Eight Operating Modes - An Engineering Story
When MG engineers designed the Hybrid+ system, they had one goal: beat Toyota at its own game. The problem? Toyota had spent decades perfecting their planetary gear eCVT - a solution so good it was virtually impossible to copy without infringing patents.
So MG took a different path.
Instead of a planetary gear, they used a 2-speed automatic transmission (1, 2), eliminating the inverter and some energy-wasting mechanisms. They added a 1.83 kWh battery - much larger than the competition (Toyota: 1.1 kWh). The result? A system with eight different operating modes (1).
Fun fact: The combustion engine can:
- Drive the wheels alone
- Drive the wheels + charge the battery
- Only charge the battery (like a generator in a diesel!)
- Be completely off
That's flexibility Toyota could only dream of.
MG Hybrid+ - A Hybrid WITHOUT Plug-in Charging
FUNDAMENTAL NOTE: This is NOT a plug-in! Hybrid+ is a conventional hybrid (HEV) that is NEVER charged from an external source (3, 1).
Why are we even discussing this in a charging article?
Because Hybrid+ has a secret: the 1.83 kWh battery is 3-4 times larger than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (0.55 kWh) (1). That's enough for:
- Electric-only driving for 2-3 km in traffic
- Starting without firing up the engine
- Smoother acceleration
The battery charges exclusively from:
- Regenerative braking
- Excess power from the combustion engine
- The 45 kW generator while driving (3)
Real-world fuel consumption:
- City: 5.0-6.0 L/100 km (4, 5)
- Highway: 6.5-7.5 L/100 km (4)
As Motopodprad.pl notes: "With the Hybrid+ system, drivers can enjoy low fuel consumption without having to charge the battery, while benefiting from a driving experience similar to an electric car" (1).
Available models:
- MG3 Hybrid+ (195 HP) - from €18,000
- MG ZS Hybrid+ (197 HP) - from €22,000 (5)
- MG HS Hybrid+ (224 HP) - from €30,000 (2) ← NEW!
Verdict for Hybrid+: If you have nowhere to charge, this is the ideal option. Zero hassle, diesel-like fuel economy, petrol-like price.
MG HS Plug-In Hybrid - IMPORTANT Charging Information
NO CCS Connector - AC Charging Only!
This is CRUCIAL information: The MG HS Plug-In Hybrid does NOT have a CCS Combo 2 connector. It only has a Type 2 socket for AC (alternating current) charging (6, 7, 8, 9, 10).
What does this mean in practice?
You CANNOT charge at DC fast charging stations:
- Ionity DC 350 kW - won't work
- Fastned DC 300 kW - won't work
- Any DC station - won't work
You CAN only charge at AC stations and at home:
- Wallbox 7 kW - works
- Portable charger 7 kW - works
- Public AC stations 11 kW - works (but car will only draw max 7 kW)
- Public AC stations 22 kW - works (but car will only draw max 7 kW)
As the T3 Magazine test notes: "Unlike the new wave of PHEV vehicles, including the Volkswagen Tiguan, the HS doesn't have CCS fast charging capability and is limited to 7 kW AC" (6, 10).
AC Charging - The Only Option for MG HS PHEV
7 kW Onboard Charger (Alternating Current)
The MG HS Plug-In has a 7 kW onboard charger (11, 12).
Battery: 21.4 kWh (largest in its class!) (11, 13)
Charging times:
1. 7 kW Charger (our models Q74, P72)
- Time 0-100%: 3-4 hours (11, 6, 14)
- Ideal for garage or workplace parking
- Fastest option for MG HS PHEV
- Q74 includes mobile app for remote control
2. 3.7 kW Portable Charger (our model P35)
- Time 0-100%: ~6 hours
- Advantage: take it with you
- Can charge anywhere with a 230V outlet
3. Standard 230V Home Outlet (10A) (our model B35)
- Time 0-100%: ~8-9 hours (11)
- Slowest but always available option
Chargers Compatible with MG HS Plug-In Hybrid
Portable Charger Q74 (32A, Type 2, 7.4kW) mobile app
Portable Charger P72 (32A, Type 2, 7.2kW)
Why Doesn't MG Have DC? - A Cost Calculation
Question: Why does the VW Tiguan have DC 50 kW but MG doesn't?
Answer: Money.
A CCS connector + DC converter adds approximately €2,000-3,000 to the cost. MG chose to invest in:
- A larger battery (21.4 kWh vs 19.7 kWh in Tiguan)
- More power (339 HP vs 272 HP)
- A lower price (€35,000 vs €48,000)
The trade-off: No fast charging, but greater electric range and better price.
Is the Lack of DC a Problem? - Two Scenarios
NOT a problem if:
Scenario 1: Mr. Smith - Daily Commute
- Home → work: 35 km
- Has our Q74 charger in his garage
- Charges every 2-3 days in the evening (3h)
- Drives on electricity 95% of the time
- Savings: ~€70/month vs diesel
For him, no DC = zero problem.
IS a problem if:
Scenario 2: Mr. Jones - Sales Representative
- Routes: 200-300 km daily
- Lives in an apartment without charger installation option
- Wanted to top up on DC stations during trips
- MG won't work - AC only, and that's 3-4h at public chargers
For him, MG HS PHEV is the wrong choice. He should buy the Hybrid+ (no charging required) or a car with DC.
Cost Calculation - PHEV vs Diesel vs Hybrid+
Assumptions: 50 km daily (25 days/month = 1,250 km), home charging
MG HS PHEV (electric mode - 80% of the time)
Electricity (80% of distance):
- 1,000 km × 0.18 kWh/km = 180 kWh
- 180 kWh × €0.25 = €45
Petrol (20% of distance):
- 250 km × 7 L/100 km × €1.50 = €26
Total: €71/month
Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI (6.5 L/100 km)
- 1,250 km × 6.5 L/100 km × €1.50 = €122/month
MG HS Hybrid+ (5.5 L/100 km)
- 1,250 km × 5.5 L/100 km × €1.50 = €103/month
Conclusions:
- PHEV vs Diesel: saves €51/month = €612/year
- PHEV vs Hybrid+: saves €32/month = €384/year
IMPORTANT: Without charging, the PHEV uses MORE fuel than the Hybrid+ (6.5-7.5 L vs 5.5 L).
PHEV vs Hybrid+ - Which Version for Whom?
| Criterion | Plug-In Hybrid | Hybrid+ |
|---|---|---|
| Price | from €35,000 | from €30,000 (2) |
| Power | 339 HP (13) | 224 HP (2) |
| Battery | 21.4 kWh | 1.83 kWh |
| EV Range | 100 km (11) | 2-3 km |
| Requires charging | YES (AC) | NO |
| Connector | Type 2 (AC) | None |
| City consumption* | 0.5 L/100 km** | 5.5 L/100 km (2) |
| Highway consumption | 6.5 L/100 km | 5.5 L/100 km |
| For whom? | Charger + commute <100 km | No place to charge |
*WLTP catalog **when driving on electricity only
Comparison with Competition - MG vs the Rest
MG HS Plug-In Hybrid 339 HP - €35,000 (11)
| Model | Power | Battery | DC Connector | Price | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MG HS PHEV | 339 HP | 21.4 kWh | NO | €35,000 | - |
| Toyota RAV4 PHEV | 306 HP | 18.1 kWh | NO | €58,000 | +€23,000 |
| VW Tiguan PHEV | 272 HP | 19.7 kWh | YES 50 kW | €48,000 | +€13,000 |
| Ford Kuga PHEV | 243 HP | 14.4 kWh | NO | €47,000 | +€12,000 |
| Hyundai Tucson PHEV | 253 HP | 13.8 kWh | NO | €45,000 | +€10,000 |
Conclusions:
- MG has the largest battery (21.4 kWh)
- MG has the most power (339 HP)
- Only VW Tiguan has DC in this group
- MG is the cheapest by at least €10,000
As Autoblog Spidersweb writes: "Nobody came close to 339 HP. In most cases much more powerful than rivals and for tens of thousands less" (15).
Practical Tips - How to Charge MG PHEV Smartly
1. Install a 7 kW charger, don't settle for 3.7 kW
Time difference: 3h vs 6h. Cost of our Q74 charger: ~€250.
2. Consider our portable charger with adapters
If you don't have a fixed parking spot, our portable Q74 charger gives you flexibility. You can charge at your parents', at work, at hotels.
3. DON'T look for DC stations - it's a waste of time
MG doesn't have a CCS connector. Public 22 kW AC stations won't give you full advantage either - the car's charger maxes out at 7 kW.
4. Charge to 100% every night
Unlike pure EVs, PHEV batteries are used more intensively. Full cycles are OK and recommended.
5. "Save" mode for highway trips
MG lets you preserve the battery for city driving and use petrol on the motorway. Smart solution.
6. Don't fill up with premium, regular is fine
The 1.5T engine doesn't require premium fuel (13).
7. Plan routes with AC, not DC
Apps like PlugShare will show AC stations. Filter for Type 2 only, ignore CCS.
Recommended Chargers for MG HS Plug-In Hybrid
Portable Charger Q74 (32A, Type 2, 7.4kW) mobile app
Portable Charger P72 (32A, Type 2, 7.2kW)
Charger Installation - What You Need to Know
Technical requirements:
- Single-phase 230V power supply
- 32A circuit breaker
- Cable cross-section min. 6 mm²
- Residual current protection (Type A or B)
Costs:
- Our Q74 charger (7.4 kW with mobile app): ~€250
- Socket installation (if needed): €100-200 (depends on situation)
Payback time: With €600/year savings, the charger pays for itself in ~5 months.
Versus Toyota RAV4 PHEV - Detailed Comparison
| Parameter | MG HS PHEV | Toyota RAV4 PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 21.4 kWh | 18.1 kWh |
| EV Range | 100 km (11) | 75 km |
| Power | 339 HP (13) | 306 HP |
| Drive | Front | AWD |
| DC Connector | NO | NO |
| AC Power | 7 kW | 6.6 kW |
| Time 0-100% | 3-4h | 4-5h |
| PHEV Consumption | 0.54 L/100 km | 1.0 L/100 km |
| Price | €35,000 | €58,000 |
Verdict: MG has a larger battery, more power, €23,000 cheaper. Toyota has AWD and better brand reputation.
Plug-In Hybrid vs Electric - What Makes Sense?
MG HS PHEV vs Dacia Spring (electric)
| Criterion | MG HS PHEV | Dacia Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range | 100 km | 230 km |
| Total range | 1000+ km | 230 km |
| DC Charging | NO | YES 30 kW |
| AC Charging time | 3-4h | 4h |
| Flexibility | Petrol backup | EV only |
| Price | €35,000 | €17,000 |
PHEV is for:
- Long trips (>200 km)
- Uncertainty about infrastructure
- Need for petrol "security"
EV is for:
- City and surroundings only
- Access to charging
- Lower budget
Frequently Asked Questions About MG Charging
Q: Can I install DC in the MG HS PHEV?
A: No. The car doesn't have a CCS connector and it cannot be retrofitted. This is a hardware limitation.
Q: How many times a week do I need to charge?
A: With 50 km daily: every 2 days. With 100 km daily: every day.
Q: Can I charge with an extension cord?
A: Technically yes, but NOT recommended. The extension must be industrial grade (min. 3x2.5 mm²) and very short.
Q: Does the Hybrid+ require any charging at all?
A: NO! It's a conventional hybrid. The battery charges itself while driving.
Q: Which version is cheaper to run - PHEV or Hybrid+?
A: PHEV - if you have somewhere to charge. Hybrid+ - if you don't.
Why MG Won - Two Strategies at Once
MG's genius lies in offering two different solutions for two different customers:
Hybrid+ (for people without a garage):
- No charging required
- Diesel-like fuel economy
- Competitive price
Plug-In (for people with a charger):
- 100 km on electricity
- €600+ savings per year
- Still cheaper than competition
- Trade-off: AC only, no DC
This isn't an accident - it's a deliberate product strategy.
Myths and Facts About PHEV Charging
MYTH 1: "PHEV without charging uses fuel like a 2.0 SUV"
FACT: Hybrid+ uses 5.5 L/100 km. Uncharged PHEV: 6.5-7.5 L/100 km. More, but not dramatic.
MYTH 2: "I have to charge every day"
FACT: Depends on distance. 50 km/day = every 2 days.
MYTH 3: "Without DC, plug-in makes no sense"
FACT: 90% of PHEV charging is at home/work (AC). DC is marginal.
MYTH 4: "PHEV batteries wear out quickly"
FACT: 7-year warranty. PHEV hybrids have smaller cycles than EVs = slower degradation.
Sources and Tests
(1) Motopodprad.pl - explanation of 8 modes in Hybrid+ system
(2) Wyborkierowcow.pl - HS Hybrid+ test and order numbers
(3) MG Motor - ZS Hybrid+ - conventional hybrid specification
(4) Chinskiesamochody.pl - ZS Hybrid+ fuel consumption test
(5) Superauto.pl - ZS test with consumption data
(6) T3 Magazine - detailed test with notes about lack of CCS
(7) Elektromobilnosc24.pl - confirmation of no DC
(8) Antyweb - no DC - confirmation of no DC charging
(10) T3 Magazine - test - quotes about AC limitation
(11) MG Motor official - PHEV technical data
(12) MG Motor - HS PHEV official - official charging data
(13) Antyweb - power and battery data
(14) Kosmetyki Samochodowe - charging times 4.5h
(15) Autoblog Spidersweb - price comparison with competition
Summary
MG shows you can build a plug-in hybrid with the largest battery in its class (21.4 kWh) for less money. The trade-off? No DC fast charging - AC only up to 7 kW. But if you have our Q74 or P72 charger in your garage - it's not a problem at all. Charge overnight, drive on electricity, save €600+ per year. And if you have nowhere to charge? Choose the Hybrid+ and forget about sockets.
Charge Your MG HS with Ampere Point
Our 7 kW charging solutions for MG HS PHEV:
- Q74 Portable Charger - 7.4 kW with WiFi app
- P72 Portable Charger - 7.4 kW with LCD screen
Need help choosing? Contact us and we'll help you select the perfect charging solution for your MG HS.
