MG Motor India Takes One More Step Towards ZS Electric SUV Launch

• eChargeBays is a charging infrastructure startup in New Delhi.
• Experts will visit the locations and help set up ideal EV charging home stations.
• MG ZS electric vehicle to be launched in December 2019.
• SUV has a WLTP range of 262 km, takes 6 hours to charge at 7.2kW home charging.

The Ministry of Renewable Energy had issued new guidelines earlier this month for EV charging in India, de-licensing EV charging infrastructure and allowing the set up of charging stations for personal or commercial use. Following this, MG Motor India has announced a partnership with eChargebays to provide home charging solutions to customers of the upcoming MG ZS electric vehicle (EV). The SUV was launched in the UK earlier this year, and MG states, “received exceptional response in international markets, having secured 2,000 orders within two months of its UK launch.” Prices for the MG ZS EV have not been announced for India yet, but are expected to start from Rs 25 lakh. When launched, the electric car will compete with the Hyundai Kona EV.

This is part of the company’s efforts to make EV ownership more practical in Indian cities. MG has previously partnered with other EV charging solutions companies, like Fortrum for fast charging solutions, as well as multinational companies like Delta Electronics India. MG’s first electric vehicle in India will be the ZS EV, which the company claims will be launched in India in December. 

eChargeBays is a start-up in New Delhi working on EV charging infrastructure. The company release quotes Rajesh Singh, the founder and CEO of eChargeBays, “Most prospective EV buyers are hesitant on account of the limited charging infrastructure available. We aim to provide Indian car owners with a robust and safe one-stop solution for their home charging-related needs using our homeCharge solution. Apart from this, eChargeBays will also launch a series of service solutions in the charging infra space which would aim at providing a seamless EV charging experience to EV customers.”

The MG ZS electric car has a WLTP range of 262km on a single charge. It has a 44.5kWh battery, which takes 6 hours to charge with a 7.2kW home charger. When plugged into a CCS fast charger at 50kW, a charge to 80 per cent takes 40 minutes. MG’s all-electric SUV has 145PS and 353Nm of torque, enough to propel it from a standstill to 100kmph in a claimed 8.5 seconds. MG has not changed the timeline of launch (December 2019), but has not disclosed a date either. 

Prices are expected to start from Rs 25 lakh, making the ZS EV competitively priced against the Kona SUV. The upcoming Mahindra XUV300 electric and the Tata Nexon EV will be other electric SUVs in the space. However, the MG ZS also has active driver assistance systems, which further justify the asking price.

Press Release:

New Delhi, Oct. 16: In an industry-shaping development, MG Motor India has today announced its partnership with eChargeBays, a Delhi-based start-up, to assist its customers with last-mile assistance in setting up infrastructure at their home for charging their EV.

As part of the partnership, MG will send experts to identify the best way in which MG ZS EV buyers can install an EV charger at home. The move comes ahead of the MG ZS EV launch in December 2019.

Speaking on the collaboration, Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director, MG Motor India, said, “The government’s recent announcement around creating charging amenities for customers at public places is a positive step for the EV industry. Our latest association is aimed at supporting the government’s EV vision by providing a viable residential EV charging infrastructure. It also highlights MG’s commitment towards going the extra mile and delivering a convenient ownership experience for its EV customers. This partnership is yet another step towards driving EV adoption in the country.”

MG’s partnership with eChargeBays is the latest in a series of alliances with EV charging players aimed at creating a robust charging infrastructure in the country. As part of its commitment to creating an ecosystem for EVs and drive EV adoption in India, the company has already partnered with Fortum and Delta Electronics India for the fast charging and slow charging segments, respectively.

Speaking on the association, Rajesh Singh, Founder & CEO, eChargeBays, said, “Most prospective EV buyers are hesitant on account of the limited charging infrastructure available. We aim to provide Indian car owners with a robust and safe one-stop solution for their home charging-related needs using our homeCharge solution. Apart from this, eChargeBays will also launch a series of service solutions in the charging infra space which would aim at providing a seamless EV charging experience to EV customers.”

MG’s efforts to create the right ecosystem for EVs are part of its long-term commitment to bring environment friendly mobility solutions in the country and are aligned with the government’s vision to encourage EV adoption in India to bring about a material improvement in air quality.

The MG ZS EV is a global product that combines MG’s experience in EV manufacturing with best-in-class technology and design. MG ZS has already received exceptional response in international markets, having secured 2,000 orders within two months of its UK launch.