With the electric segment catching up momentum, customers will soon have a plethora of options to choose from. MG Motor was one of the early entrants in this segment with the ZS EV, which did not sell in numbers they would have expected. And one of the main reasons for this was its relatively higher sticker price, which currently starts from INR 20.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
But now, as rumours suggest, MG is looking to bring down the cost of the ZS EV. And they will achieve this by using a smaller 40 kWh battery pack. Previously MG had hinted that they are looking to launch an electric vehicle in the sub-20 lakh bracket. And this could very much be the one they are looking at.
MG ZS EV To Compete With Tata Nexon EV
If MG brings this variant to India, the Tata Nexon will definitely feel the heat. This is partly because the ZS EV offers a better package overall. More space, more electronics, better interiors and features. But, one thing to mention is that downgrading the battery pack will surely decrease the driving range of the ZS EV. Although, MG will likely retain the same 3-phase permanent synchronous motor that delivers 140 HP and 353 Nm.
With the current 44.5 kWh battery pack, the SUV delivers a range of close to 320 km in normal usage. Compared to the Nexon EV, which uses a 30.2 kWh battery pack that provides close to 250 km of real-world range, the new ZS EV could give the Nexon EV a tough fight.
In Other News
MG Motor is preparing to launch the petrol version of the ZS, named Astor, sometime next month. Dubbed as the ‘India’s First Car With AI’, this SUV gets level-2 ADAS technology. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Headlamp Control (IHC), Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Drive Assist (RDA), and Speed Assist System (SAS). With the growing demand for connected car features, customers will indeed find Astor quite appealing.
Also Read:
- MG Motor India planning electric compact-SUV & hatchback.
- 2021 MG Astor revealed, gets Artificial Intelligence & Level-2 Autonomous tech.
