The MG ZS Electric Car Lease - What do I need to know before leasing one?

What do I need to know before leasing the MG ZS Electric Car 

While there has been some well published conjecture about EVs not being the solution for the 2030 zero-emission target, the results for May 2023 have been a positive one. As reported in New Automotive , electric car sales grew 38% year on year, with EVs now accounting for 18% of the total registrations in the UK.

The uncompromising ambition of the ZEV Mandate, and a 2050 Net Zero pledge, means that car manufacturers must change their approach in most cases. As per the Department of Transport, from 2024 a certain percentage of vehicles sold in the UK will have to be zero-emission, otherwise financial penalties will apply.

So for an OEM they need to revisit their ratios, borrow “ZEV” credits and pay interest or simply pay for non-compliance. As per the insight from MHA Baker Tilly, the thoughts are that OEMs will simply have to sell more EVs within their ratio, which means competing with other manufacturers to establish dominance. The likely conclusion means more discounts and tactical deals on pure emission vehicles coupled with a push to register as much combustion offering in 2023 i.e. before the 2024 guidelines kick-in. But are many businesses ready to sell or lease an EV in the UK?

The MG ZS is a perfect example of a cost-effective electric car; equally popular with personal and business leasing customers, this offers practicality, ergonomics and a surprising amount of specification.

Taking the Long Range Trophy shown here, this includes MG Pilot (blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist), full digital driver information display, iSmart user app, 10” colour touchscreen, 360 degree parking camera, wireless phone charger, leather upholstery, electrically folding and heated door mirrors, adaptive cruise control, privacy glass, rain sensing wipers, auto air conditioning with pollen filter, 6-speaker audio system with 3D sound, electric driver seat which is 6-way adjustable, power for dash cam and heated front seats and let’s be honest, it’s a great looking car too. But specification and style aside, what else MUST a UK customer review before committing. And what do e-car lease do to assist?

There is a perception that BEVs are more difficult than your traditional petrol or diesel. Yes, there are elements to consider like charging, range, cables, charge points at home and on the road but once you understand the basics, it’s easier than some would lead to believe.

For every e-car customer we now have a ground-breaking innovation, the Electric Vehicle Certificate (or EVC™), which succinctly presents the key facets of the intended vehicle before you commit to purchase. Taking the ZS EV shown here, using our EVC™ you can quickly summarise the vehicle as per the below:

•  A combined range in both cold and warm weather - the “range” of any EV is specific to a number of factors like external temperature, driving speeds and driver behaviour. The one size fits all WLTP figure just isn’t useful or realistic, with many EV customers now alleging mis-selling or contrary evidence. Some customers are provided with no context on how an EV can perform according to certain conditions;
•  Charge Speeds / Times - the ability of your EV to charge is clearly essential. But EV customers are generally not aware that there are both AC (slower charging sessions) and DC (quicker charging sessions) and that this correlates to the charge point you are connecting to. For example, the ZS here can charge at 7.4 kW (AC) which means  a standard 7 kW charge point would be the route forwards whereas the 11 or 22 kW AC charge points which are now available would not produce a quicker session. In the same way, the 94 kW (DC) max, helps you understand the rapid or quicker facet i.e. you can connect to a 100 kW DC charge point to maximise your experience, as opposed to the slower 50 kW units. To help manage expectations, our “Charge Times” Analysis will show you the time it will take;
• Running costs - the adage that EVs are cheaper than combustion is often centred around the fuel costs. While the cost of electricity escalated in price during 2021 / 2022, it’s important to appreciate what this means to you in terms of a “full tank” and the cost per mile based on the EV’s range. Our calculator not only shows you the max cost to charge at home but it will set out the cost at a service station (where prices are somewhat higher). Use this as part of your Whole of Life cost analysis;
•  Charge Points - at e-car lease we don’t do sales gimmicks or novelties. While other leasing providers will “include” a charge point, this is often reflected in their higher rental costs or the offer is subject to a certain amount of conditions. We are not charge point experts or installers, nor do we want to be. We therefore use the EVC to forward you to Rightcharge for a domestic solution and Raw Charging for a commercial one;
•  Charging Locations - are there enough public points to utilise? Don’t ask us, just use the UK’s leading app for doing this asap - Zap Map. As per the link in our EVC, you receive the first year’s free for a Premium subscription from our team. This means uninterrupted access to charge point info when you are out and about;
•  Reviews - many customers will ask our team for the pros or cons of the EV they are considering. While we can supply comprehensive data and analysis, like our electric car comparison guide , we do encourage customers to utilise the GreenCarGuide for independent analysis and opinion; and
• Motor Insurance - we are a credit broker engaged in electric car contract hire, so we do not offer insurance products directly to our customers. However, we do recognise that comparing EV insurance is now crucial and some customers do struggle to procure a quotation. To alleviate any concerns of a business, fleet or salary sacrifice customer we have partnered with Churchill. For any personal customer speak to Direct Line.

While the above explanation is “wordy”, as you will see from the EVC™ this is all simply set out so that you don’t need to get lost in the detail or spend too much time in understanding the EVs abilities.

In terms of the car shown, the MG ZS ELECTRIC HATCHBACK 115kW Trophy EV Long Range 73kWh 5dr Auto (Pure Electric Vehicle), this is based on the following configuration: 

• Metallic Paint
•  Leather - Black with contrast stitching
•  17" Propeller alloy wheel aero cover
•  Mode 3 / Type 2 Charging Cable (Public Charging & home wallbox charger - Fast charging
•  Floor Mats (Dealer Fit)

In terms of the ZS Long Range  the 68.3 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 8.4 seconds, 109 mph top speeds and 115 kW (or 154 hp). This model is a FWD option. Expect a combined winter range of 195 miles with warmer weather allowing for 260 miles.

On charging, the 7.4 kW AC max will allow 11 hour 0 – 100% charging times with the 94 kW DC maximum allowing 37 minute 10 – 80% times. A small family SUV, this has a cargo volume of 448L and vehicle fuel equivalent of 136 mpg. This ZS EV model can tow 500 kg braked or unbraked.