Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
Different Type Of Electric Vehicles (EVs): An Introduction
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
Electric Cars: Benefits Of Electric Driving: Top 5
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
What Is Regenerative Braking: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
Benefits Of Green Energy: A Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
EV Charging Cables: A Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
How Much Does It Cost To Charge An Electric Car At Home: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read MoreSign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter
The All-Electric MG Cyberster Roadster
MG Motor UK Limited (MG Motor), is a UK headquartered British automotive manufacturer, now owned by the Chinese automotive company, SAIC Motor (December 2007). SAIC is owned by the Chinese government and headquartered in Shanghai. MG was owned by MG Rover up to 2005, before the collapse of the company. The history of the company can be traced back to 1924 to its founding in Oxford (UK). MG was founded by Cecil Kimber, a motor car designer. The automotive company currently has the following battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs):
- All-electric MG ZS EV
- All-electric MG4 EV
- All-electric MG5 EV
- All-electric MG Cyberster
- MG HS Plug-In Hybrid
Those seeking the best of driving performance in an environmentally-friendly car, an all-electric roadster is worth considering! A roadster battery-electric vehicle (BEV) is able to deliver, both, instant torque and zero-tail pipe emissions. The pure electric MG Cyberster Roadster is one such example. Do keep in mind that an internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol or diesel vehicle cannot deliver instant torque, nor zero-tailpipe emissions.
The high-performance two-seat Cyberster sports electric car can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds for the single-motor (RWD) variant (maximum power: 340 PS/ Torque: 475 Nm). If you are seeking even more performance, the dual-motor (AWD) variant can achieve 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds (maximum power: 503 PS/ Torque: 725 Nm). The top speed of the BEV is 200 km/h. By way of comparison, the all-electric Lotus Emeya saloon can achieve 0-100 km/h in 2.78 seconds with a 256 km/h top speed!
The MG Cyberster concept car was unveiled in March 2021. The 2-door coupé has been inspired by the MGB Roadster, also a two-door sports car manufactured between 1962 and 1980. According to MG, “Our intention was to create a completely new roadster ready for a new generation of sportscar drivers and which opens a bold and compelling new chapter for MG.” The new chapter has been warmly welcomed by both, critics and consumers alike.
Though a ‘roadster’ has become more varied in appearance and style over the years, in general, it is a sportier two-seater vehicle, usually without weather protection. More recently, convertibles have also been referred to as a roadster. A pre-production Cyberster was revealed in April 2023 and also made an appearance at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed (UK).
The Cyberster roadster is available in one EV battery size: 77 kWh (usable: 74.4 kWh). We believe an appropriate battery capacity, achieving a good balance between electric range, performance and the weight of the onboard lithium-ion battery. MG claims a range up to 507 km (WLTP) for the single-motor RWD variant, while the higher-performance dual-motor AWD variant has a claimed 443 km (WLTP) range. Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions, the BEV offers more than adequate real-world practical e-range. For the entry-level single-motor variant, expect a real-world range up to 430 km and for the all-wheel drive (AWD) variant, 380 km will be realistic.
For those new to electric cars, a number of factors can impact the range of an electric car. Some of these factors include: driving profile, speed, payload, road conditions, weather, temperature, tyre size, regenerative braking profile and more. Though WLTP is a more accurate methodology for assessing range compared to the older NEDC testing profile, do expect some deviation between the WLTP published electric range and the real-world electric range. Having said that, it is not always the case there is a deviation!
It is disappointing, in that, the Cyberster EV incorporates DC rapid charging capability up to only 144 kW DC. Given the price tag, and the general DC charging capability of other premium priced BEVs, a higher DC charging capability would have been more appropriate. In any case, the all-electric MG Cyberster can achieve 10%-80%: 38 mins via a 150 kW DC rapid charger.
For home charging, the EV has a single-phase (7 kW) AC onboard charger. Given that most homes in Ireland are powered by single-phase power supply, this is appropriate. The electric car can be charged 0%-100% in 10 hours 30 minutes using a smart EV charger like myenergi zappi. We encourage a topping up approach to charging an electric car, this way, there is always electric miles available, and a topping up approach is better for the long-term health of the EV battery.
We also encourage the use of a solar compatible smart EV charger, along with an on-site PV system and energy storage system. It is the best way to further lower the costs of driving an electric car, and further reducing the vehicles life-cycle emissions footprint. At e-zoomed we offer very attractive home solar & home battery storage bundle offers of varying sizes and budgets. Of course, solar and battery storage can also power your home and further reduce the household energy bills!
The manufacturer offers a decent level of equipment, features and technology, as standard. Some of these include: fully electric fabric hood, electric scissor doors, wraparound 3-screen cockpit (10.25″ driver display & 2 x 7″ auxiliary screens), 7″ central colour touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, vehicle-to-load (V2L), blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist, intelligent speed assist, lane keep assist, pedestrian warning and more. The EV has not yet been awarded a NCAP Safety Rating. Having said that, the MG4 EV uses the same platform, and it was awarded a Five-Star NCAP Rating. We would expect no different for the Cyberster!
In terms of practicality, well, it is a roadster! One is not buying this high performance BEV for practicality. The EV has a 249 L boot, just enough space for items for a weekend getaway! As expected there is no frunk. The EV is 4.53m long, with a 1.32m height. In comparison, the Lotus Emeya is 5.13m long with a 1.45m height. The entry-level rear-wheel drive (RWD) MG Cyberster is priced at € 69,900, while the all-wheel drive (AWD) variant is priced at € 75,500. As for exterior styling, no doubt that the electric car is attractive. Don’t forget the electric operated scissor doors when you want to make a statement!
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| High performance, sporty and practical electric range | DC charging limited to 144 kW DC |
| Good level of equipment/ technology, to include V2L as standard | Warranty not as compelling as some competitors |
| Relatively affordable pricing | Scissor doors may not always be practical |
Gallery
The All-Electric MG Cyberster Roadster (credit: MG)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Vehicle Type: | Roadster |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (2 Options) |
|---|
| MG CYBERSTER Single Motor (from € 69,900) |
| MG CYBERSTER GT Dual Motor (from € 75,500) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 77 kWh |
| Charging: | 144 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 38 mins). Onboard charger: 7 kW AC (0%-100%: 10 hrs 30 mins) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| EV Battery Warranty: | 7 years or 160,000 km |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity: 16.7 kWh | € 4.00 |
| Battery net capacity: 30.0 kWh | € 7.19 |
| Battery net capacity: 39.2 kWh | € 9.39 |
| Battery net capacity: 45.0 kWh | € 10.78 |
| Battery net capacity: 50.0 kWh | € 11.98 |
| Battery net capacity: 64.0 kWh | € 15.34 |
| Battery net capacity: 71.0 kWh | € 17.01 |
| Battery net capacity: 77.0 kWh | € 18.45 |
| Battery net capacity: 90.0 kWh | € 21.57 |
| Battery net capacity: 100.0 kWh | € 23.97 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1329 |
| Width (mm): | 1913 |
| Length (mm): | 4535 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2690 |
| Turning Circle (m): | N/A |
| Boot Space (L): | 249 |
| Frunk (L): | N/A |
| MG CYBERSTER SINGLE MOTOR | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 77 kWh (usable: 74.4 kWh) |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 507 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | N/A |
| Charging: | 144 kW Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 38 mins). Onboard charger: 7 kW AC (0%-100%: 10 hrs 30 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 195 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 5.0 seconds |
| Drive: | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 250 |
| Maximum Power (PS): | 340 |
| Torque (Nm): | 475 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Gross Weight (kg): | 2,110 |
| Towing Capacity (Braked/Unbraked)/ (kg): | N/A |
| Colours: | 5 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
| MG CYBERSTER DUAL MOTOR | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 77 kWh (usable: 74.4 kWh) |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 443 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | N/A |
| Charging: | 144 kW Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 38 mins). Onboard charger: 7 kW AC (0%-100%: 10 hrs 30 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 200 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 3.2 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 375 |
| Maximum Power (PS): | 503 |
| Torque (Nm): | 725 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Gross Weight (kg): | 2,210 |
| Towing Capacity (Braked/Unbraked)/ (kg): | N/A |
| Colours: | 5 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
Used Electric Cars: Top Tips
The growth in electric driving in Ireland has been unabated, but not surprising. Like other international markets, consumers in Ireland (individuals, families and businesses) are seeking environmentally-friendly and cleaner forms of road transportation. Electric driving fits perfectly in the narrative they seek!
We have also witnessed growth in the used electric car market. Five years ago it was challenging to find a reasonable choice of used electric vehicles (EVs), with only a handful of used models available. In 2023, the narrative could not be more different.
Today the choice for consumers seeking second-hand electric cars is vast, to include, leading global automotive brands, body types, budgets etc. Of course, the used EV market will only continue to grow, as consumers continue to become more confident with purchasing new and used electric cars. But of course, as is the case in buying any used product, it is always helpful to have a few helpful tips to avoid costly mistakes!
| Top Tips For Buying A Second-Hand Electric Car |
|---|
| Check the EV real-world range: electric car range is impacted by a number of factors, to include: weather, temperature, road conditions, payload, driving profile and more!. Always take the EV for a test drive, preferably, testing the EV range under as many real-world conditions as possible. |
| Check EV battery performance/ charging/ degradation: in general, an EV battery will degrade 2.3% of maximum capacity a year. |
| Check EV battery warranty: in general, most BEVs have an EV battery warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles. However, PHEVs have a shorter battery warranty profile. Moreover, some of the earlier generation of electric cars offered shorter battery warranty, usually up to 5 years. Also worth checking if the EV battery can be extended, albeit, with an additional payment. |
| Check service/ maintenance history and costs: this applies to all types of cars, to include petrol, diesel and electric cars. If a car does not have a well documented service history, best to avoid it. |
| Buy a used EV with as large a battery as possible, for the given budget: the larger the onboard EV battery, potentially, the longer the electric range. In particular, for those considering buying a used plug-in hybrid car. Only buy a PHEV with a real-world practical range, so that, the benefits of electric driving can be leveraged. |
| Where possible, look for EVs with DC charging capability: in general, most PHEVs do not offer DC charging, while most of the latest BEVs do. It can be the case, that some of the first-generation of electric cars do not offer DC charging capability. So for those keen on buying a used pure electric car, better to identify one with DC charging capability, and preferably 50 kW DC +. |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
Featured Articles
The All-Electric Polestar 4 SUV: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The All-Electric Lotus Emeya Hyper-GT Saloon: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The All-Electric Volkswagen ID.7 Saloon: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The All-Electric BMW i5 Saloon: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The All-Electric Hyundai IONIQ 6 Saloon: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read MoreFeatured Products
-
Best-In-Class Home Solar Bundle Offer (440W Trina Solar 8 Panels + Sungrow Hybrid Inverter 3.0 kW): price includes product supply only – free delivery
Original price was: €3,155.95.€3,075.95Current price is: €3,075.95. (Including VAT)Brand:SungrowTrinaSolarCategory:Solar -
Best-In-Class Home Solar Bundle Offer (440W Trina Solar 8 Panels + Sungrow Battery Storage 6.4 kWh + Sungrow Hybrid Inverter 3.0 kW): price includes product supply only – free delivery
Original price was: €6,115.95.€5,999.95Current price is: €5,999.95. (Including VAT)Brand:SungrowTrinaSolarCategory:Solar -
Bundle Offer: Sungrow Home Battery Storage (6.4 kWh) + Sungrow Hybrid Inverter (5 KW/ Single-Phase): price includes product only – Free delivery
Original price was: €4,549.95.€4,050.95Current price is: €4,050.95. (Including VAT)Brand:SungrowCategory:Battery Storage -
Untethered Ohme Home EV Charger (7kW): price includes product only – free delivery
Original price was: €780.95.€685.95Current price is: €685.95. (Including VAT)Brand:OhmeCategory:EV Charging PointsCable:Untethered -
Custom-Made 1-Phase EV Charging Cable Type 2 to Type 2 (2m to 45m, 7.4 kW) – Made In Europe – Free Delivery
€219.95 – €645.95 (Including VAT)Category:EV Charging CablesType:Type 2Length (m):5 m10 m6 m15 m20 m2 m25 m30 m35 m40 m45 m3 m7 m8 m12 m18 m22 mCurrent (amp):32 ampPhase:Single Phase (7.4kW)This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
