure of 273 miles.
The smaller battery models will be fine for local trips and commuting, but the bigger battery will make longer journeys much less stressful.
How long will the battery on the MG ZS last?
All EV batteries lose some capacity over years of use due to chemistry and charge cycles. This is normal, in the same way that engines wear over time. But the way the car has been driven, stored and charged will affect the battery state-of-health (SOH) scores.
MG ZS owners’ forums include examples where SOH indicators dropped down to mid-90% within a couple of years, which suggests around 3–5% degradation in early life on some cars.
This is borne out by data from the independent checks on used ZS EVs we saw. The best was a late model with 8,000 miles with 98% of its original capacity and the worst was a six year old car with a huge 106,000 miles and an 88% score. This would mean that the early model would have a realistic range of less than 100 miles in winter, but that will be plenty for many drivers - and it will be cheap motoring.
There is a fair degree of variation though, with cars of a similar age and miles showing a 5% difference in SOH figures. So we’d recommend buying a car with a report if you can.
How reliable is a used MG ZS EV and what are the common problems?
The ZS is generally a strong car, but there is some chatter among owners about certain issues. One is rust on the lower chassis parts, but all the experts we’ve spoken to say it’s just not an issue and the car is covered by a 12 year corrosion warranty anyway. If you are worried, have a good look underneath.
There have also been some very, very rare battery problems but they seem to have been caused by cars which have had a lot of rapid charging, such as taxis. Once in a while the batteries in any electric car like to take it a little easier so they can just recalibrate things a little. So a nice gentle slow charge can do them the power of good.
While you are charging, check the flap - it is different on the Mk1 and Mk2 cars, but both are fragile and vulnerable to parking knocks.
Which is the best version to buy?
The first-gen ZS EVs came in two trims when new in the UK. The Excite was the base level and was easily identifiable by the houndstooth cloth seats.
But most of the cars you’ll find for sale will be the top Exclusive model as it was two thirds of sales. They have leather seats – although it feels more like plastic to be honest, but it’s easier to take care of. And they also get a big sunroof and a few other nice bits, like an upgraded stereo, automatic wipers, and a reversing camera.
The improved 2021version of the ZS EV had a new look, with a filled in body-colour grille as the most obvious change. But the bigger news was the significantly longer range from a new 72kWh battery pack.
The trim levels changed too. The SE was the cheapest, with the big selling Trophy adding the nice trim and extra tech seen in the older Exclusive. A new Trophy Connect has live services and other addition to the new app. These won't necessarily still be connected, or might be linked to the previous owner, so check before you buy or you might find yourself stuck with someone else's schedules.
The new tech fixed many of the complaints from owners of the old model as it allows owners to set various functions from their smartphones. For example, it lets the ZS be pre-heated while still connected to the mains and to use a charge timer, improving efficiency and reducing running costs.
In styling terms, the facelift also brought new LED headlights, a redesigned rear bumper and new wheels. Inside, there was a new 10.1-inch tablet-style touchscreen, with a new instrument cluster and wireless phone charging.
There are plenty to choose from, so select a car which best suits your needs.
How long is the warranty?
The MG warranty was a whopping seven years or 80,000 miles across the whole car, and that’s transferable to you as the new owner, so the car will be covered until its seventh birthday.
That’s one of the best warranties in the business, but there is a small wrinkle. Most rivals only have three year cover on the whole car but guarantee the battery for eight years. The MG’s power pack is only covered for seven, like the rest of the car. But as batteries are lasting for longer than anyone initially thought it’s not something to stress about. Bear in mind the note below about the charging timers on early cars though.
What are the ownership and running costs of a MG ZS EV?
Unlike most electric cars, the first gen ZS doesn’t have a built-in charge timer or ability to pre-heat the cabin. Now that’s pretty annoying, so many owners use a timer built into their home charge points to make use of cheaper night time charge electricity rates, but bear it in mind if you can’t do that as it means you won’t be able to access the low energy rates - that will be worth hundreds per year for most drivers.
Tyres and servicing are among the cheapest of any EV. You will need proof that you’ve followed the MG service schedule to keep the warranty valid, and the ZS needs looking at every year or 15,000 miles - that's not as good as some rivals which have two year intervals, but it's good to get a car checked over beyond the compulsory MoT every year. The good news is that maintenance is really low, especially if you buy a service plan from the dealer.
What other cars should I consider?
The obvious rivals are the first gen Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona and Kia e-Niro. There are also the small electric SUVs from Stellantis such as the Vauxhall Mokka and Peugeot e-2008.
The Nissan is more conventional but will be similar in price for the same age and miles, and it likely to feel better built. The Kona and Kia have a better real world range and similarly strong warranties, while the Mokka and e-3008 drive better and feel more European in style.
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