Your questions answered:
If you have just taken delivery of your shiny new MG, or are considering placing an order, you will have the same questions as hundreds of other people. So to save you time, we have put many of them on here so you can browse at your leisure and take advantage of knowing that these questions have been answered by other members of the group who have already travelled up the EV learning curve. Buying an MG gives you automatic breakdown cover with the AA and a free teddy bear at your first service.
You will find a range of questions covering operation of the cars, updates, removing the seats, roof racks, cruise control etc. You will find information on charging - a subject all of its own, on the Charging page. This FAQ has been written in conjunction with Mike Procter and two of our dealers. Mike also makes excellent instructional videos about EV's. There are multiple videos on YouTube regarding a variety of features, speed/range tests and quirks. There are thousands of (searchable) posts on our Facebook page and there is also a forum available at www.mgevs.com if you want more information.
NB - PDI (Pre Delivery Inspection) - what to look out for?
The PDI is NOT a major or comprehensive check, as the car has already been inspected before it left the factory. It is mainly to check for damage whilst in transit, safety, tyre pressures, panel alignment, both keys working, charging equipment in place in the boot. The rear seats would not be tested for folding down, so make sure you do that and anything else you want to check when you pick up your car - before you drive away.
You will find a range of questions covering operation of the cars, updates, removing the seats, roof racks, cruise control etc. You will find information on charging - a subject all of its own, on the Charging page. This FAQ has been written in conjunction with Mike Procter and two of our dealers. Mike also makes excellent instructional videos about EV's. There are multiple videos on YouTube regarding a variety of features, speed/range tests and quirks. There are thousands of (searchable) posts on our Facebook page and there is also a forum available at www.mgevs.com if you want more information.
NB - PDI (Pre Delivery Inspection) - what to look out for?
The PDI is NOT a major or comprehensive check, as the car has already been inspected before it left the factory. It is mainly to check for damage whilst in transit, safety, tyre pressures, panel alignment, both keys working, charging equipment in place in the boot. The rear seats would not be tested for folding down, so make sure you do that and anything else you want to check when you pick up your car - before you drive away.
Background: Introduced in 2019, the MGZSEV full BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) is the first fully electric vehicle from MG and visually little different from the petrol powered models. The car is powered by a single electric motor that replaces the petrol engine and gearbox within the engine bay and the 44.5kwh battery pack is accommodated under the passenger area floor, meaning no loss of interior space or boot luggage space so the generous space that is found in the inside of a ZS remains unaffected. The ZSEV has a 5* NCAP rating and is insurance group 21. The MG5 is insurance group 32.
Having the battery pack located low and centrally also means the cars general handling is not significantly affected either, although there is a weight gain of 280kgs, but that takes the weight to just over a still not unreasonable 1500kg. Most of that weight gain is with the 44.5 kW battery pack that is feeding the singular front-mounted 105 kW (143 hp) electric motor, that as per all electric motors is able to deliver a very strong 353 Nm of torque. It has the best acceleration of any ZS model with a 0 to 62.5mph (100kph) in a claimed 8.5 seconds that is the same level as a TF 135. There are two excellent introductory videos on our About Us page.
The MGSW5EV went on sale in Q3 2020 and deliveries commenced at the end of the year. It is available in a range of 5 colours, but it does not have MG Pilot and there is no option to have a panoramic sky roof. The 50 kWh hour battery does have better range - around 215 - 270 miles. There is an ongoing question about exactly how much load the MG5 roof bars can take. We will update you when we have a definitive answer.
Having the battery pack located low and centrally also means the cars general handling is not significantly affected either, although there is a weight gain of 280kgs, but that takes the weight to just over a still not unreasonable 1500kg. Most of that weight gain is with the 44.5 kW battery pack that is feeding the singular front-mounted 105 kW (143 hp) electric motor, that as per all electric motors is able to deliver a very strong 353 Nm of torque. It has the best acceleration of any ZS model with a 0 to 62.5mph (100kph) in a claimed 8.5 seconds that is the same level as a TF 135. There are two excellent introductory videos on our About Us page.
The MGSW5EV went on sale in Q3 2020 and deliveries commenced at the end of the year. It is available in a range of 5 colours, but it does not have MG Pilot and there is no option to have a panoramic sky roof. The 50 kWh hour battery does have better range - around 215 - 270 miles. There is an ongoing question about exactly how much load the MG5 roof bars can take. We will update you when we have a definitive answer.
Both cars are supplied with excellent manuals. You can also access online manuals for the MGZSEV and MG5 from the MG website owners page, here.
The hard copy MGZSEV manual supplied with the car will be found in the glovebox, and the MG5 manual is normally tucked into the spare wheel in the boot.
The hard copy MGZSEV manual supplied with the car will be found in the glovebox, and the MG5 manual is normally tucked into the spare wheel in the boot.
Software and Updates (for more detailed information, please read our dedicated Update Information page here):
Q What updates are available for the ZS EV?
A There are 3 updates (but some have more than one iteration).
1) 2nd Generation Comfort System update June 2020. You may be charged for this, as MG deem it an improvement, rather than a defect so it is not covered under warranty. However, many dealers do not charge for it if you purchased your car from them. Major plus - Irritating bongs removed, outside temperature added to infotainment screen and number of miles remaining also added.
2) BMS (Battery Management System) update July 2020 which allows the car to smart charge (timed charge using lower electricity pricing) with an appropriate smart charger. It will also now charge on type 2 chargers without having to lock the car. Covered under warranty. UPDATE Jan 2021 - the BMS update was found to be faulty. A new update was issued to the dealerships 16/1/21. This fixes the slow equalisation process and the not charging to full capacity issue. Useful video about the updates here.
3) HV (High Voltage) Fuse update August 2020 which stops random failures of the HV fuse causing the car to stop for no apparent reason. Covered under warranty.
Q Is the comfort update a big improvement, how long does it take and how much does it cost?
A Yes it is a major improvement. It takes about 2 - 3 hours. The cost depends on your dealer. Sometimes the dealer you bought the car from will do it for nothing, sometimes they charge. We have seen prices varying from £50, to £90 and up to £140. Useful video as to what it does here. If you purchased your car since June 2020, it should come with this update already installed. If you are being asked to pay, you should query it.
Q Are there timers in the vehicle so that I can set a time when to charge?
A No, but there are plenty of smart chargers with an app that you can set to charge at the cheapest tariff time.
Q Is pre-heating possible with the ZS EV?
A No, but the heated seats are very efficient, as is the heating system. Your car will defrost very quickly.
Q Is there an App in the UK like there is in Thailand & India?
A No. The hardware doesn’t appear to be in the vehicle. However OVMS are working on a third party app.
Keys:
Q What is keyless entry?
A If you approach the car with the key in your pocket/bag, you can press the button on the door handle to open the car with no need to have the key in your hand or press the key's unlock button. It is possible to drive off without your key if you have set the car to de-frost/heat up, returned to your house and put the key down. This means that you cannot lock it on arrival at your destination, or restart it - beware!
Q Why doesn't my boot lock - it opens when I check it?
A The tailgate will unlock automatically if it detects the key close by. When the tailgate is shut the indicators flash which means the perimeter alarm is set and the tailgate is locked.
Q Can I lock my keys inside the car by mistake?
A Yes, a few owners have managed to lock their key in the boot and closed the tailgate. It shouldn’t let you shut it first time, but it may let you shut it if you try again. Keep the key on you!
Feature differences, external and size information:
Q What are the differences between the ZS Exclusive & Excite?
A The Exclusive has the same equipment as the Excite, but with the addition of:
1. Panoramic opening and tilting glass sky roof with electric sunshade
2. Roof bars
3. ‘Vegan’ Leather style seats with contrast stitching
4. Blind spot detection
5. Rear cross traffic alert
6. Reversing camera
7. Electrically adjustable door mirrors that automatically close on locking & unlocking
8. Heated door mirrors (when rear screen turned on)
9. Heated front seats
10. Drivers seat with 6 way adjustment (no memory setting)
11. 6 speakers & 3D sound
12. PM 2.5 filter
13. Rain sensing front wipers
Q How big is the boot?
A The ZSEV boot offers 470 litres of space and can be used with split or both rear seats folded, which will give 1,100 litres. There is a YouTube video here about the ZSEV rear seat back removal to make the load space deeper and flatter. (The MG5 boot offers 578 litres of space.)
Q Can I get roof bars for my Exclusive?
A Yes. Either from MG or Thule, and sometimes Lidl or elsewhere. Check they fit securely. (MG5 roof rails are not the same quality as those on the ZSEV.)
Q Can I get a roof rack for my Excite?
A Neither MG or Thule list roof bars for the MG ZSEV Excite, however there may be systems that will fit.
Q How do you operate the sky roof and sunshade?
A To operate the sky roof, rotate the dial in front of it. To open it to the maximum, rotate and hold for the last bit. To close rotate fully the other way. To tilt the back up when closed push the back of the dial up. To close pull the back of the dial down. To open the sun shade press the back button inside the dial. One press will open fully, but press and hold will stop when you let go. Closing is the same but with the forward button inside the dial. Useful video here.
Q Does the tinted Sky Roof have UV protection?
A Yes.
Q Can the ZSEV be fitted with a towbar?
A No. It is not type approved to tow.
Q Can I carry a bike on a tow bar?
A Not officially. It is not type approved to have a tow bar fitted, however some owners in Norway have fitted the petrol ZS towbar. You would have to ask your insurer if they would cover you.
Windows and wipers:
Q How do you lift the wipers to clean the windscreen?
A Turn car off, press the wiper lever down. They will then park in the service position.
Q Are the windows tinted?
A No, but you can add aftermarket tinting to the windows. The ZS has clear glass all around. MG advise there is no UV protection. The maximum tint allowed by law is 70% light transmission between the front A pillar to the B pillar behind the driver (in the UK). There is no regulation we are aware of behind the B pillar or to the rear window.
Q Why does the lower end of my MG5 rear window not demist?
A. Because the lower few lines are aerial antennae, not heated window elements.
Display:
Q How do I see the miles/kWh/temperature information?
A From the digital speed display use the up/down arrows on the right hand side of the steering wheel. Temperature appears top right of the infotainment display if the car has had the Comfort 2 update.
Q How do I adjust the brightness of the Infotainment display?
A Go to setup, display, night/day/auto - and use the slider to adjust the brightness.
Driving and safety controls:
Q How do I activate ACC (automatic cruise control)?
A Move ACC Lever towards you to turn the system on. At your desired speed press the button on the end. This sets the speed. To increase or decrease in 5 mph increments lift the lever up or down. To increase or decrease in 1mph increments hold the lever up or down.
Q When using ACC the screen shows lines and ACC set speed. How do I get back to digital speed?
A Scroll right or left using the right hand buttons on the steering wheel.
Q What is MG Pilot?
A MG Pilot is a driver assistance suite which complements the driver and offers support when required. Excite and Exclusive versions both include MG Pilot as standard, with features including Advanced Emergency Braking, Blindspot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Q How do I activate MG Pilot?
A To activate MG Pilot, once you have set your speed using ACC you then need to pull the lever TWICE towards you. The display will change the colour of the lines to blue from white. To change the distance between you and the car in front, rotate the ACC lever forwards or backwards. (It is still too close in its furthest setting, but that seems to be normal for this type of system).
Interior Features and load space:
Q There are two USB sockets in the front - are they the same or different?
A. The one closest to the driver is used for the phone cable. The other one can be used to watch films on a memory stick. There is a small neat hole in the shelf above to thread the cable through. The small rubber mat has a slit for the purpose. (In left hand drive European cars, this is reversed, so the one closest to the driver is still the one used for the phone cable.)
Q What phones can I use with the car?
A Phones that support Android Auto and iPhones with Apple CarPlay - best results with the original cable.
Q Can I hardwire a dash camera to the car?
A Yes. It is quite a simple job: useful video here, or you can ask Halfords to do it!
Q MG supplied mats but how do the clips on the floor fit?
A Turn the clips in the mat slots by 90° and they will be secured in the right place. (They are stiff until used for a while.)
Brakes:
Q What is KERS?
A Kinetic Energy Recovery System - otherwise known as regenerative braking where the motor generates power as it slows down.
Q What does the message "Regenerative braking not available" mean?
A The high voltage battery is full and cannot accept any more electrons. Once the battery has been used a bit, regen will be usable again. This message can be displayed if the battery temperature is too hot or too cold - but that is less likely.
Q Do the brake lights come on when I take my foot off the accelerator?
A Only in KERS 3 when the power needle is in the ‘charge’ section between the R & G.
Q What is the intermittent grinding sound that I can sometimes hear from somewhere in the car?
A It is the ABS (anti-lock brake system) and AEB (automatic emergency brake) priming itself to stop in case you don’t! Generally the car's cameras have seen something it thinks might be a risk.
Tyres:
Q What are the recommended tyre pressures?
A. Tyre pressure details are found on either of the door pillars - depending on whether LHD or RHD. Unladen - front wheels 34 psi, rear 34 psi. (Front and rear - 230 kPa/2.3bar). Laden Front 38 psi, Rear 42 psi. A lot of members are reporting driving with 35 psi or 37, and 38.5 in the summer. (More info - final page of the handbook.)
Wheels:
Q Does the car come with a spare wheel?
A No, however you can buy a space saver wheel kit from MG that also fits the HS & GS which will fit in the rear under the false floor. You will have to remove the polystyrene filler which is fitted as standard. The petrol ZS spare wheel doesn’t fit as it is the wrong PCD.
Q Does it come with locking wheel nuts?
A No, but you can buy some from MG.
Servicing:
Q When should my car have it's first service?
A After you have owned it for a year, or it has been driven 10,000 miles (low mileage user) or 15,000 miles (standard user.)
Q How long does the service take and how much should I expect to pay?
A About one hour and between £100 and £130 is the maximum figure to expect. Some dealers are charging less for a low mileage service - we have seen around between £42 and £48, and if you have taken out a four year service plan, the figures will again be different. Between £350 and £400 for a 3 or 4 year plan. See updates page for further pricing information.
If you have a question you need answering and you cannot find it in the manual, email us: mgevownersclub@gmail.com
Q What updates are available for the ZS EV?
A There are 3 updates (but some have more than one iteration).
1) 2nd Generation Comfort System update June 2020. You may be charged for this, as MG deem it an improvement, rather than a defect so it is not covered under warranty. However, many dealers do not charge for it if you purchased your car from them. Major plus - Irritating bongs removed, outside temperature added to infotainment screen and number of miles remaining also added.
2) BMS (Battery Management System) update July 2020 which allows the car to smart charge (timed charge using lower electricity pricing) with an appropriate smart charger. It will also now charge on type 2 chargers without having to lock the car. Covered under warranty. UPDATE Jan 2021 - the BMS update was found to be faulty. A new update was issued to the dealerships 16/1/21. This fixes the slow equalisation process and the not charging to full capacity issue. Useful video about the updates here.
3) HV (High Voltage) Fuse update August 2020 which stops random failures of the HV fuse causing the car to stop for no apparent reason. Covered under warranty.
Q Is the comfort update a big improvement, how long does it take and how much does it cost?
A Yes it is a major improvement. It takes about 2 - 3 hours. The cost depends on your dealer. Sometimes the dealer you bought the car from will do it for nothing, sometimes they charge. We have seen prices varying from £50, to £90 and up to £140. Useful video as to what it does here. If you purchased your car since June 2020, it should come with this update already installed. If you are being asked to pay, you should query it.
Q Are there timers in the vehicle so that I can set a time when to charge?
A No, but there are plenty of smart chargers with an app that you can set to charge at the cheapest tariff time.
Q Is pre-heating possible with the ZS EV?
A No, but the heated seats are very efficient, as is the heating system. Your car will defrost very quickly.
Q Is there an App in the UK like there is in Thailand & India?
A No. The hardware doesn’t appear to be in the vehicle. However OVMS are working on a third party app.
Keys:
Q What is keyless entry?
A If you approach the car with the key in your pocket/bag, you can press the button on the door handle to open the car with no need to have the key in your hand or press the key's unlock button. It is possible to drive off without your key if you have set the car to de-frost/heat up, returned to your house and put the key down. This means that you cannot lock it on arrival at your destination, or restart it - beware!
Q Why doesn't my boot lock - it opens when I check it?
A The tailgate will unlock automatically if it detects the key close by. When the tailgate is shut the indicators flash which means the perimeter alarm is set and the tailgate is locked.
Q Can I lock my keys inside the car by mistake?
A Yes, a few owners have managed to lock their key in the boot and closed the tailgate. It shouldn’t let you shut it first time, but it may let you shut it if you try again. Keep the key on you!
Feature differences, external and size information:
Q What are the differences between the ZS Exclusive & Excite?
A The Exclusive has the same equipment as the Excite, but with the addition of:
1. Panoramic opening and tilting glass sky roof with electric sunshade
2. Roof bars
3. ‘Vegan’ Leather style seats with contrast stitching
4. Blind spot detection
5. Rear cross traffic alert
6. Reversing camera
7. Electrically adjustable door mirrors that automatically close on locking & unlocking
8. Heated door mirrors (when rear screen turned on)
9. Heated front seats
10. Drivers seat with 6 way adjustment (no memory setting)
11. 6 speakers & 3D sound
12. PM 2.5 filter
13. Rain sensing front wipers
Q How big is the boot?
A The ZSEV boot offers 470 litres of space and can be used with split or both rear seats folded, which will give 1,100 litres. There is a YouTube video here about the ZSEV rear seat back removal to make the load space deeper and flatter. (The MG5 boot offers 578 litres of space.)
Q Can I get roof bars for my Exclusive?
A Yes. Either from MG or Thule, and sometimes Lidl or elsewhere. Check they fit securely. (MG5 roof rails are not the same quality as those on the ZSEV.)
Q Can I get a roof rack for my Excite?
A Neither MG or Thule list roof bars for the MG ZSEV Excite, however there may be systems that will fit.
Q How do you operate the sky roof and sunshade?
A To operate the sky roof, rotate the dial in front of it. To open it to the maximum, rotate and hold for the last bit. To close rotate fully the other way. To tilt the back up when closed push the back of the dial up. To close pull the back of the dial down. To open the sun shade press the back button inside the dial. One press will open fully, but press and hold will stop when you let go. Closing is the same but with the forward button inside the dial. Useful video here.
Q Does the tinted Sky Roof have UV protection?
A Yes.
Q Can the ZSEV be fitted with a towbar?
A No. It is not type approved to tow.
Q Can I carry a bike on a tow bar?
A Not officially. It is not type approved to have a tow bar fitted, however some owners in Norway have fitted the petrol ZS towbar. You would have to ask your insurer if they would cover you.
Windows and wipers:
Q How do you lift the wipers to clean the windscreen?
A Turn car off, press the wiper lever down. They will then park in the service position.
Q Are the windows tinted?
A No, but you can add aftermarket tinting to the windows. The ZS has clear glass all around. MG advise there is no UV protection. The maximum tint allowed by law is 70% light transmission between the front A pillar to the B pillar behind the driver (in the UK). There is no regulation we are aware of behind the B pillar or to the rear window.
Q Why does the lower end of my MG5 rear window not demist?
A. Because the lower few lines are aerial antennae, not heated window elements.
Display:
Q How do I see the miles/kWh/temperature information?
A From the digital speed display use the up/down arrows on the right hand side of the steering wheel. Temperature appears top right of the infotainment display if the car has had the Comfort 2 update.
Q How do I adjust the brightness of the Infotainment display?
A Go to setup, display, night/day/auto - and use the slider to adjust the brightness.
Driving and safety controls:
Q How do I activate ACC (automatic cruise control)?
A Move ACC Lever towards you to turn the system on. At your desired speed press the button on the end. This sets the speed. To increase or decrease in 5 mph increments lift the lever up or down. To increase or decrease in 1mph increments hold the lever up or down.
Q When using ACC the screen shows lines and ACC set speed. How do I get back to digital speed?
A Scroll right or left using the right hand buttons on the steering wheel.
Q What is MG Pilot?
A MG Pilot is a driver assistance suite which complements the driver and offers support when required. Excite and Exclusive versions both include MG Pilot as standard, with features including Advanced Emergency Braking, Blindspot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Q How do I activate MG Pilot?
A To activate MG Pilot, once you have set your speed using ACC you then need to pull the lever TWICE towards you. The display will change the colour of the lines to blue from white. To change the distance between you and the car in front, rotate the ACC lever forwards or backwards. (It is still too close in its furthest setting, but that seems to be normal for this type of system).
Interior Features and load space:
Q There are two USB sockets in the front - are they the same or different?
A. The one closest to the driver is used for the phone cable. The other one can be used to watch films on a memory stick. There is a small neat hole in the shelf above to thread the cable through. The small rubber mat has a slit for the purpose. (In left hand drive European cars, this is reversed, so the one closest to the driver is still the one used for the phone cable.)
Q What phones can I use with the car?
A Phones that support Android Auto and iPhones with Apple CarPlay - best results with the original cable.
Q Can I hardwire a dash camera to the car?
A Yes. It is quite a simple job: useful video here, or you can ask Halfords to do it!
Q MG supplied mats but how do the clips on the floor fit?
A Turn the clips in the mat slots by 90° and they will be secured in the right place. (They are stiff until used for a while.)
Brakes:
Q What is KERS?
A Kinetic Energy Recovery System - otherwise known as regenerative braking where the motor generates power as it slows down.
Q What does the message "Regenerative braking not available" mean?
A The high voltage battery is full and cannot accept any more electrons. Once the battery has been used a bit, regen will be usable again. This message can be displayed if the battery temperature is too hot or too cold - but that is less likely.
Q Do the brake lights come on when I take my foot off the accelerator?
A Only in KERS 3 when the power needle is in the ‘charge’ section between the R & G.
Q What is the intermittent grinding sound that I can sometimes hear from somewhere in the car?
A It is the ABS (anti-lock brake system) and AEB (automatic emergency brake) priming itself to stop in case you don’t! Generally the car's cameras have seen something it thinks might be a risk.
Tyres:
Q What are the recommended tyre pressures?
A. Tyre pressure details are found on either of the door pillars - depending on whether LHD or RHD. Unladen - front wheels 34 psi, rear 34 psi. (Front and rear - 230 kPa/2.3bar). Laden Front 38 psi, Rear 42 psi. A lot of members are reporting driving with 35 psi or 37, and 38.5 in the summer. (More info - final page of the handbook.)
Wheels:
Q Does the car come with a spare wheel?
A No, however you can buy a space saver wheel kit from MG that also fits the HS & GS which will fit in the rear under the false floor. You will have to remove the polystyrene filler which is fitted as standard. The petrol ZS spare wheel doesn’t fit as it is the wrong PCD.
Q Does it come with locking wheel nuts?
A No, but you can buy some from MG.
Servicing:
Q When should my car have it's first service?
A After you have owned it for a year, or it has been driven 10,000 miles (low mileage user) or 15,000 miles (standard user.)
Q How long does the service take and how much should I expect to pay?
A About one hour and between £100 and £130 is the maximum figure to expect. Some dealers are charging less for a low mileage service - we have seen around between £42 and £48, and if you have taken out a four year service plan, the figures will again be different. Between £350 and £400 for a 3 or 4 year plan. See updates page for further pricing information.
If you have a question you need answering and you cannot find it in the manual, email us: mgevownersclub@gmail.com
