MG adds cheaper plug-in hybrid SUV to Australian EV line-up

China-owned electric vehicle brand MG has expanded its plug-in hybrid electric lineup in Australia this week with the addition of a “more value-packed variant” of the HS Plus EV SUV, for a price starting at $46,990, drive-away.

MG said on Tuesday that the HS Plus EV Excite shared the same petrol/electric powertrain, plug-in battery and comprehensive safety technology as its high-specification stablemate, but offered consumers the opportunity to access the MG HS Plus EV at a more affordable price point.

How much more affordable? According to the MG Australia website, the Excite variant offers a $2,000 discount on the flagship HS Plus EV Essence.

By comparison, the smaller, all-electric MG ZS – Australia’s cheapest electric car until just last week – is $2,000 cheaper, at $44,990 drive-away, while the ICE equivalent of the HS SUV starts at around $9,000 less that the plug-in hybrid version, at $37,990 drive-away.

This is important, because MG appears to be pitching the slightly cheaper hybrid plug-in variant to ICE drivers who are starting to consider making baby steps to electric mobility, but aren’t quite ready to quit petrol entirely.

“The new MG HS Plus EV Excite is perfect for the modern family that is ready to take its first step into EV technology and do its part to help the planet,” said MG Motor Australia and New Zealand CEO Peter Ciao.

“It has plenty of room, plenty of performance and, most importantly, plenty of flexibility.”

That “flexibility” – which could start to look pretty overrated as petrol prices continue to soar – comes courtesy of a combination of a direct-injection four-cylinder 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and 90kW electric motor; the both HS Plus EV models have the same set-up.

According to MG, this hybrid mix produces a total of 189kW and 370Nm, while returning a combined fuel consumption figure of 1.7L/100km and emitting 39g of CO2 per kilometre.

For the plug-in component, the liquid-cooled 16.6kWh lithium-ion battery offers a driving range of 63km (NEDC) on a full charge – a shorter all-electric range compared to some other hybrids on the market, but suitable enough for inner-city and suburban driving.

The mid-sized five-seat Plus EV Excite also comes with the MG Pilot active safety suite, a 12.3″ virtual cockpit and a 10.1” touchscreen, keyless entry and a front-to-back 7-year, unlimited-kilometre warrant.

“MG Motor Australia is committed to giving its customers more choice by combining high-performance technology and exceptional value,” said Ciao.