Honda Elevate EV vs MG ZS EV : When I first heard that Honda is bringing its electric SUV to India – Elevate EV – I was very happy. It is not easy to compete with MG ZS EV as ZS EV is already in the market, people have driven it, heard its reviews. But after knowing the rumors and features of Elevate EV, it seems that Honda has decided not to stay behind. Now let’s see which of the two SUVs seems better in what, and which one will be the right choice for you.
MG ZS EV: What is really there now
From the information available about ZS EV, it is known that it is a fairly multi-talented electric SUV. Its battery pack is around 50.3 kWh and the car claims to run around 461 km on a single charge.
Motor power is also balanced – around 174-176 bhp and torque is around 280 Nm. It gets a lot of features inside: 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment, wireless charging, ADAS level features like lane keep assist, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, etc.
Charging times are decent too: around 8.5-9 hours for a full charge using an AC charger and around 60 minutes for 0-80% charging using a DC fast charger. Pricing has also come down a bit now; ex-showroom prices range from around ₹17.99 lakh to ₹20.50 lakh, depending on the variant.
Honda Elevate EV: What to expect
While the MG ZS EV is already a solid option, the Elevate EV is still in development but there are a lot of expectations. From the rumours and reports I have read, here is what we can say:
The battery capacity of the Honda Elevate EV is likely to be around 40-50 kWh, and that variant will be powerful enough for performance. The range is expected to be more than 400 km. It is also said that the vehicle will be built on a FWD (front-wheel drive) basis.
The list of features also looks impressive: Honda Sensing ADAS suite, 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charger, leather premium upholstery, auto-dimming IRVM, lane-watch camera, etc. Honda has also been good at design, internal quality and driving ergonomics.
Comparison: Which has what strengths
Range and battery: The ZS EV has a claimed range of around 461 km and is proving to be useful for everyday and intermittent long journeys. The Elevate EV will also come with a good battery size, but its range may be slightly less or almost the same, as long as the features and power are considered in the real world.
Features and technology: The ZS EV is getting more complete features like ADAS, sunroof, 360° camera, etc. The Elevate EV is also expected to have the same level of features, but that too will depend on the variant and price.
Price and value for money: The ZS EV has also recently received a price cut, so its entry-variant now offers better value. If the price of the Honda Elevate EV is too high, then there may be a loss of value. But if Honda offers a good price and does not reduce features, then it can become a strong option.
Brand and trust: MG has done some good work in the EV market so far, the service network is growing, user-feedback is mostly positive. Honda has a good brand value, but does not have as much experience in EV as MG has.
My recommendation (a friend’s opinion)
If I was choosing a car today, and wanted a mid-size electric SUV that was good in terms of range, features and reliability, I would consider the MG ZS EV a safer bet, as it already does a lot of things and is available in the market.
But if the Honda Elevate EV is priced well, and doesn’t lack features, it would also be a great option – especially for those who want Honda’s reliable service and smooth ride quality.