We take the all-electric MG ZS EV and spend some time with a young wildlife photographer and get his perspective as an EV owner.
New models and incentives are luring drivers away from petroleum vehicles as electric vehicle (EV) popularity soars. India’s e-mobility development is advancing quickly, with 45–50 million EVs expected to be in use worldwide by 2030. The ready availability of slow and fast chargers, also ensuring quick access to effective and affordable charging, is a crucial facilitator of EV adoption as the EV ecosystem evolves at a rapid rate.
Now, MG India have been at the forefront of this electric vehicle push with the MG ZS EV. In 2020, India got the ZS EV for the first time. Early in 2022, the manufacturer re-designed it with new aesthetics, more amenities, and a bigger battery. By combining the best of both worlds, the brand-new ZS EV makes commuting during the workweek effortless and weekend excursions spectacular. The ZS EV is an ideal family vehicle because of its futuristic styling, roomy interior, and cutting-edge technology.
The new ZS EV is specifically designed for an electrifying driving experience. With the best-in-class driving range of the ZS EV, one can take an exhilarating journey far from the city limits or decide on a fun daily drive, because the only thing you should be considering is your next move. Speaking of the next move, the ZS EV has attracted a whole new type of customer, that is environmentally conscious and very tech-savvy. We got a chance to spend some time with one such ZS EV owner, who is a businessman throughout the week but dives deep into his hobby of wildlife photography over the weekends. Gaurav Kalbhor, a young MG ZS EV owner, has recently shifted from an internal combustion engine car to an all-electric one. We decided to join on a cold winter morning on the outskirts of Pune city as he was in his element, that is nature.
Gaurav described his particular field of wildlife photography. The practice of taking pictures of animals in their natural habitat is known as wildlife photography. Wild animal photography demands a great deal of patience and talent. Photographers occasionally put up with extreme weather to get that perfect shot of an animal. Photographers of wildlife capture images of many creatures. They snap images of insects, reptiles, fish, mammals, and many other kinds of fauna.
Let’s take a look at the design of this EV before we understand why Gaurav selected it. The ZS EV has a futuristic appearance thanks to its dynamic lines, distinctive styling, and a wide SUV stance. It offers a unique appearance on the road thanks to new design components at the front and the back. For Gaurav, the first thing that caught his eye was the design; all the design details on the exterior such as the new 17-inch Tomahawk Hub design alloy wheels and the stunning new electric front grille design which features a full LED Hawkeye headlamps and also the sleek LED tail-lights.
During our morning interaction with Gaurav, he showed us how he has taken advantage of the ZS EV’s incredible space. He keeps all his camera equipment, including his massive zoom lens, safely stored in the boot of the car.
With the MG ZS EV’s plush interior and new availability in the Dual Tone Iconic Ivory Interior motif, you can enjoy comfort on every drive. A 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, a fully digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree camera, cruise control, drive modes, an electric parking brake, an air-purifier, rear a-c vents, a six-way electrically adjustable driver seat, and wireless charging are all included in the new MG ZS EV.
Another feature that convinced our young photographer to buy the ZS EV was the use of i-SMART technology which integrates hardware, software, services, and applications, which improves the ease and smoothness of driving. This EV has new-age practical connected driving; it begins with the all-new ZS EV’s 75-plus connected car capabilities.
Safety is a major strong point for this electric vehicle. Features such as functions of Rear Drive Assist, which keeps an eye on the environment around the car, any blind areas that would otherwise go undetected, to be eliminated and reversing camera, and sensors in the ORVM. Upon identifying a potential danger, such as a car that is already in the blind zone, applying the brakes on a fast-approaching car to prevent a collision, lane or reversing, or a car coming from behind, the system notifies the driver by visual and audio noise signals. All of these, along with some autonomous driving features and six SRS airbags should keep you as safe as possible while driving.
Speaking about capabilities, Gaurav told us how he has plans to take the ZS EV deep into the heart of our national forests as the car is so silent, being an EV, with no emission. He would rather take this electric SUV to get up close to the animals that he has to take pictures of.
Performance is there when you need it in this electric car. The permanent magnet synchronous motor in the 2022 MG ZS EV, which generates 130 kW (177 hp) and 280 Nm, is powered by a new 50.3-kWh battery pack. The advantages of this larger battery include great performance and a very long range. The largest battery in the market, together with certifications for ASIL-D, IP69K Safety, and UL2580, makes it more durable in India’s diverse climatic conditions. It can travel 461 km on a single battery. All this translates into a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds, with a top speed of 175 km/h. Gaurav told us that the car’s thrilling performance is also what converted him to believe in the electric car movement.
Its handling is superb as it has a soft set-up and is well-sprung to avoid a rough ride, yet it absorbs jolts. Because the battery pack is on the floor, the car handles better overall and feels more stable because it stays firmly planted on the road.
For Gaurav, the MG ZS EV has been a complete package as it is a premium SUV to tackle his day-to-day business activities and when he needs to head out towards the jungle, this EV has ample range to take him there and back with zero emission to harm the environment.
