To go Extended range - To XR or not XR.

[Blu]

OK, I'm heading to the dealership soon, my  MG6 is almost at 100,000ks.
Im a 99% city driver, my longest trips are 150k (95miles) round trips 4 times a month to play Golf. Otherwise daily 20- 30ks once or twice a year I can do a trip to see family 900k (560m) each way.
On my home I have a 6.5 kW solar power system and my AGL account is switching to EV off peak charge tariff.
Is there any benefit in my choosing the 64Battery MG4 (AU$45,000) over the base model 51Battery MG4 (AU$40,000)???
I'd love the thoughts of both model owners...
EG if you drive the basic do you wish for the next model up?
Likewise, if you drive the 64 kWh Battery model, do you feel the extended range etc is worth the extra $s (£s)?

 

[andyMG4]

I think you need to study / understand the difference(s) / implications between the LFP 51kWh battery and the NMC 64kWh battery. That difference was the most significant for us, and I would not have gone for the 64kWh even if the same price.

Depending on your attitude, if you only charge the 64kWh to 80% - as recommended, it is at 51.2 kWh, exactly as the LFP at the recommended 100%. That aside, the LFP supposedly is longer life as well.

I'm not pushing the LFP for others, just there is more to it than AU$5K and 51 v 64kWh...

 

[fnegroni]

The charging speed to 80% on a Long range or Extended range even is way faster than the standard range to 100%.
So more than the range on short trips, is the reduced waiting time on longer trips, which for some is of the essence.

 

[dsimpkins]

Another thing to take into account is the dip in battery performance in winter. The 51kWh battery is not going to manage a 190 mile round trip in winter without a top up on the return. The 64kWh will, and one of the reasons I chose that model. Most of my driving is city, with regular trips of a 90 miles each way.

I could be wrong on this, but if memory serves I think the battery chemistry of the 64kWh means it suffers less of a loss in winter to the 51kWh version.

 

[fnegroni]

Another thing to take into account is the dip in battery performance in winter. The 51kW battery is not going to manage a 190 mile round trip in winter without a top up on the return. The 64kW will, and one of the reasons I chose that model. Most of my driving is city, with regular trips of a 90 miles each way.

I could be wrong on this, but if memory serves I think the battery chemistry of the 64kW means it suffers less of a loss in winter to the 51kW version.

Any differences in efficiency losses between the two is dwarfed by the HVAC’s PTC heater.

 

[unbornidentity]

I’ve got the base model with the 51kWh battery and don’t regret the decision.

I don’t have to mess around with the 80% charging thing, so for daily use the battery is effectively the same capacity. For the times I do go on a long journey I’d have to stop and charge anyway (the distance I do) so it makes no real difference. On a really long one I might have to stop for an extra charge but was pretty hard for me to justify the extra cost for the sake of 30 mins on a rapid charger a couple of times a year.

The LFP is more affected by cold weather (<10°C) and particularly if it’s frosty but also seems more efficient when it’s warm. I get about 140 miles in winter and 180 - 200 when it’s warm (>15°C).

Another way to look at it is you can add the 13kWh you don’t have on a rapid charger in about 10 minutes.

Oh and an added bonus of the 51kWh is when people bang on to you about children mining Cobalt, batteries catching fire and batteries needing replacing after a few years you can smug them to death with your battery's chemistry ??

 

[fnegroni]

Even if my car had an NMC battery I would just tell them it’s LFP so they leave me alone. ?

 

[Blu]

Another thing to take into account is the dip in battery performance in winter. The 51kWh battery is not going to manage a 190 mile round trip in winter without a top up on the return. The 64kWh will, and one of the reasons I chose that model. Most of my driving is city, with regular trips of a 90 miles each way.

I could be wrong on this, but if memory serves I think the battery chemistry of the 64kWh means it suffers less of a loss in winter to the 51kWh version.

Thanks, I live in Brisbane Australia, so, our Winter temps are mild compared to Sydney and Melbourne etc, plus our Winter season is fairly short really 6 to 8 weeks where night time temps go as low as 10 degrees Celsius and daytime is still 20-24 average. So, again I'm not sure if the 64Battery is needed.

I’ve got the base model with the 51kWh battery and don’t regret the decision.

I don’t have to mess around with the 80% charging thing, so for daily use the battery is effectively the same capacity. For the times I do go on a long journey I’d have to stop and charge anyway (the distance I do) so it makes no real difference. On a really long one I might have to stop for an extra charge but was pretty hard for me to justify the extra cost for the sake of 30 mins on a rapid charger a couple of times a year.

The LFP is more affected by cold weather (<10°C) and particularly if it’s frosty but also seems more efficient when it’s warm. I get about 140 miles in winter and 180 - 200 when it’s warm (>15°C).

Another way to look at it is you can add the 13kWh you don’t have on a rapid charger in about 10 minutes.

Oh and an added bonus of the 51kWh is when people bang on to you about children mining Cobalt, batteries catching fire and batteries needing replacing after a few years you can smug them to death with your battery's chemistry ??

Your driving seems most like mine, I'm semi retired, and only have a passenger every few weeks when driving to a golf game, I like the hatch as I can load my electric buggy and bag etc easily.
I honestly hadn't considered the 80% charge side of the equation, seems to me charging to 90%+ in a 51battery would handle my average around town mileage easily. Many thanks for your input it is really valued.

The charging speed to 80% on a Long range or Extended range even is way faster than the standard range to 100%.
So more than the range on short trips, is the reduced waiting time on longer trips, which for some is of the essence.

If I am home charging overnight after using say 80k (50mi) is there a significant difference in charging speeds? I thought the home charge is trickle feed 6.5kW have I got that wrong?

Even if my car had an NMC battery I would just tell them it’s LFP so they leave me alone. ?

Hate self righteous snobs, do Tesla owners really think they are superior? Not pushing hate talk, thats a different topic / thread.
I like MG owners, I know a few and they are very down to earth.

 

[pollenface]

I think you need to study / understand the difference(s) / implications between the LFP 51kWh battery and the NMC 64kWh battery. That difference was the most significant for us, and I would not have gone for the 64kWh even if the same price.

My feelings are the same.

If I am home charging overnight after using say 80k (50m) is there a significant difference in charging speeds? I thought the home charge is trickle feed 6.5kwh have I got that wrong?

Home chargers typically go up to 7kw over single phase or 22kw over 3-phase

We typically drive around 100-150km/day and 1.5-1.8kw is always enough to recharge at home.

On weekends we charge at a faster rate while solar is available.

 

[Blu]

My feelings are the same.



Home chargers typically go up to 7kw over single phase or 22kw over 3-phase

We typically drive around 100-150km/day and 1.5-1.8kw is always enough to recharge at home.

On weekends we charge at a faster rate while solar is available.

Much appreciated, going from a ICE MG6 to an EV MG4 feels like a smooth enough transition although i understand there will be an adjustment in understanding all the new tech, regen braking, automatic drive assist etc. At this stage my only worry is commitment to the 51kWh Model with no buyer remorse.

Also, I'm only looking to home recharge twice weekly once my usage is 80-100km+ the supplied cable is 10kW and wouldn't upgrade unless it saved money as opposed to charging times, My friend lives in shared accomodation so fast charges each week which he tells me is still only 25% of fuel costs, sometimes around 20% when fuel prices go sky high.

 

[fnegroni]

If I am home charging overnight after using say 80k (50mi) is there a significant difference in charging speeds? I thought the home charge is trickle feed 6.5kW have I got that wrong?

You are indeed correct
I was referring to the charging speeds when public charging.

I have the Standard Range model and I consider any trips of 200 miles or less as short trips. They only require at most one stop to recharge and don’t take very long at all.
In which case the SR is perfectly adequate.

If I had to cover 400+ miles in a single journey on a regular basis I would definitely be looking at the extended range.
It won’t do 400 in one go, but it will recharge in half the time and will require one stop. Imagine two drivers able to swap over.
Or if you were to run your MG4 as a taxi service, you would benefit from the near double charging speed at the same state of charge, plus the extra range for the same charging time.

Agree though for the vast majority of people (including myself) the extra range and faster charging speed is not necessary.

 

[andyMG4]

The charging speed to 80% on a Long range or Extended range even is way faster than the standard range to 100%.
So more than the range on short trips, is the reduced waiting time on longer trips, which for some is of the essence.

@Blu as you say, and others have added to, there is a lot more to this

We have had a 2014 Nissan Lead (24kWh) for a couple of years, now the MG4, and I have yet to try a "fast charger" Others of course have to live by them. So the "speed" available at a fast charger is another personal factor.

For those in the know, the Leaf is 43,000 miles, and still (just) on 11 bars. The previous owner did most of his charging on a granny charger (verified by LeafSpy). So the battery life implications of fast charging, and the rate / final level of fast charging, are also factors for some.

Not sure out of the UK, but my understanding is whatever the advertised fast charge rate, getting near the maximum rate from a commercial charger is hit'n'miss, maybe a reflection on the poor UK infrastructure?

 

[Martinonline]

The ability to charge at a high rate has a number of dependencies. Firstly, what is the maximum rate your car can take. Secondly, what is the maximum the charger can supply and use it dependent on how many cars are connected to this charger. Thirdly, what is the starting battery level for the charge and how near is it to the car's 100% level (if you want to get there).

My Trophy reaches 136kW at low battery level - practically the maximum it can take reducing to 26kW above 90%. If I wanted a quick long journey I'd just hop from fast charger to fast charger and not charge to high battery levels. Horses for courses.

 

[siteguru]

Agree though for the vast majority of people (including myself) the extra range and faster charging speed is not necessary.

The other thing I factored into my decision to go for the SE SR (vs SE LR) was price ... at the time (October 2022) the SE LR was £2.5k more expensive - that pays for a hell of a lot of rapid charging sessions.

 

[Blu]

We have had a 2014 Nissan Lead (24kWh) for a couple of years, now the MG4, and I have yet to try a "fast charger" Others of course have to live by them. So the "speed" available at a fast charger is another personal factor.

Really, I was looking at the Nissan Leaf, but there was a drama here is Aus, and models were recalled.
The Reviews of the MG4 have been really positive and reaction has been likewise.
As a MG owner myself i am drawn to the MG4 plus the test drive was very comforting.
Do you prefer your new vehicle?

 

[Bam Bam]

OK, I'm heading to the dealership soon, my  MG6 is almost at 100,000ks.
Im a 99% city driver, my longest trips are 150k (95miles) round trips 4 times a month to play Golf. Otherwise daily 20- 30ks once or twice a year I can do a trip to see family 900k (560m) each way.
On my home I have a 6.5 kW solar power system and my AGL account is switching to EV off peak charge tariff.
Is there any benefit in my choosing the 64Battery MG4 (AU$45,000) over the base model 51Battery MG4 (AU$40,000)???
I'd love the thoughts of both model owners...
EG if you drive the basic do you wish for the next model up?
Likewise, if you drive the 64 kWh Battery model, do you feel the extended range etc is worth the extra $s (£s)?

Got the SR (51) and no regrets. The LFP battery should be much more long-lasting and I imagine we will keep the car for a long time.

For full disclosure though, we haven't done our first long trip yet!

We go on one holiday a year where we will need to charge away from home. Even if there are some problems with that, it is just once a year so pretty trivial.

 

[NLMGSAN]

You will most likely be fine with 51 kwh. Particularly on AC you can go 100% every time. That will get you over 200 km quite easily there. Unless you push the pedal...

Do not forget the 64 kwh is heavier. The effect of an extra passenger. This battery doesn't have to stop charging at 80% persé on AC. Just don't do 100% every time (I always charge up to 90% AC, 3 phase 11 kWh, effectively 9.8 kWh, public chargers). The way I plan it I do not need DC fast charge. Unless I would go on a holiday.

 

[andyMG4]

Do you prefer your new vehicle?

@Blu - difficult question since we are comparing a 10 yr old 24kWh Leaf with 40k miles on it v a brand new MG4

The Leaf was a good intro to EVs, and great for local journeys (<20 miles each way in the summer less in winter to be happy). However, as such it is limiting.

The MG4 is much more practical, but I have to say, Nissan did well with the Leaf for so long ago...

 

[SueH]

I couldn't justify the cost of a longer range MG4 but have no regrets with the SE. Don't do many trips which require charging but did a 300 mile leg last year in the UK, and later this year off from the south coast to Italy.

I've never let the levels down too low but I've seen over 80kW charge rates and it maintains it well, and the charge curve is pretty good (check Fastned website).

 

[Anon70]

The only thing you should never do is test drive the XPower as this will do the same thing as feeding a Gremlin after midnight, cause chaos in your purchasing process ?