MG offers “free” destination chargers at NSW tourism facilities

MG says it will cover the cost gap left over from electric vehicle charging grants the New South Wales government, effectively offering “free” destination chargers at the state’s tourism facilities.

The New South Wales government last week announced it is offering grants of up to $40,000 to fund the installation of up to 3,500 electric vehicle charging facilities at regional tourist sites across the state.

Grants of between $2,000 and $40,000 are being made available to regional councils, which can apply to install discounted EV chargers at places like motels, wineries, cafes, restaurants, natural attractions, and museums – up to four per site.

MG Motor Australia said on Monday the state government grants could likely cover up to 75 per cent of the purchase cost of up to four AC destination chargers per council, 75 per cent of the cost of installation, and up to 50 per cent of a two year charger software subscription.

The China-based manufacturer of one of Australia’s cheapest fully electric vehicles says it will fund the remaining 25% for applicants who opt to install an MG EV ChargeHub who are successfully approved for the government grant.

The CEO for MG Motor Australia and New Zealand, Peter Ciao says the new initiative – which adds to MG’s own subsidy for chargers installed by regional hoteliers – underlines the brand’s commitment to a “supportive” Australian market.

As The Driven reported earlier this month, MG’s ZS EV were – before the arrival of BYD’s Atto 3 – Australia’s cheapest new EV and since its launch just over a year ago has sold more than 1,300 cars, becoming Australia’s second best selling EV after the Tesla Model 3.

“We want to grow local economies and support small businesses in areas impacted by Covid,  bushfires and floods and that’s why we’re filling the gap in cost for our MG EV ChargeHub in conjunction with the grant,” said Ciao.

“When we launched the MG ZS EV in late 2020, we offered the model at a price that delivered great value to customers. This has, in turn, changed the conversation about pricing of electric vehicles in Australia.

“We have achieved our ambition of delivering value and driving discussion. Now, we take the next step by supplying charging hardware that can be used by many electric vehicle owners in Australia.

MG’s ChargeHub, which is compatible with all Type-2 port-equipped EVs, comes in a 7kW single-phase (priced at $1,990 excluding installation) and a 11kW three-phase configuration ($2,090, excludes installation).