Regarding electric vehicles (EVs), vastly more public charging points are needed.
I have on several occasions had to cancel plans when testing an electric car because it had taken so long to find a public charging point that did not already have an EV hooked up to it.
Then there’s the fact that EVs are more expensive than equivalent internal combustion models. Many motorists cannot afford to make the switch or can only do so by downsizing to a car not big enough for their requirements.
I recently wrote about the Genesis Electrified GV70, advising it had been driven back-to-back with another fully-electric model. Costing from around £64,000, the Genesis was out of the question for the average motorist but I mentioned the other car, which I did not identify, was considerably more affordable.
The second EV was the MG5 shown today. It was the first fully-electric estate car to be offered in the UK and last year benefited from a major styling update inside and out.
Several observers passed favourable comments about the latest MG5’s appearance.
Covered by a seven-year, 80,000 mile warranty, I reckon the Chinese product is within the financial reach of a good number of motorists.
Two versions of the MG5 EV Long Range are available, with the SE costing just £30,995 and the Trophy, pictured, priced at £33,495.
The Trophy has an official range rating of up to 235 miles and that of the SE is up to 250 miles. A public 50kw fast charger will take battery strength from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in about an hour.
The latest MG5 is fine to drive and claimed good for 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds. Offering three drive modes, its top speed is given as 115mph.
Adults will not feel cramped in the back. Load capacity ranges from 479 litres to 1,367 litres. The rear seats do not fold entirely flat but I don’t think it’s a significant detraction.
The Trophy boasts goodies such as heated front seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather-style upholstery and a 360 degree camera. However, MG have not scrimped on the specification of the cheaper SE which I’d be happy with.
Whichever version is chosen, the MG5 estate represents a lot of electric car for the money and is an attractive proposition for the family motorist.
