The MG ZS name can be confusing for UK drivers because it has been used on both fully electric and non-plug-in models. This guide is for the MG ZS EV: the battery-electric compact SUV sold in the UK from around 2019 to 2025. It does not apply to petrol MG ZS models or the newer MG ZS Hybrid+, which do not use EV charging cables.
For UK and European MG ZS EV models, the key charging point is straightforward: the car uses a Type 2 connector for AC charging and a CCS Combo 2 connector for DC rapid charging. However, battery size, AC charging speed, rapid charging performance and features such as vehicle-to-load differ by model year and battery pack, so it is important to know which ZS EV you have before comparing charge times.
MG ZS EV Battery and Charging Specifications
The MG ZS EV was offered in several battery and model-year configurations. The original 2019-2021 car used a smaller battery than the later facelift versions, while the facelift model was offered as Standard Range and Long Range. The ZS EV has now been discontinued in the UK market, with newer MG electric SUV models taking its place, but it remains a popular used EV choice.
Across the ZS EV range, UK cars use the familiar Type 2 and CCS charging arrangement. AC charging is used at home, at workplace charge points and on many public destination chargers. DC rapid charging is used at motorway services and rapid charging hubs. A 22 kW public AC post will not make a ZS EV charge at 22 kW, because the car’s onboard charger limits the AC rate.
Battery Options
Before buying a cable or estimating charging time, identify whether your car is the original ZS EV, the facelift Standard Range or the facelift Long Range.
- Original MG ZS EV, 2019-2021: EV Database lists this version with an estimated 44.5 kWh gross battery and around 42.5 kWh usable capacity. WLTP range is roughly 163-166 miles depending on test condition.
- Facelift Standard Range, 2022-2025: the UK brochure lists a 51.1 kWh nominal battery and 198 miles WLTP combined range. EV Database lists 49.0 kWh usable capacity and a similar WLTP figure.
- Facelift Long Range, 2021-2025: the UK brochure lists a 72.6 kWh nominal battery and 273 miles WLTP combined range. EV Database lists 68.3 kWh usable capacity and an estimated 225-mile real-world range.
These differences matter. A Long Range car will take longer to charge from a low state of charge on a home wallbox than a Standard Range car, simply because the battery is larger. It will also normally travel further between charges.
AC Charging Speed
The MG ZS EV charges on AC using a Type 2 connection. For most UK owners, this means using a dedicated home wallbox or a public AC charger with a Type 2 socket. The car controls the final charging speed, so fitting or using a more powerful AC post does not override the onboard charger limit.
EV Database lists the original 2019-2021 MG ZS EV and the facelift Standard Range with 6.6 kW single-phase AC charging. The facelift Long Range is listed with 7.4 kW AC charging. In practical terms, these figures suit a typical UK 7 kW home charge point well.
The April 2023 UK brochure gives typical 7 kW wallbox charging times of about 8 hours for the 51.1 kWh Standard Range model and about 10.5 hours for the 72.6 kWh Long Range model. Real charging times can vary with starting percentage, target percentage, temperature, charger output and the condition of the installation.
DC Rapid Charging Speed
For faster charging on longer journeys, the MG ZS EV uses the lower CCS pins in the combined Type 2 and CCS socket. You do not need your own cable for most DC rapid chargers, because the cable is tethered to the charger.
Rapid charging capability depends on the version. The original ZS EV is listed with up to around 76 kW DC charging. The facelift Standard Range is listed at up to around 75 kW, while the facelift Long Range is listed at up to around 94 kW. The UK brochure gives rapid charging-to-80% figures of around 36 minutes for the Standard Range on a 100 kW charger and 42 minutes from 10-80% for the Long Range.
As with most EVs, the highest rapid charging rate is only seen under suitable conditions and usually for part of the session. Charging slows noticeably as the battery fills, especially above 80%, so a 10-80% rapid charge is usually the most time-efficient stop on a long trip.
Range and Efficiency
The official WLTP figures are useful for comparison, but day-to-day range depends on driving style, speed, weather, tyre condition, load and use of heating or air conditioning. The Long Range model has the highest official figure at 273 miles WLTP, while EV Database estimates around 225 miles in real-world mixed use. The Standard Range is officially rated at around 198-199 miles WLTP, and the original car sits lower at roughly 163-166 miles WLTP.
Motorway driving in cold weather will usually reduce range compared with gentle urban and A-road use. If you are planning a long journey in a ZS EV, it is sensible to plan charging stops based on a comfortable remaining range buffer rather than trying to use the full quoted WLTP distance.
Charging at Home
For most MG ZS EV owners, home charging is the cheapest and most convenient way to run the car. A dedicated 7 kW home wallbox with a Type 2 connection is the natural match for the ZS EV’s AC charging capability. Depending on the wallbox, you may use a tethered Type 2 cable or an untethered socketed charger requiring your own Type 2 charging cable.
If you have an untethered wallbox, a Type 2 to Type 2 cable is the correct cable type for the MG ZS EV. A 32 amp single-phase cable is commonly chosen because it supports the car’s normal home AC charging rate. A three-phase cable can also be used on single-phase charging, but it will not make the ZS EV charge at 11 kW or 22 kW unless the vehicle itself supports that AC rate, which UK ZS EV variants covered here are not generally listed as doing.
A 3-pin domestic EV 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. Standard household sockets were not designed with repeated high-load EV charging in mind, so professional checks and sensible use are important.
Public Charging
Public charging for the MG ZS EV falls into two main types: AC destination charging and DC rapid charging. On AC public posts, you will often need your own Type 2 cable. These chargers are common in car parks, hotels, workplaces, leisure centres and town centres. They are useful when the car will be parked for several hours.
On DC rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, you use the charger’s CCS cable. Even if the charger is rated well above the ZS EV’s maximum DC rate, the car will only draw what it can accept at that point in the charging curve. Choosing a 150 kW or 350 kW charger will not turn the ZS EV into a 150 kW charging car, although it may still work perfectly well if the connector and network are compatible.
Because the charging port is at the front on facelift MG ZS EV models, often behind the grille area, front-in parking can be convenient at many chargers. Charger bay layouts vary, so allow enough cable reach and check that the connector is not strained.
Vehicle-Specific Features
Some facelift MG ZS EV models support vehicle-to-load, often shortened to V2L, using the correct Type 2 V2L adapter. EV Database lists facelift Standard Range and Long Range versions with V2L support at up to around 2.2 kW. This can allow suitable low-power electrical equipment to be powered from the vehicle when used correctly.
Do not assume every ZS EV has this feature. The original 2019-2021 MG ZS EV is listed as not supporting V2L, and equipment availability can vary by specification and market. If V2L is important to you, confirm compatibility for your exact vehicle and use only appropriate equipment.
EV Database entries checked for the ZS EV list no heat pump and no battery preconditioning. That means cold weather can have a more noticeable effect on charging speed and efficiency than in some EVs with active preconditioning systems. On winter rapid charging stops, a colder battery may charge more slowly until it warms up through driving and charging.
Charging Tips
- Check your exact version: original, Standard Range and Long Range models have different batteries and charging figures.
- Use Type 2 for AC: this applies to home wallboxes, workplace chargers and many public destination chargers.
- Use CCS for rapid charging: DC rapid chargers normally have their own tethered cable, so you do not need to bring a separate CCS cable.
- Do not expect 22 kW AC charging: the ZS EV’s onboard charger limits AC speed even when connected to a higher-rated public AC post.
- Rapid charge to around 80% when travelling: charging beyond 80% is often slower and may not be the best use of time unless you need the extra range.
- Keep a cable in the car: a Type 2 cable is useful for untethered public posts and socketed home charge points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every MG ZS need an EV charging cable?
No. This guide applies to the MG ZS EV battery-electric model. Petrol MG ZS models and the MG ZS Hybrid+ are not plug-in vehicles and do not use EV charging cables.
What charging cable does the MG ZS EV use?
For AC charging, the MG ZS EV uses a Type 2 connection. For DC rapid charging, it uses CCS Combo 2. A Type 2 to Type 2 cable is the usual cable for socketed home wallboxes and untethered public AC chargers.
Can the MG ZS EV charge at 22 kW AC?
UK MG ZS EV versions covered in the available data are listed with around 6.6 kW or 7.4 kW AC charging, depending on variant. A 22 kW AC post will not make the car charge at 22 kW.
How long does the MG ZS EV take to charge at home?
As a guide, the UK brochure gives around 8 hours for the facelift Standard Range and around 10.5 hours for the facelift Long Range using a 7 kW wallbox. The exact time depends on starting charge, target charge and conditions.
Does the MG ZS EV support vehicle-to-load?
Facelift Standard Range and Long Range models are listed with V2L support when used with the correct Type 2 V2L adapter. The original 2019-2021 ZS EV is listed as not supporting V2L, so check your exact vehicle.
What This Means for Drivers
The MG ZS EV is simple to live with once you separate it from non-plug-in ZS models and identify the exact battery version. For most owners, a 7 kW home wallbox and a Type 2 charging cable cover everyday charging needs. On longer journeys, CCS rapid charging is the right option, with 10-80% stops usually giving the best balance between added range and time spent waiting.
The main point is not to treat all ZS-badged cars as the same. The original ZS EV, facelift Standard Range and facelift Long Range have different battery capacities, different range expectations and slightly different charging performance. Knowing which one you have makes cable choice, route planning and charging expectations much more accurate.
Looking for a Charging Cable for MG ZS EV?
We offer compatible charging cable options for MG ZS EV drivers who need a Type 2 cable for home, workplace or public AC charging.
Please note that this information is intended as a guide. Charging specifications may change due to model and year of manufacture. For precise information, always refer to your vehicle user manual.
