The all-electric MG ZS EV compact SUV has become the first fully electric car to join a major car hire company fleet in Australia, thanks to a new partnership between MG and Europcar.
The MG ZS EV currently holds the title of cheapest new electric car on the Australian car market at $43,990 driveway since its release in late 2020.
The electric vehicle transition is well underway in many countries overseas, accounting for about 5% of global sales on average in 2020. In certain countries, the rate is much higher, such as Norway where 7 in ten auto sales were electric in late 2020.
But interest in EVs has lagged in Australia, where their stickers prices are much higher due to import costs and currency conversions and taxes, and the absence of financial incentives that have driven sales overseas.
While its sticker price is nearly double that of its petrol equivalent, there are lower maintenance costs as well as energy costs (which are zero if charging off rooftop solar). Adding to that the more pleasant and assurance of not adding to the problems of pollution and carbon emissions can be enough to make drivers hit the order button.
But it is actually getting in one and driving it around for a week or so that can often be the clincher for reluctant partners as they begin to appreciate the smooth and silent experience of driving an electric car.
With approximately 230km, the MG ZS EV range is more than enough for the 120km daily average Europcar says its customers drive.
The historic partnership has been struck by the two companies in a bid to ensure drivers can access and experience driving an affordable electric car.
Some 40 MG vehicles will be added to the Europcar fleet over the coming months, and the company says that private drivers and businesses wanting to organise long term rentals can do so upon enquiry to Europcar.
Benoit Garel, managing director of Europcar Mobility Group Australia and New Zealand said in a statement that partnership “proves that the electric vehicle has come of age.”
“This exciting partnership will provide many people who are thinking of electric motoring the chance to try it for themselves, on their own terms,” said Peter Ciao, the CEO of MG Motor Australia.
“And this is only the first step in the EV journey for MG and Europcar.”
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.