MG Comet, ZS EV Get Battery As A Service Rental Programme; Prices Start At ₹4.99 Lakh

MG Motor India has announced an extension of its Battery As A Service (BaaS) programme, initially introduced with the MG Windsor, to two of its other electric vehicles: the MG Comet and the MG ZS EV. This strategic move aims to make EV ownership more accessible and flexible by separating the cost of the battery from the vehicle purchase price, allowing customers to rent the battery based on their usage. With the new rental scheme in place, the base version of the Comet EV now retails at ₹4.99 lakh + battery rental @₹2.5/km, while the MG ZS EV now starts at ₹13.99 lakh + battery rental @₹4.5/km.  

Satinder Singh Bajwa, CCO, JSW MG Motor India, said, “Given the strong response to Windsor under the BaaS programme, we are now extending its benefits to our popular EV models, the Comet and ZS. I am confident that this unique ownership model will further boost EV adoption in the country.”

MG has collaborated with financial institutions such as Bajaj Finserv, Hero Fincorp, Vidyut and  Ecofy Autovert to facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles under this program. 

The BaaS program offers several advantages:

1. Lower Upfront Costs: Customers can purchase the vehicle at a reduced price and pay for the battery separately, based on actual usage.

2. Battery Maintenance: MG takes care of the battery management, relieving users from concerns related to battery degradation or performance over time.

3. Assured Buyback Guarantee: MG also offers a 60 per cent buyback guarantee after three years for vehicles purchased under the BaaS program, ensuring residual value for customers.

MG has confirmed that no modifications have been made to the powertrains of either the Comet or ZS EV models under the BaaS program. Both vehicles retain the original battery packs and electric motors, with respective ranges and performance figures staying the same.

While the program presents an innovative solution to reduce upfront costs, MG has yet to disclose critical details such as the minimum billing amount required for the BaaS programme, which would help customers better understand the total cost of ownership.