EV Brief 10/9/21 EV Brief 10/9/21

Fresh styling, bigger battery with 440km range for new 2022 MG ZS EV

Alongside revised styling, MG is offering 51.5 and 72 kWh battery options for the new MG ZS EV, and an app-based software system dubbed i-Smart.

The 2022 MG ZS EV brings revised styling and more range. Images: MG Mot — The 2022 MG ZS EV brings revised styling and more range. Images: MG

51.5 kWh and 72 kWh battery versions will be offered
Enhanced styling with LED lighting and a grille-less front
iSmart app-based software, allowing owners access to OTA updates
European deliveries will commence by the end of 2021, Australian deliveries in the second half of 2022.

In a design sense, is the new MG ZS EV the lovechild of the Hyundai Kona EV and Ford Mustang Mach-E? Whatever you think about the aesthetics of MG’s updated electric crossover, it’s a fresh and welcome change from the understated, quiet achiever that is the current ZS EV.

The changes are more than skin deep; the charging port is now offset to the drivers’ (in RHD markets) side, rather than behind the MG badge as on the current ZS EV. LED lighting clusters are now fitted front and rear, and on the inside, a brand new infotainment and navigation system is offered, as well as MG’s app-based software architecture known as iSmart. MG Australia claims iSmart will allow owners to perform over-the-air (OTA) updates, access real-time navigation and live weather updates. The company hasn’t said whether charging and interior climate control will also be available in app, similar to Tesla’s vehicles.

An enhanced interior, with MG’s new i-Smart app-based software.

Greater range, larger batteries

The current MG ZS EV is a good car, but with a real world range of around 200-220km (125-137 miles), the vehicle is severely limited away from urban areas. MG plans to fix this, offering a 51 kWh (+6.5 kWh) variant, and a much larger 72 kWh variant. MG claims 320 km (198 miles) and 440 km (273 miles) range on the WLTP combined test cycle. Looking at our vehicle specifications sheet, that’s an additional 57 km range (35 miles) for the base model.

MG claims the ZS EV has sold over 15,000 units in Europe during its first year on sale, and according to Autocar, UK buyers will be able to purchase the updated ZS EV from November. MG Australia has told us that Australian deliveries will commence in the second half of 2022.

MG ZS EV Image Gallery

EV Brief 9/21/21 EV Brief 9/21/21

Hyundai IONIQ 5 Australian pricing announced, starting from $71,900 MLP

Prices start from $71,900 for the rear wheel drive variant, with standard equipment highlights including Vehicle to Load (V2L), zero-gravity seats, smart cruise control, 20-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, and a panoramic sunroof.

The IONIQ 5 in Gravity Gold Matte and Digital Teal Green. Images: Hyundai

[Update] 22/9/21: Hyundai Australia has confirmed to EV Brief that some features, such as a smaller 19-inch wheel option and the head-up display with augmented reality will not be available at launch, but the company aims to bring them to Australia for model year 2022.

Two variants will be available at launch:

IONIQ 5 225 kW/605 Nm with Hyundai’s H-Trac AWD system - $75,900 MLP
IONIQ 5 160 kW/350Nm rear wheel drive - $71,900 MLP
Both versions feature Hyundai’s 72.6 kW lithium-ion polymer battery pack
400V and 800V charging is standard
10-80 percent charging time of 17 min 16 seconds (350 kW DC charging)
September on sale date, with online order portal through Hyundai Australia going live on 12/10/21

Competitive pricing for a large crossover

Let’s start with the dollars. Already, within minutes of the press embargo being lifted, the internet has been ablaze with comments such as “Why is the IONIQ 5 twelve grand more than a Tesla Model 3?” The answer to this question lies in the size of the thing (it’s 3,000mm wheelbase is longer than a Range Rover’s) and the technology and inclusions.

Firstly, if you wish to purchase one of these, you’re going to have to bypass your local Hyundai dealer, and jump on Hyundai Australia’s website. The Australian arm of the company says that “The initial batch of IONIQ 5 EVs will be ordered and sold online directly to customers.”, leaving open the prospect that dealers may in fact get a piece of the action at a later date.

Hyundai Australia has received 120 confirmed deposits from prospective customers, and those buyers will have the opportunity to place an order online from September 27. From 12 October, any customer who has registered their interest will be given early access to place an order. The general public can put their hard-earned down from October 13.

Hyundai Australia states 400 vehicles will come to Australia initially, with no timeframe given on additional shipments. We’re guessing if you miss out on the first batch, you’ll be waiting until around Q2 2022 to get your hands on the Ioniq 5.

While the price of the initial IONIQ 5 models disqualifies both vehicles from New South Wales and Victorian EV purchase incentive schemes, both vehicles will be eligible for zero stamp duty in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, which equates to a saving of around $2,700 for the rear wheel drive model, and around $2,900 for the all wheel drive model.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 Image Gallery

click here to open gallery in a new window

We’ve covered exterior and interior design, cargo space and more, both in our written coverage and in person. If you need a refresher, you can watch our walkaround review below:

What makes the IONIQ 5 so special?

We believe the IONIQ 5 is a game-changer on the Australian market; sure, it may be lacking Tesla’s over-the-air updates and built-in arcade games, but there’s a lot to offer for Australians looking to make the switch to zero-emissions transport.

Firstly, its size. Australians love crossovers and SUVs; they make up fifty percent of the new car market down under. The IONIQ 5 bridges the gap between SUV and station wagon, offering the interior space of a much larger vehicle, without the bulk - or the downsides - of an SUV.

Charging is another game-changer. Australians love to travel stupid distances (I’ve driven 7 to 800 km (430-500 miles) in a day more times than I’d like to admit) and while our charging infrastructure has a lot of holes, it is certainly increasing in ubiquity.

The IONIQ 5 will charge from 10 to 80 percent in 6 hours on a standard type-2 AC charger, 56 min on a 50 kW DC fast charger, and 18 minutes on a 350 kW DC fast charger. Those numbers are exceptional, and what’s more, the charging speed doesn’t fall off a cliff if the battery isn’t near-zero unlike a number of other EVs.

The IONIQ 5’s other highlight is its standard Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, meaning that customers can plug regular household appliances into the exterior outlet, or even charge another EV. Perfect for powering a laptop, a camping fridge, and more.

Hyundai’s trick blind-spot monitor comes up on the driver information display.

Hyundai Australia has also done well to secure the standard equipment listed, a lot of which is optionally available in other markets. The IONIQ 5 features laminated acoustic side glass, ‘relaxation’ zero-gravity seats, remote start/parking, Hyundai’s excellent blind spot view monitor, 20-inch alloy wheels, 3d surround-view camera and smart cruise control.

There are however, a few omissions for Australian buyers. The interior V2L outlet is missing in Australia; a big disappointment personally. As someone who does a lot of video editing on the road, I’d love to be able to power a laptop internally. Other items missing from our specification sheet are the Digital Side Mirrors, heat pump, and solar sunroof. Full specifications are listed below.

What colours can I choose for the IONIQ 5?

Australians will have the choice of 5 standard and one extra-cost paint finish initially. Atlas White and Phantom Black Mica are available with the Obsidian Black interior, while Digital Teal Green Mica and Lucid Blue Mica are available with the Dove Grey/Dark Pebble Grey interior. Galactic Grey Metallic is available with the Dove Grey/Dark Teal interior trim, as is the extra-cost hero colour, Gravity Gold Matte.

The IONIQ 5 is on EV Brief's shopping list, and we can’t wait to actually drive it — and its Kia EV6 sibling next year — to see if the on-road experience is as next-generation as the technology and exterior styling. Hyundai Australia says deliveries are expected to begin arriving in the fourth quarter.

The IONIQ 5 interior in Dove Grey/Dark Teal.

The IONIQ 5 interior in Dove Grey/Dark Pebble Grey.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 drivetrain specifications

Hyundai IONIQ 5 Equipment specifications

EV Brief 8/19/21 EV Brief 8/19/21

Genesis reveals official images of E-GMP based GV60 electric crossover

Genesis has released official images of the new GV60 all electric crossover today, less than a week after we caught a prototype testing in Sydney, Australia. Based on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform (which we seem to be writing about every other day on this site), The GV60 is an upmarket version of Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 and Kia’s EV6.

The Genesis GV60 exterior. Images: Genesis

Genesis has released official images of the new GV60 all electric crossover today, less than a week after we caught a prototype testing in Sydney, Australia. Based on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform (which we seem to be writing about every other day on this site), The GV60 is an upmarket version of Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 and Kia’s EV6.

Exterior Styling of the GV60

Let’s start on the outside of the GV60, because the design language is quite radical. Sure, there’s the double-slit head and tail lamps that are familiar visual cues from other Genesis models, but the GV60 looks nothing like other vehicles from the brand’s range.

Certainly less brute-ish and more futuristic than the GV70 and GV90 petrol SUVs, the GV60 echoes the Kia EV6’s “sporty crossover coupe” design language, with a sloping clamshell hood, long wheelbase, and high, raked rear end.

A frontal grille-like area dominates the nose of the GV60, however the majority of the blacked-out structure is closed off for improved aerodynamics. A coloured ring defines the front, dividing the black grille into two portions, the lower of which mimics the shape of a modern aircraft’s wings, complete with winglets.

Contrasting arches and lower mouldings define the lower structure of the GV60, and give that off-road appearance, though we expect the higher specification models to feature body-coloured paintwork on these trim pieces.

This Genesis GV60 Prototype features the same 21” alloy wheels as the vehicle in the press photos.

The glasshouse area is very similar to Kia’s EV6 in our minds, but the sharp wedge in the C-pillar is an attention grabbing design element. The large rear-glass area, ducktail spoiler with integrated LED brake light, and squared-off rear remind us of a cross between Mercedes-Benz’s GLE Coupe, and a Baja Beetle (call us crazy!)

The wheels on the GV60 in the media release are the same 21” design as fitted to the prototype we spotted last week.

Genesis presents its next generation of interior luxury

While the lime green exterior/blue interior may not be to everybody’s tastes, there’s an undeniable luxury to the interior of the GV60. Again there’s a familiarity here from Kia and Hyundai’s siblings - the dual-screen setup, the placement of important switchgear, and the floating centre console, but Genesis has clearly overhauled the interior architecture to suit its market positioning.

Firstly, there’s the digital side mirrors that we’ve seen from Korean and European market Hyundai IONIQ 5s, which almost certainly won’t make it to the USA or Australia just yet. The seats appear to be a high-grade nappa leather (we hope to see an animal-free interior option too), and there’s leather or fake leather with contrasting stitching adorning the dash, armrests, and upper door cards. The climate control setup receives a larger screen the the IONIQ 5, and pleasingly, there are a number of physical buttons present. The same goes for the steering wheel; Genesis has opted for actual buttons, rather than touch-sensitive items. There’s a drive mode button and boost button, likely to provide an additional hit of torque for a limited period, similar to Porsche’s Taycan.

The GV60 features an interior with lots of pleasing details.

All the switchgear is metallic, or at least in a metallic finish, and the textured knurling on these elements is a lovely, tactile touch that evokes a Bentley’s interior. In fact, call us crazy, but Genesis appears to be aiming to create an interior that offers a lot of similarities to something coming out of Crewe, at a much more pocket friendly pricepoint.

The IONIQ 5’s storage drawer remains, and there’s a floating centre console, which appears to be fixed. This design still allows for plenty of storage, and a flat passenger footwell. Atop the console is a wireless charging pad, media controller, and Genesis’ “Crystal Sphere” Shift By Wire drive controller. Genesis states that this controller becomes the vehicle’s mood lights before the GV60 is started, creating a pleasing interior atmosphere, and a little bit of theatre as the orb rotates and glows prior to powering on.

Digital side mirriors will likely be unavailable on the GV60 outside Korea and Europe.

Drivetrain of the GV60

While Genesis has yet to publish drivetrain information, as stated in our previous article, we know that the company has had three variants certified under Korea’s Noise and Emissions Certification process.

GV60 base model: 169 kW (226 hp)

GV60 all-wheel-drive long-range model: 242 kW (325 hp)
GV60 all-wheel-drive high specification model: 325 kW (436 hp)

At this stage, it’s unclear which models are destined for foreign markets, but we’re certainly excited to finally see the GV60 uncovered in any case. While the design may not be to everyone’s tastes, We’ll have to wait until images of different colours and specification grades are made available, before passing judgement. Hopefully we’ll be able to catch a look at a pre-production version later this year, before the crossover goes on sale sometime in 2022.

EV Brief 4/20/21 EV Brief 4/20/21

Toyota reveals first battery EV concept at Auto Shanghai, the BZ4X Concept Crossover

Many in the motoring media thought this day wouldn’t come, but Toyota has finally unveiled its BZ4X Concept crossover, and the Japanese automaker says that it “hopes to begin worldwide sales of the model by the middle of 2022”.

Toyota BZ4X marks start of 15 model BEV rollout by 2025

Many in the motoring media thought this day wouldn’t come, but Toyota has finally unveiled its BZ4X Concept crossover at Auto Shanghai 2021, and the Japanese automaker says that it “hopes to begin worldwide sales of the model by the middle of 2022”.

Taking its ‘BZ’ moniker from the concept of ‘Beyond Zero’ emissions, The BZ4X carries familiar toyota design elements, wrapped in a shape that mimics Kia’s EV6 in its cab-backward squared-off look. Based on the e-TNGA platform co-developed with Subaru, all wheel drive (AWD) variants of the BZ4X will utilise Subaru’s proven AWD technology.

Of course while many people were quick to herald the arrival of the BZ4X Concept as a Hyundai and Kia challenger, Toyota has released very limited information on the car, preferring to wax lyrical about the company’s planned EV rollout over the next decade.

Speaking of, Toyota plans to expand to its model lineup to around 70 electrified vehicles globally by 2025, however this includes non-plug-in hybrids powered by combustion engines. Toyota has labeled its/Lexus’s hybrids as ‘self-charging’ in a jab at BEV owners having to stop to charge; a dishonest description of the technology. Norway has even banned this advertising language, calling it “misleading consumer practice”.

Toyota’s BZ4X Concept looks production ready.

The company plans 15 dedicated BEVs, including seven carrying the bZ (Beyond Zero) brand moniker. In addition, Toyota intends to bring electrification to its pickup truck lineup in the near future, including hybrid and BEV powertrains.

Toyota continues to hedge its bets on vehicle technology, committing to internal combustion, hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric vehicle development.. Toyota Australia vice-president of sales and marketing Sean Hanley stated: “Our approach reiterates Toyota Australia's absolute commitment to reducing its CO2 footprint and the adoption of new technologies across our extensive range of vehicles, whilst recognising the different practical needs of Australian customers and geographies”

We’d have to question Toyota’s approach; with most major global auto manufacturers facing declining sales revenue, increasing operating costs and capital expenditure, and strict emissions controls across China, North America and Europe over the coming decade, many manufacturers such as General Motors, Volkswagen and Volvo are settling on Battery Electric Vehicle technology. It’s unlikely that any one company —even one as big as Toyota — can afford to back three different propulsion technologies in the medium-to-long term.

Toyota BZ4X Gallery:

EV Brief 4/7/21 EV Brief 4/7/21

2021 Hyundai Kona Electric crossover to launch in Australia with fresh looks, additional range

Hyundai Australia has confirmed pricing and specifications for the revised 2021 Kona Electric range. The Highlander model starts from $62,000, while the Elite model starts from $66,000. The additional $4,000 buys you a glass sunroof, heated front and rear seats and LED headlights among other items.

More style and equipment for Kona Electric refresh, available to order now

Available in Highlander and Elite trim levels with 150kW motor and 484km WLTP range from $62,000 AUD

Hyundai Australia has confirmed pricing and specifications for the revised 2021 Kona Electric range. The Highlander starts from $62,000, while the Elite starts from $66,000. The additional $4,000 buys you a glass sunroof, heated front and rear seats and LED headlights among other items listed at the bottom of this article.

Mechanically there’s nothing new to differentiate the 2021 Kona Electric from the outgoing model, but that’s no bad thing. This compact crossover has always offered excellent performance, refinement and range, and now Hyundai is making the Kona Electric an even better value proposition. There’s a 150kW (203 PS) single-speed motor, with 395 Nm (291 lb ft) of torque.

Although the battery size remains the same at 64 kWh, WLTP-rated combined range has actually increased by 7.8 percent to 484 kilometres. That puts the Kona Electric up there amongst the most efficient BEVs on sale, and far beyond the rated range of more expensive offerings such as the Audi E-Tron, Jaguar i-Pace and Porsche Taycan 4S.

What’s new with the Kona Electric on the outside?

The front end receives a contemporary look, with the arrow-like daytime running lights and body coloured front complemented by a small lower air intake, vertical air intakes and the recessed light cluster. It’s an evolution of the pre-facelift model, but it’s fresh and well-considered. Without a front “grille”, the charge port door appears to be quite obvious, but hey, at least people will know this is a plug-in from the front.

The new Kona Electric is 25mm longer than the outgoing model, but you’d hardly notice it. New 17 inch alloy wheels—shod in Michelin Primacy4 low rolling resistance tyres—and painted wheel arches give the crossover a hot hatch appearance from the side profile, while a new rear valance and LED tail lights spruce things up at the rear.

The driver’s zone of the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric.

Is there new technology for 2021?

The 2021 model now includes Hyundai’s suite of SmartSense safety features, including Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Assist, Blind Spot Collision Assist and, something we’d like to see from more manufacturers, Safe Exit Warning which alerts occupants to approaching vehicles using the vehicle’s radar sensors should they open a door into traffic.

On the inside, a fully digital 10.25 inch LCD screen functions as the instrument cluster, and is customisable by the user. The Kona Electric also includes remote start, Qi-standard wireless charging, a Harmon Kardon premium audio system, and a leather interior. We’d have liked to see animal-free seating options, but Hyundai is saving that for the E-GMP-based IONIQ 5.

The only options across both models of the Kona Electric are premium paint for $595, and a black/grey interior option for $295. A Phantom Black two-tone roof is also available as a no-cost option, at the expense of a sunroof.

The Kona Electric is on sale in Australia now; we’ll be posting a full review in a few weeks time.

Kona Electric Elite and Highlander Specifications - Australia

Screen Shot 2021-04-07 at 11.04.03 am.png

Screen Shot 2021-04-07 at 11.04.12 am.png

EV Brief 3/19/21 EV Brief 3/19/21

MG reveals next generation EVs; Marvel R Electric crossover set for May 2022 European launch [Updated]

MG Motor has pulled the covers off its Marvel R Electric SUV this week. Self-described by the company as “a high-tech, luxurious ‘lifestyle’ SUV for the C-segment”, the Marvel R Electric is essentially an export-version carbon copy of sister SAIC brand Roewe’s Marvel R.

MG Marvel R features tri-motor design, 400km WLTP range with vehicle-to-load technology

MG Marvel R Electric [updated]

[Update] Speaking with Tim Robson, PR and Communications Manager for MG Motor Australia EV Brief was told "We're excited to see what MG Motor Europe has shown with the Marvel R, and we reckon Australians would love its performance, technology and styling. However, it's not on the cards for Australia at the moment."

MG Motor has pulled the covers off its Marvel R Electric SUV this week. Self-described by the company as “a high-tech, luxurious ‘lifestyle’ SUV for the C-segment”, the Marvel R Electric is essentially an export-version carbon copy of sister SAIC brand Roewe’s Marvel R.

This “R” sub-brand was conceived to promote higher-end vehicles of a sportier design aesthetic, and these cars are marketed though a stand-alone dealer network in China.

The MG Marvel R Electric does indeed appear to be high-tech, with a tri-motor drivetrain (albeit with “only” 212 kW (288 PS). One can only assume that MG Motor has chosen a three motor setup—one of the front axel and two on the rear—so as to integrate smaller, more compact and efficient motor designs into its BEVs. The company has not provided a curb weight figure however.

The Marvel R Electric boasts a peak torque figure of 665 Nm, (490 lb ft) and a claimed 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 4.9 seconds. According to MG Motor’s press release, a rear-wheel-drive variant will also be available; presumably with a two-motor setup to accommodate a front trunk.

At 4,674 mm long with a 2,800mm wheelbase, 1,919 mm wide and 1,618 mm tall, The Marvel R Electric is slightly longer, and wider than Volkswagen’s ID.4 (4,585 mm long, 2,765 mm wheelbase, 1,852 mm width, 1,636 height)

The Marvel R Electric has a pleasingly contemporary appearance; one that is far removed from the traditional-yet-handsome ZS EV. Wide front and rear LED light strips—de rigueur these days it seems—dominate the design, and pleasing surface creases and aggressive vents give the Marvel R Electric some street appeal.

The interior is also a step up from the ZS EV, with soft touch materials across the doors and dashboard, metal-finish switchgear, a full LCD driver’s display measuring 12.3 inches and large vertically-mounted touchscreen of almost 20 inches—a la Tesla Model X and Mustang Mach-E—dominating the console.

MG Marvel R Electric provisional specifications

Tri-Motor 212 kW / 665 Nm*
All-Wheel Drive (Tri-motor)
>400 km WLTP range*
1.8 sec (0-50 km/h acceleration)*
4.9 sec (0-100 km/h acceleration)*
200 km/h (top speed)*
11 kW AC Charger (3-phase fast charging)
30 min to 80% battery level fast-charging capacity
750 kg towing capacity*
Digital cockpit with 19.4” floating screen
MG Pilot – advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)
Climate control with heat pump
V2L 2,500W power supply for external usage

Battery technology

MG Motor claims a WLTP range of over 400 kilometres, and although battery specifications haven’t been provided, it’s safe to assume that the MG will share Roewe’s 69.9 kWh gross battery capacity. There’s also 11kW AC charging on board, and DC charging that can achieve 80% SoC in 30 minutes. MG hasn’t provided a DC charging rate, but from the above figure we can assume it will be around 100-120kW.

The MG Marvel R Electric is expected to launch in Europe from May 2021. We have contacted MG Motor Australia about possible availability, and will update with their response.

The SAIC Roewe Marvel-R, on which the MG Marvel R is based. Image: Forma car News

MG5 Electric Wagon

Also not to be missed, was MG’s announcement of a facelift for its MG5 electric station wagon (or estate, or touring depending on where you reside).

This update brings a fresher face to the current version’s plain styling. Don’t dismiss the MG5 purely on aesthetic grounds however. A practical, spacious wagon with 578l trunk space priced from £24,495 (after Plug In Car Grant) helped the brand to strong UK sales in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

The MG5 offers a similar 400 kilometre WLTP range to the Marvel R, and features a single drive motor with 135 kW (184 ps) and 280 Nm of torque. 11kW AC charging and high-speed DC charging are standard.

We can expect to see the MG5 Electric hitting the streets of Europe in October 2021.