MG S5 Charging Guide: Home Charging, Public Charging and Cable Selection

The MG S5, also referred to in UK material as the MGS5 EV, is a compact electric SUV built on MG’s dedicated EV platform. For UK drivers, the key charging point is simple but important: the MG S5 uses a Type 2 connection for AC charging and a CCS connection for DC rapid charging, while UK specification data indicates a 7kW/7.2kW-class onboard AC charger rather than 11kW AC capability.

That means most MG S5 owners will get the best day-to-day charging experience from a dedicated 7kW home wallbox and a suitable Type 2 charging cable for untethered home and public AC charge points. Rapid charging is handled separately using the tethered CCS cables found at motorway and high-power public charging sites.

This guide explains how the MG S5 charges in the UK, how the 49kWh and 64kWh battery versions differ, what cable to choose, and how to build a charging routine that suits commuting, family use and longer journeys.

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MG S5 Battery and Charging Specifications

The UK-market MG S5 is a battery-electric vehicle, not a plug-in hybrid. UK launch information and brochure data describe three main versions: SE Standard Range, SE Long Range and Trophy Long Range. All use Type 2 AC charging and CCS DC rapid charging.

The SE Standard Range uses a 49kWh gross battery, with usable capacity listed at around 47.1kWh in EV Database UK data. The Long Range versions use a 64kWh gross battery, with usable capacity listed at around 62.1kWh. The Standard Range battery is described as LFP, while the Long Range battery is described as NCM.

For AC charging, MG UK material lists a 7kW onboard charger across the UK range, while EV Database models it as 7.2kW. In practical UK ownership terms, it is best treated as a 7kW-class AC car. Connecting it to a faster AC post will not make it charge at 11kW if the UK onboard charger is limited to this 7kW/7.2kW class.

Battery Options

The MG S5 range is split into two battery families, and this affects both range and charging time.

MG S5 SE Standard Range: this version has a 49kWh gross LFP battery. MG quotes a WLTP combined range of 211 miles. The smaller battery means shorter AC charging sessions and a slightly lower peak DC rapid charging rate, listed by MG at 120kW. MG quotes a 10-80% rapid charge time of 24 minutes on a suitable high-power DC charger, while EV Database UK estimates around 26 minutes under its model.

MG S5 SE Long Range: this version has a 64kWh gross NCM battery and the longest official WLTP range in the UK line-up at 298 miles. It has a higher listed DC peak charging rate of 139kW, with MG quoting 10-80% in 28 minutes on a suitable charger. EV Database estimates around 31 minutes.

MG S5 Trophy Long Range: this version uses the same 64kWh gross battery family as the SE Long Range, but its official WLTP range is slightly lower at 288 miles. That difference is likely to matter most for drivers covering longer distances regularly, as charging frequency may be a little higher than in the SE Long Range, even though the battery size is the same.

AC Charging Speed

AC charging is what most drivers use at home and at many slower public charging points. The MG S5’s UK AC charging capability should be treated as 7kW/7.2kW class. This is well matched to a typical single-phase UK home wallbox.

MG UK brochure data gives 10-100% AC charging times of around 8.5 hours for the 49kWh Standard Range battery and around 11.5 hours for the 64kWh Long Range battery. Real-world timings can vary depending on the charger, starting percentage, temperature, battery management and whether the car tapers the charge near full.

For cable selection, a Type 2 to Type 2 cable rated for 32A single-phase charging is the practical match for the MG S5’s AC charging hardware. A three-phase Type 2 cable can still be used where compatible, but it will not turn a UK 7kW-class MG S5 into an 11kW AC charging car.

DC Rapid Charging Speed

For long journeys, the MG S5 uses the CCS part of its charging port for DC rapid charging. You do not need to bring your own CCS cable, because rapid chargers have the cable attached.

The Standard Range version is listed with DC rapid charging up to 120kW, while the Long Range versions are listed up to 139kW. In practice, the car will only charge at its highest rate when conditions are suitable. Battery temperature, state of charge, charger output, charger sharing and site conditions can all affect the actual speed.

For journey planning, it is usually better to think in terms of 10-80% charging stops rather than 0-100%. MG quotes 24 minutes for the 49kWh battery and 28 minutes for the 64kWh battery on a suitable high-power DC charger. EV Database UK’s independent modelling is slightly more cautious, at around 26 minutes for the Standard Range and 31 minutes for the Long Range.

Range and Efficiency

The official WLTP range figures for the UK MG S5 are 211 miles for the SE Standard Range, 298 miles for the SE Long Range and 288 miles for the Trophy Long Range. These figures are useful for comparing models, but real-world range will depend on speed, temperature, road type, driving style, tyre condition, passenger load and use of heating or air conditioning.

EV Database UK estimates a real-world range of around 170 miles for the Standard Range and around 225 miles for the Long Range version. These are estimates rather than guarantees, but they are useful for planning. A driver doing mostly urban and suburban trips may see more favourable efficiency than a driver covering cold-weather motorway miles at higher speeds.

The choice between the two battery sizes is therefore about more than headline range. The 49kWh LFP car may suit drivers who can charge at home and mainly cover predictable daily mileage. The 64kWh Long Range versions provide more flexibility for longer trips, fewer midweek top-ups and a larger motorway buffer.

Charging at Home

Home charging is likely to be the cheapest and most convenient option for many MG S5 owners, especially when paired with an off-peak electricity tariff. A dedicated Type 2 wallbox is the most suitable long-term setup, either tethered with a fixed Type 2 lead or untethered using your own Type 2 to Type 2 cable.

Because the MG S5 is a 7kW-class AC car in UK specification data, a standard 7kW home charger is a sensible match. It should be able to recover a typical day’s driving overnight and, depending on battery size and starting charge, can take the car from low to full while parked at home.

If you choose an untethered wallbox, you will need a Type 2 charging cable. Many drivers prefer a cable long enough to comfortably reach the charge port without being stretched, especially if the driveway layout means the car is not always parked in the same direction.

A 3-pin charger is generally best suited as a backup or occasional charging solution, but can be used regularly if a qualified electrician has confirmed the socket and electrical installation are suitable for sustained EV charging. A domestic socket charges much more slowly than a wallbox and should not be treated as a substitute for a properly installed home charger unless the installation has been checked for sustained use.

Public Charging

Public charging for the MG S5 falls into two main categories: AC destination charging and DC rapid charging.

AC destination chargers are common at supermarkets, hotels, town centres, workplaces and car parks. Many are untethered, which means you need your own Type 2 cable. The MG S5 will draw power according to its onboard AC charger limit, so a 22kW AC post will not necessarily charge the car faster than a 7kW post if the car itself is limited to around 7kW AC.

DC rapid and ultra-rapid chargers use the CCS connector and are intended for quicker top-ups during longer journeys. These chargers have their own tethered cables, so you do not need to carry a DC cable. For best efficiency on trips, many drivers stop at around 10-20% and charge to around 70-80%, rather than waiting for the final part of the battery to fill more slowly.

Vehicle-Specific Features

The MG S5 includes several features that are useful for EV ownership. UK equipment sources and EV Database data list battery pre-heating ahead of charging, including navigation-based automatic preconditioning in the EV Database specification. This can help the battery reach a more suitable temperature before rapid charging, improving consistency in colder conditions when used correctly.

Vehicle-to-load charging is also shown as standard in UK equipment sources. EV Database lists V2L output at up to 3.3kW via a Type 2 adapter. This can be useful for powering suitable external devices, camping equipment or tools, provided the correct adapter is used and the load is within the vehicle’s limits.

V2G and V2H capability should not be assumed for the UK MG S5, as available specification data lists these as not supported. UK sources also indicate that a heat pump is not fitted or offered, so winter efficiency should be considered in the normal way for an electric vehicle using cabin heating.

Charging Tips

Choose the right Type 2 cable: for most UK MG S5 drivers, a 32A Type 2 to Type 2 cable is the practical choice for untethered home and public AC charging.
Do not overbuy for AC speed: a higher-rated AC charge point will not make the UK MG S5 charge at 11kW if the onboard charger is 7kW/7.2kW class.
Plan rapid stops around 10-80%: this is usually the most time-efficient charging window on longer journeys.
Use preconditioning where available: entering a rapid charger as a navigation destination may help the car prepare the battery where supported.
Consider battery size honestly: the 49kWh version may be ideal for local use and home charging, while the 64kWh versions offer a better buffer for long-distance driving.
Remember the trim difference: the Trophy Long Range has a slightly lower WLTP range than the SE Long Range, despite using the same battery size.

Frequently Asked Questions

What charging cable does the MG S5 use?

The MG S5 uses a Type 2 connector for AC charging. For untethered home wallboxes and public AC charge points, you will need a Type 2 to Type 2 cable. For DC rapid charging, the car uses CCS and the charger provides the cable.

Can the MG S5 charge at 11kW AC?

UK specification data indicates a 7kW/7.2kW-class onboard AC charger, not 11kW AC. A higher-rated AC post may be compatible, but the car will charge according to its own onboard AC limit.

How long does the MG S5 take to charge at home?

MG UK brochure data gives approximately 8.5 hours for a 10-100% AC charge on the 49kWh Standard Range battery and approximately 11.5 hours for the 64kWh Long Range battery. Actual times can vary.

How fast can the MG S5 rapid charge?

The 49kWh Standard Range version is listed at up to 120kW DC, while the 64kWh Long Range versions are listed at up to 139kW DC. MG quotes 10-80% times of 24 minutes for the Standard Range and 28 minutes for the Long Range on a suitable high-power charger.

Does the MG S5 support vehicle-to-load?

Yes. UK equipment sources list V2L as standard, and EV Database lists output at up to 3.3kW using a Type 2 adapter. V2G and V2H are not listed as supported.

What This Means for Drivers

The MG S5 is straightforward to charge, provided you choose equipment that matches the UK car’s charging capability. At home, a 7kW Type 2 wallbox is the natural fit. On the road, a Type 2 cable gives access to untethered AC charging, while CCS rapid chargers handle longer-distance top-ups with their own cables.

The main decision for drivers is battery size. The 49kWh Standard Range model should suit many households with regular home charging and predictable daily mileage. The 64kWh Long Range models take longer to charge from low to full on AC, but they provide a noticeably larger range buffer for motorway use and less frequent charging.

Looking for a Charging Cable for MG S5?

We offer MG S5 charging cables suitable for Type 2 home and public AC charging, helping you choose a cable that matches the car’s UK 7kW-class charging capability and your parking setup.