MG Debuts Its First Electric SUV in India

MG Motor India’s first all-electric model, the locally produced ZS SUV/crossover, will debut in January.

The five-seat ZS is expected to have a base price of 2 million rupees ($28,000). The vehicle will debut in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai. MG, a unit of Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp., also markets the ZS electric in China, Thailand and the U.K.

India’s ZS will be produced at a former General Motor Co. factory in Halol, Gujarat, that SAIC acquired in 2017. The facility has initial capacity to make 80,000-85,000 vehicles per year.

The electric crossover will be powered by a 44.5-kWh battery and 143-hp electric motor. The combination is expected to provide a range of about 340 km (211 miles) and the ability to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 8 seconds, according to the company.

MG says the ZS’s battery can be fully charged in 6-8 hours using a 7.4-kW, alternating current home charger and to 80% of capacity in 50 minutes with a 50-kW direct current charger.

MG will offer customers a variety of options for installing charging ports at their home or place of employment. Owners also will have access to fast-charge DC facilities being installed at select GM dealerships. In addition, MG is partnering with two Indian charging networks and a service that will provide end-of-life recycling management.