MG Comet EV and ZS EV Go Pay-Per-Mile: Game-Changing Battery Rental Program

In a significant move for India's electric vehicle (EV) market, MG has expanded its innovative Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) program to include two of its popular EV models, the Comet EV and ZS EV. This expansion allows customers to purchase these vehicles at a reduced upfront cost while paying for battery usage based on kilometers driven.

The BaaS program, initially launched with the Windsor EV, now covers the company's compact city car and SUV electric offerings, potentially accelerating EV adoption in the country by making ownership more accessible and flexible.

The compact EV model, the Comet EV, is now available starting at ₹4.99 lakh, with a battery rental fee of ₹2.5 per kilometer. The ZS EV model begins at ₹13.99 lakh, charging ₹4.5 per kilometer for battery usage. This pricing structure strives to make EVs more accessible to a broader range of consumers by significantly reducing the initial purchase price, which has long been a barrier to widespread EV adoption in India.

Key features of MG’s BaaS program include:

Lower upfront vehicle cost

Pay-per-use battery rental model

60% assured buyback value after three years

Option to return or upgrade the vehicle after the buyback period

The Comet EV offers a certified range of 230 km per charge and includes over 55 smart features, making it well-suited for urban commuters. The ZS EV has a 50.3 kWh battery pack, providing a certified range of 461 km on a single charge, catering to those needing longer-range capabilities.

The program's flexibility and the buyback option may enhance consumer confidence in transitioning to electric mobility. By allowing customers to pay only for the kilometers driven, the BaaS program aligns vehicle costs more closely with actual usage patterns.

MG has partnered with several finance companies, including Bajaj Finserv, Hero Fincorp, Vidyut, and Ecofy Autovert, to ensure wider reach and affordability. This collaboration is expected to make EVs a more mainstream option for Indian consumers across various income brackets.

Satinder Singh Bajwa, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), MG Motor, said - "With BaaS, we have created a platform for easy ownership, making our EVs more accessible than ever. Given the strong response to Windsor under the BaaS program, we are now extending its benefits to our popular EV models, the Comet and ZS."