MG To Launch Long-range eZS By Diwali

• The eZS will kindle the all-electric SUV segment in India.
• Powering the SUV will be an electric motor producing 150PS and 350Nm of torque.
• Expect the all-electric eZS to also come feature-packed like the recently unveiled MG Hector.
• MG is claiming an impressive range of 350km for the eZS in India with the help of 45.6 kWh battery pack.

British marque MG has marked its debut in India with the much-awaited Hector. The SUV is promising and looks set to create a rift in the mid-size SUV segment when it hits showrooms in June. However, the Hector is not the only MG product to come to India this year. MG is looking forward to be the first manufacturer in India to launch an all-electric SUV with the upcoming eZS. The eZS was first unveiled in China, and it will hit our roads by the upcoming festive season.

MG is looking to pitch the eZS as the ideal SUV for customers looking for an electric vehicle with the latest connected features. The SUV will be powered by an electric motor producing 150PS and 350Nm of torque, with power sent to the front wheels only. Not only will the eZS be among the first electric SUVs in the country, it will also boast of a much longer range than what’s currently available, thanks to its 45.6 kWh battery pack.

Claimed range for the Indian version stands at an impressive 350km (the Chinese version has an even longer range of 428km), with 0-50kmph coming up in 3.1 seconds. The eZS will also feature a fast-charging setup which can charge the battery up to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes.

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As far as features go, the SUV will come equipped with the iSMART system from the Hector (albeit with a smaller 8-inch touchscreen setup). It will also feature built-in Wi-Fi, AI-enabled services, cloud-based services and over-the-air updates. A panoramic sunroof and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display can also be expected to be offered in the eZS.

The true success for an EV is also dependent upon the scale of infrastructure available to support these vehicles. Being well versed with the infrastructural limitations for EVs in India, MG will be initially introducing the eZS in a phased manner starting with the metros.The brand is looking at various options to provide the complete EV experience to customers and has also made it clear that they are working on improving the EV infrastructure and ownership experience.

The British brand is also planning to educate Indian customers about EV possibilities and erasing the stereotypical belief associated with electric vehicle range and charging infrastructure. With the government’s Fame II scheme still in its nascent stage, MG is not relying upon it and is planning to push out the SUV so that it will create an ecosystem upon which further developments can happen.This will also provide some live examples to the government, thereby solidifying their perception towards electric vehicles.

Finally, the eZS, in India, will be assembled using CKD kits, and while the battery packs are expected to be initially sourced from abroad, the carmaker is also planning to localise them. Expect the eZS to be priced around Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom). Rivals will include the upcoming Hyundai Kona EV and the Nissan Leaf, which are also expected to launch by the end of 2019.