MG4 to be first sub $40k EV after rebate; Price competitive with non-EVs

MG Motor look set to take on a sector of the electric vehicle market traditionally held by the used-import Leaf.

It has confirmed the lowest-priced version of the MG4 hatchback, the 51kWh Excite, will be priced at $46,990, equating to a $39,975 net price after the governments $7015 rebate has been attached.

This is before on-road cost, but still makes it $3000 cheaper than the Ora Good Cat with a similar-size battery, and the BYD Dolphin with only 45kWh of capacity. The MG4 battery makes good on its name with 50.8kWh of storage.

It also makes it strikingly competitive with non-electric vehicles. The price is just slightly higher than that of the mid-spec Corolla Hybrid SX hatchback, which from July 1 no longer collects a rebate. It is only $1500 more after rebate than a Mazda 3 GSX, which from July one collects a $575 fee.

The first MG4 for customers will land late in the third quarter, though test models have already been spotted on New Zealand roads.

“This is massive news for the New Zealand EV market and it’s extremely exciting to be able to share this groundbreaking announcement with electric vehicle fans nationwide,” says Arek Zywot, country manager for MG New Zealand.

“We are incredibly proud to be able to offer the most affordable new fully electric vehicle to Kiwis who want to adopt zero-emission motoring.

“MG has been leading the charge with attainable electric vehicles since the launch of the local award-winning ZS EV and, with the debut of the dynamic new MG4 and the sub-$40,000 post rebate 51KWh model, we maintain our leadership position in this space.”

Presale pricing from July 1 for the new range is as follows, meaning all models qualify for the full Clean Car rebate amount of $7,015.

MG4 51KWh Excite: $46,990
MG4 64KWh Excite: $51,990
MG4 64KWh Essence: $54,990
MG4 77KWh Essence: $63,990