Seeking Advice on ZS Hybrid Plus Fuel Efficiency and Electric Motor Usage

[Jam]

Hi everyone,

I recently bought a ZS Hybrid Plus and have been driving it carefully for 10 days now, with a daily commute of 20 miles, switching to eco mode and using the regenerative 3 setting. However, I’m concerned because I’ve yet to see any significant improvement in fuel efficiency, averaging only 36.4 mpg despite not exceeding 40 mph (trip computer says average 26 mph). I’ve only noticed the electric motor engaging on two short occasions, and both times were after driving for over 45 minutes. However, once I exceeded speeds around 8 mph, the electric motor switched off and it reverted back to fuel consumption.

I’ve also read other users discussing high revs, which I’m also experiencing, and wonder if that’s affecting my fuel economy. I’m trying to understand when and how the electric motor should be engaging. Does the battery need to be full for it to kick in? Should I be seeing the electric motor use more frequently, especially with my driving habits?

The main reason I chose this model was for its fuel efficiency, but now I’m starting to question if there’s an issue with my vehicle. Should I be concerned or is there something I might be missing in terms of optimal driving or understanding how the hybrid system works?
Any advice or insights would be really appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

J

 

[David38]

Has it been freezing temperature in these 10 days?
Give it another 10 days with positive temperatures which here, West Yorkshire, were starting today.

 

[Jam]

Thanks for your reply!

The temperature has been below zero since I got the car, only warming up in the past day. I understand cold weather can affect performance and fuel efficiency, though I thought I would have noticed a better MPG than it’s currently recording. The high rev count worries me—it’s strange how the revs jump from 1.3k to 2.2k RPM on a 30mph flat road without any harsh acceleration.

I’m also nervous about driving at 70mph as it shows 3.3k rpm, which exceeds the 900-mile run-in limit.
As this is my first hybrid, I’m unsure if this is normal or something I should be concerned about. I could potentially return the car within the next couple of days, but I don’t want to keep it past that if it sounds like there is a fault.
Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[David38]

Basically the dealer at h/o, I was there an hour, set me things up Regeneration is at 2 and not using Ecco.
I,ve only done 300 miles and max. 50 mph. No motorways yet where my habit is to go at 60 mph and certainly to observe the speed limit. For awhile yet I will only do 50 max. I,m old fashioned I guess.
I'm a beginner so I guess others will help too.

 

[DMeine]

It's actually quite simple. Just drive. The speed is due to the drive and cannot be changed. The high fuel consumption is normal in this cold season, that's because the combustion engine has to heat the interior because the car unfortunately doesn't have an electric heater.

 

[mick78]

AS pointed out by others, this is quite normal for a hybrid, engine speeds will vary depending on battery condition as well as on your speed/throttle position. And given that the MG doesn't use a planetary gearbox as a Toyota hybrid, it also has fewer fine in-between settings, so occasionally the revs will jump quite a bit (it will however give you a more linear feel under acceleration. especially under higher speeds, so there is that).

And as DMeine point out, without an electric heater, the engine is needed to heat the cabin, so it will run a lot more than than in milder climate (at which also the consumption is tested), something the ZS does share with quite a few hybrids unfortunately, even as expensive ones as earlier Porsche Cayenne Plug-Ins, or the Plug in MG EHS.

Mind you though, having owned a Toyota Hybrid before and having driven quite a few more, even their short routes in winter will have significantly higher consumption, even though less difference than in the MG.

 

[nicho12]

Thanks for your reply!

The temperature has been below zero since I got the car, only warming up in the past day. I understand cold weather can affect performance and fuel efficiency, though I thought I would have noticed a better MPG than it’s currently recording. The high rev count worries me—it’s strange how the revs jump from 1.3k to 2.2k RPM on a 30mph flat road without any harsh acceleration.

I’m also nervous about driving at 70mph as it shows 3.3k rpm, which exceeds the 900-mile run-in limit.
As this is my first hybrid, I’m unsure if this is normal or something I should be concerned about. I could potentially return the car within the next couple of days, but I don’t want to keep it past that if it sounds like there is a fault.
Any advice would be appreciated!

I have had my hybrid Trophy for over a month done over 500 miles revs are the same as yours 35 miles an hour between 2.2k to 2.5k rpm, accelerate then it drops as though its going in to top gear.

 

[Busman]

Hi everyone,

I recently bought a ZS Hybrid Plus and have been driving it carefully for 10 days now, with a daily commute of 20 miles, switching to eco mode and using the regenerative 3 setting. However, I’m concerned because I’ve yet to see any significant improvement in fuel efficiency, averaging only 36.4 mpg despite not exceeding 40 mph (trip computer says average 26 mph). I’ve only noticed the electric motor engaging on two short occasions, and both times were after driving for over 45 minutes. However, once I exceeded speeds around 8 mph, the electric motor switched off and it reverted back to fuel consumption.

I’ve also read other users discussing high revs, which I’m also experiencing, and wonder if that’s affecting my fuel economy. I’m trying to understand when and how the electric motor should be engaging. Does the battery need to be full for it to kick in? Should I be seeing the electric motor use more frequently, especially with my driving habits?

The main reason I chose this model was for its fuel efficiency, but now I’m starting to question if there’s an issue with my vehicle. Should I be concerned or is there something I might be missing in terms of optimal driving or understanding how the hybrid system works?
Any advice or insights would be really appreciated.

Good afternoon,I have been driving my ZS Hybrid+ since 3rd January.This is not my first hybrid, it is my third.You need to relax and enjoy your car. I live in Ireland and the weather has been cold here.To my amazement the car goes into EV mode seamlessly. I drive in ECO mode all of the time. I start off in level 2 Regen and then soon into my drive level 3.My daily commute would be around trip of 28 km. I have noticed that in the early part of my trip I would get 2 km regenerated and then I would lose it. However before I bought the ZS I drove an MG 4 and the range consumption is comparable. When the weather gets warmer, expect your car to perform better.

 

[Busman]

Hi everyone,

I recently bought a ZS Hybrid Plus and have been driving it carefully for 10 days now, with a daily commute of 20 miles, switching to eco mode and using the regenerative 3 setting. However, I’m concerned because I’ve yet to see any significant improvement in fuel efficiency, averaging only 36.4 mpg despite not exceeding 40 mph (trip computer says average 26 mph). I’ve only noticed the electric motor engaging on two short occasions, and both times were after driving for over 45 minutes. However, once I exceeded speeds around 8 mph, the electric motor switched off and it reverted back to fuel consumption.

I’ve also read other users discussing high revs, which I’m also experiencing, and wonder if that’s affecting my fuel economy. I’m trying to understand when and how the electric motor should be engaging. Does the battery need to be full for it to kick in? Should I be seeing the electric motor use more frequently, especially with my driving habits?

The main reason I chose this model was for its fuel efficiency, but now I’m starting to question if there’s an issue with my vehicle. Should I be concerned or is there something I might be missing in terms of optimal driving or understanding how the hybrid system works?
Any advice or insights would be really appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

J

Please look at these figures.

 

[Chris7]

Hi, I have had my ZS Hybrid since December. Driving a 200 mile journey it managed 62 mpg, most of the journey was motorway.

Around town in the milder weather it runs extremely well. Yes I get higher revs towards the top of an incline, if I back off the accelerator it drops and then drives ok with light acceleration.

Having completed over 2000 miles across cold and milder weather the amount of time the petrol engine engages depends on the temperature, the use of lights, heating, wipers etc.

 

[Jockster]

Hi everyone,

I recently bought a ZS Hybrid Plus and have been driving it carefully for 10 days now, with a daily commute of 20 miles, switching to eco mode and using the regenerative 3 setting. However, I’m concerned because I’ve yet to see any significant improvement in fuel efficiency, averaging only 36.4 mpg despite not exceeding 40 mph (trip computer says average 26 mph). I’ve only noticed the electric motor engaging on two short occasions, and both times were after driving for over 45 minutes. However, once I exceeded speeds around 8 mph, the electric motor switched off and it reverted back to fuel consumption.

I’ve also read other users discussing high revs, which I’m also experiencing, and wonder if that’s affecting my fuel economy. I’m trying to understand when and how the electric motor should be engaging. Does the battery need to be full for it to kick in? Should I be seeing the electric motor use more frequently, especially with my driving habits?

The main reason I chose this model was for its fuel efficiency, but now I’m starting to question if there’s an issue with my vehicle. Should I be concerned or is there something I might be missing in terms of optimal driving or understanding how the hybrid system works?
Any advice or insights would be really appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

J

Just experimented with mine. Same trip x 2. Careful driving , various modes depending on terrain. 47mpg then........as it rarely goes into hybrid 0.0 mode I turned off the Air Con/ Climate control heater and........68.9mpg in 5.5'c. Had it up to 74mpg even. Electric seats and wheel run off the 12v but the Air Con was/is stealing my hybrid mode. Normally set at 23'c and 3 fan.

It's actually quite simple. Just drive. The speed is due to the drive and cannot be changed. The high fuel consumption is normal in this cold season, that's because the combustion engine has to heat the interior because the car unfortunately doesn't have an electric heater.

Just experimented with mine. Same trip x 2. Careful driving , various modes depending on terrain. 47mpg then........as it rarely goes into hybrid 0.0 mode I turned off the Air Con/ Climate control heater and........68.9mpg in 5.5'c. Had it up to 74mpg even. Electric seats and wheel run off the 12v but the Air Con was/is stealing my hybrid mode. Normally set at 23'c and 3 fan.

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Please look at these figures.

Just experimented with mine. Same trip x 2. Careful driving , various modes depending on terrain. 47mpg then........as it rarely goes into hybrid 0.0 mode I turned off the Air Con/ Climate control heater and........68.9mpg in 5.5'c. Had it up to 74mpg even. Electric seats and wheel run off the 12v but the Air Con was/is stealing my hybrid mode. Normally set at 23'c and 3 fan.

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  155 KB · Views: 1
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  20250212_115207.jpg
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Hi, I have had my ZS Hybrid since December. Driving a 200 mile journey it managed 62 mpg, most of the journey was motorway.

Around town in the milder weather it runs extremely well. Yes I get higher revs towards the top of an incline, if I back off the accelerator it drops and then drives ok with light acceleration.

Having completed over 2000 miles across cold and milder weather the amount of time the petrol engine engages depends on the temperature, the use of lights, heating, wipers etc.

Lights, wipers and electric seats run off 12v Climate Control runs off engine resulting in low hybrid performance.

 

[Noel]

Hi Busman. Interesting, my observations/conclusions are similar. Had we purchased in the summer, I expect we would be very pleased with the mpg results.
There is no doubt the AC imposes a large demand on the engine.
At the risk of repetition. I’ve adopted the following, heated seat and wheel. When the engine temp gauge shows 3 bars, windscreen demist on, if required, then cabin heating. There’s no point in demanding cabin heat prior to 3 bars.

 

[Busman]

Hi Busman. Interesting, my observations/conclusions are similar. Had we purchased in the summer, I expect we would be very pleased with the mpg results.
There is no doubt the AC imposes a large demand on the engine.
At the risk of repetition. I’ve adopted the following, heated seat and wheel. When the engine temp gauge shows 3 bars, windscreen demist on, if required, then cabin heating. There’s no point in demanding cabin heat prior to 3 bars.

AC usage will always have an impact on efficiency.I had 2 EVs before this car and it was no different.Heating and AC usage will always reduce efficiency,no matter the brand,this is not a MG thing The figures will improve when the weather improves .

 

[Noel]

AC usage will always have an impact on efficiency.I had 2 EVs before this car and it was no different.Heating and AC usage will always reduce efficiency,no matter the brand,this is not a MG thing The figures will improve when the weather improves .

I think we are agreeing

 

[Jockster]

AC usage will always have an impact on efficiency.I had 2 EVs before this car and it was no different.Heating and AC usage will always reduce efficiency,no matter the brand,this is not a MG thing The figures will improve when the weather improves .

My Yaris was better but it was smaller and I think Toyota's in general have a better hybrid system. Peeved at the ZS's mpg and revs but it is 5'c here and the inside needs to be warm. My car was a day old and I didn't see it again for 30 days as the sealed gear box unit was near empty of it's special oil and then needed a new hydraulic electric selector because the cogs had become dry and damaged. Looking forward to seeing it perform in warm weather.

I think we are agreeing

Have you heard of the update coming to the UK?

 

[Nico]

Just read the above comments regarding heating impacting on EV mode.
I drove to Aberdovey beach today - about 18 miles through winding roads. On normal regen 2. Not once did EV kick in. Halfway back I asked my wife to knock down the heating from 26° to 23° and immediately EV kicked in.
We reduced the heating further and EV came on 3 further times in the last 9 miles home.
Coincidence?

 

[Chris7]

Just read the above comments regarding heating impacting on EV mode.
I drove to Aberdovey beach today - about 18 miles through winding roads. On normal regen 2. Not once did EV kick in. Halfway back I asked my wife to knock down the heating from 26° to 23° and immediately EV kicked in.
We reduced the heating further and EV came on 3 further times in the last 9 miles home.
Coincidence?

I have had a similar experience.

Heating is normally around 22 or 23 and EV kicks is frequently. I have also used Auto mode and tend to get a similar experience unless I require 24 or above temperature.

 

[Noel]

My Yaris was better but it was smaller and I think Toyota's in general have a better hybrid system. Peeved at the ZS's mpg and revs but it is 5'c here and the inside needs to be warm. My car was a day old and I didn't see it again for 30 days as the sealed gear box unit was near empty of it's special oil and then needed a new hydraulic electric selector because the cogs had become dry and damaged. Looking forward to seeing it perform in warm weather.


Have you heard of the update coming to the UK?

Regarding the update PD052, my car went into the dealership on the third, they informed me that they knew nothing about this update, so I contacted MGUK, who advised me to ask the dealership to contact them if they didn’t know anything about it, and that they would advise them.
Since then I’ve received emails from MGUK informing me that the dealership will check to make sure that PDO52 is already installed, when we all know it isn’t.
To be honest, it’s a game of pass the parcel, left hand? or something to do with breweries.
The car goes in again on the 27th, to install a new light strip in the near side door mirror, provided they have the replacement part by then.
I’m anticipating another round of pass the parcel, but will bide my time, and ring the dealership a couple of days before going, for confirmation that they will be installing PD052 on the 27th. It’s a 50 mile trip.
Quite why MGUK are the only ones who appears to know nothing about PDO52, when the rest of the world, including the EU, knows all about it, and is installing it, is an enigma.

 

[KAG]

Thanks for your reply!

The temperature has been below zero since I got the car, only warming up in the past day. I understand cold weather can affect performance and fuel efficiency, though I thought I would have noticed a better MPG than it’s currently recording. The high rev count worries me—it’s strange how the revs jump from 1.3k to 2.2k RPM on a 30mph flat road without any harsh acceleration.

I’m also nervous about driving at 70mph as it shows 3.3k rpm, which exceeds the 900-mile run-in limit.
As this is my first hybrid, I’m unsure if this is normal or something I should be concerned about. I could potentially return the car within the next couple of days, but I don’t want to keep it past that if it sounds like there is a fault.
Any advice would be appreciated!

My car does the exact same thing - took it back to the dealer and they had it for 2 days, said there is nothing wrong with it, they took it for a drive and didnt experience anything I described! Although they did a system update and said that might help, so lets see. However, it is horrible when it revs excessively. I can be driving at 13-16 mph (flat 20mph street) and the revs jump to 2 with very little pressure on the acceleration, it feels like it dropping and driving in neutral. On the motorway it can struggle to get speed and the revs go all the way up to 3.7!

It barely shifts into ev mode, even after a motorway drive, when I'm back at low speeds. It's not been the most enjoyable month of driving.

 

[Jockster]

My car does the exact same thing - took it back to the dealer and they had it for 2 days, said there is nothing wrong with it, they took it for a drive and didnt experience anything I described! Although they did a system update and said that might help, so lets see. However, it is horrible when it revs excessively. I can be driving at 13-16 mph (flat 20mph street) and the revs jump to 2 with very little pressure on the acceleration, it feels like it dropping and driving in neutral. On the motorway it can struggle to get speed and the revs go all the way up to 3.7!

It barely shifts into ev mode, even after a motorway drive, when I'm back at low speeds. It's not been the most enjoyable month of driving.

Turn Air Con off. Then see what happens.