MG4 Electric – The Chinese Revolution in Compact EVs (And Which Ampere Point Charger Is Perfect?)

When MG announced the debut of the MG4 Electric in 2022, the automotive world was skeptical. A Chinese EV for around €30,000? With rear-wheel drive? With 5 Euro NCAP stars and 450 km range? It sounded like another attempt to enter the Western market – an attempt that could end in failure, like dozens of other Chinese brands.

Three years have passed. The MG4 has become one of the best-selling EVs in Europe. In the first quarter of 2024, it ranked among the top 15 best-selling electric cars in Europe, surpassing established models like the Nissan Leaf. Yes, the same Leaf that for years was synonymous with affordable electric mobility.

What happened? The MG4 turned out to be what the Tesla Model 3 was in 2019 – a car that changes the rules of the game. Not through revolutionary technology or futuristic design. Through something simpler: an excellent price-to-performance ratio. For around €30,000, you get a car with 350 km range, rear-wheel drive (!), and 5 Euro NCAP stars. And the best version – Luxury Long Range – costs around €38,000 and offers 465 km WLTP range, 204 HP, and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7.9 seconds.

But to truly unlock the potential of the MG4, you need the right home charger. And that's where things get tricky. Because the MG4 has several versions with different AC charging powers – from 6.6 kW in the base Standard version to 11 kW in Comfort and Luxury versions. Which Ampere Point model should you choose? Q74? Q11? P11? Or something completely different?

Before we answer that question, it's worth understanding what the MG4 actually is and why this car sparks so many emotions.

But Let's Start with the Basics

The MG4 Electric is a compact hatchback built on the dedicated MSP (Modular Scalable Platform), designed exclusively for electric vehicles. This is important – it's not a converted combustion car (like the first-generation Nissan Leaf), but a fully electric car from the ground up.

Available versions in 2025:

Dimensions:

• Length: 4287 mm
• Width: 1836 mm
• Height: 1504-1516 mm
• Wheelbase: 2705 mm
• Trunk: 363 liters (1177 liters with seats folded)
• Charging port: CCS2 (Type 2)

Warranty:

• 7 years or 150,000 km on entire vehicle
• 7 years on battery and electric drivetrain
• 7 years unlimited mileage on body perforation

Prices are approximate retail prices, varying by market. These are among the lowest prices in the compact EV segment.

Batteries and Version Differences – What You Need to Know

The MG4 offers two battery types: 51 kWh (50.8 kWh net) and 64 kWh (61.7 kWh net). Both use lithium-ion technology but differ in chemistry and supplier.

51 kWh Battery (Standard)

• Usable capacity: 50.8 kWh net (51 kWh gross)
• Chemistry: LFP (lithium iron phosphate) or NMC (depending on model year)
• Supplier: CATL or BYD
• WLTP range: 350 km (real-world: 250-300 km winter, 320-350 km summer)
• Consumption: 14.2 kWh/100 km (WLTP), real-world 16-18 kWh/100 km

64 kWh Battery (Comfort, Luxury, XPower)

• Usable capacity: 61.7 kWh net (64 kWh gross)
• Chemistry: NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt)
• Supplier: CATL
• WLTP range: 450-465 km (real-world: 320-380 km winter, 400-450 km summer)
• Consumption: 15.9 kWh/100 km (WLTP), real-world 16.6-17 kWh/100 km

Key difference: The Standard version (51 kWh) often has an LFP battery, which is more resistant to degradation and thermally safer but has slightly lower energy density. Versions with 64 kWh battery use NMC chemistry, which offers higher energy density but is more expensive to produce.

Differences Between Model Years

2022-2023:

• First MG4 units in Europe
• 51 kWh battery mainly LFP (CATL)
• 64 kWh battery NMC (CATL)
• Software: version 1.0 of MG iSMART system

2024-2025:

• Improved software (faster charging, better regeneration)
• OTA (Over-The-Air) update capability
• Some 51 kWh units have NMC instead of LFP
• Enhanced battery thermal management

Battery Lifespan

MG declares 1500-2000 charging cycles for MG4 batteries, meaning:

• 51 kWh battery: 525,000 – 700,000 km theoretical range (at 350 km per cycle)
• 64 kWh battery: 675,000 – 900,000 km theoretical range (at 450 km per cycle)

In practice, this means minimal degradation (5-10%) over 7-10 years of intensive use.

AC and DC Charging – Technical Details

AC Charging (Alternating Current)

This is where the most important part begins for MG4 owners – because the AC charging power determines which Ampere Point charger you should choose.

MG4 Standard (51 kWh):

• AC charging power: 6.6 kW (single-phase!)
• Charging time: 7-8 hours (0-100%)
• Problem: Onboard charger is single-phase, meaning even if you plug it into an 11 kW wallbox, it will only draw 6.6 kW

MG4 Comfort, Luxury, XPower (64 kWh):

• AC charging power: 11 kW (three-phase)
• Charging time: ~6 hours (0-100%)
• Advantage: Three-phase onboard charger allows full 11 kW utilization

Important note: If you have the Standard version and plug it into an 11 kW charger, the car will only draw 6.6 kW. You'll overpay for a charger whose power you won't use.

DC Charging (Direct Current)

MG4 Standard:

• DC charging power: up to 88 kW
• Charging time 10-80%: approximately 35-40 minutes
• Charging curve: Power drops after reaching 70% SoC

MG4 Comfort, Luxury, XPower:

• DC charging power: up to 140 kW
• Charging time 10-80%: approximately 26-35 minutes
• Charging curve: Power maintains high level until around 60% SoC, then gradually decreases

Public charging networks:

• Ionity: 350 kW (MG4 draws max 140 kW)
• Shell Recharge: 150-350 kW
• Fastned: 150-300 kW
• Tesla Supercharger (open): 250 kW
• Local networks: 50-150 kW

DC charging costs (2025, approximate):

• Ionity: ~€0.69/kWh (with subscription) or ~€0.79/kWh
• Shell Recharge: ~€0.55/kWh
• Fastned: ~€0.59/kWh
• Local networks: €0.40-€0.60/kWh

Charging from 10% to 80% (approximately 35-40 kWh) at a DC station costs around €20-30.

Comparison with Competitors

The MG4 performs solidly compared to competitors. DC charging is fast (140 kW in higher versions), and AC matches segment standards (11 kW).

Which Ampere Point Charger Should You Choose?

This is the most important question for MG4 owners. The answer depends on which version you have.

For MG4 Standard (6.6 kW AC)

The MG4 Standard has a 6.6 kW onboard charger (single-phase), so the optimal charger is Q74 (7.4 kW).

Q74 (mobile charger 7.4 kW)

Features:

• Power: 7.4 kW (3-phase 32A, CEE socket)
• Integrated cable (5 m)
• Variant with adapters: also charges from 230V socket (3.7 kW)
• Mobile app for monitoring

Charging times for MG4 Standard (51 kWh):

• From CEE socket (6.6 kW): ~7-8 hours (0-100%)
• From 230V socket (3.7 kW): ~13-14 hours (0-100%)

Why Q74, not Q11? MG4 Standard only has 6.6 kW AC, so an 11 kW charger would be too expensive and underutilized. Q74 (7.4 kW) is the perfect match – provides full power the car can draw.

Price: https://www.amperepoint.pl/products/portable-charger-q74-32a-7-4kw-type-2-display-bag-included-wifi

P72 (mobile charger 7.4 kW)

Features:

• Power: 7.4 kW (3-phase 32A, CEE socket)
• Simpler operation, LCD display
• No app, lower price

Charging times: Same as Q74

Price: https://www.amperepoint.pl/products/portable-charger-32a-7-2kw-type-2-display-bag-included-red-cee

Difference Q74 vs P72: Both are mobile and offer 7.4 kW. Q74 with adapters can also charge from 230V socket, P72 requires CEE socket. Q74 has mobile app.

For MG4 Comfort, Luxury, XPower (11 kW AC)

These versions have an 11 kW onboard charger (three-phase), so the optimal choice is Q11 or P11 (11 kW).

Q11 (mobile charger 11 kW)

Features:

• Power: 11 kW (3-phase 16A, CEE socket)
• Integrated cable (5 m)
• Variant with adapters: also charges from 230V socket (3.7 kW)
• Mobile app, intelligent power management

Charging times for MG4 Comfort/Luxury (64 kWh):

• From CEE socket (11 kW): ~6 hours (0-100%)
• From 230V socket (3.7 kW): ~17-18 hours (0-100%)

Price: https://www.amperepoint.pl/products/portable-charger-q11-16a-11kw-type-2-display-bag-included-wifi

Variant with adapters: https://www.amperepoint.pl/products/portable-charger-q11-16a-11kw-type-2-display-bag-included-wifi-adapters

P11 (mobile charger 11 kW)

Features:

• Power: 11 kW (3-phase 16A, CEE socket)
• LCD display, solid construction
• No app, lower price

Charging times: Same as Q11

Price: https://www.amperepoint.pl/products/portable-charger-p11-16a-11kw-type-2

Difference Q11 vs P11: Both are mobile and offer 11 kW. Main difference: Q11 with adapters can also charge from 230V socket (3.7 kW), P11 requires CEE socket. Q11 has mobile app. Check product descriptions for details.

❌ Q22 (22 kW) – NOT for MG4

MG4 in all versions has maximum 11 kW AC, so Q22 charger makes no sense. You'll overpay for power you won't use.

Usage Scenarios

Scenario 1: Mr. Smith with MG4 Standard Mr. Smith drives 40 km daily to work (80 km total). He has a CEE socket in his garage. Buys Q74 (7.4 kW). Charges car 2-3 times weekly overnight, each charge takes ~7-8 hours.

Scenario 2: Mrs. Johnson with MG4 Luxury Mrs. Johnson drives 60 km daily (120 km total). Has CEE socket. Buys Q11 (11 kW). Charges car daily, full charge takes ~6 hours.

Scenario 3: Mr. Brown with MG4 Comfort, no CEE socket Mr. Brown doesn't have CEE socket, only regular 230V outlet. Buys Q11 with adapters. Charges from 230V socket (3.7 kW), full charge takes ~17 hours. After 6 months installs CEE socket and switches to 11 kW – charging time drops to 6 hours.

Tests and Reviews

ADAC Test (2023)

ADAC, the German equivalent of AAA, tested the MG4 Comfort version (64 kWh). Results:

• Real-world range: 380 km (mixed route), 310 km (highway 130 km/h)
• Energy consumption: 17.2 kWh/100 km (mixed route), 21.4 kWh/100 km (highway)
• DC charging: 140 kW peak, 10-80% in 30 minutes
• Performance: 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7.9 s (measured)
• Rating: "Sehr empfehlenswert" (Highly recommended)

ADAC particularly appreciated the rear-wheel drive, dynamics, and price-to-performance ratio. Minuses: quality of some interior materials, infotainment system could be better.

What Car? UK Test (2024)

British magazine What Car? tested MG4 Standard (51 kWh) in winter 2024:

• Winter range: 260 miles at 70 mph (approx. 260 km highway)
• Energy consumption winter: 3.8 miles/kWh (approx. 21 kWh/100 km)
• AC charging issue: Standard version has single-phase charger, meaning slow charging (max 6.6 kW)
• Pros: Excellent handling, rear-wheel drive, low price
• Cons: Low AC charging power in Standard version, cheaper interior materials

Owner Reviews (Reddit, Forums)

MG4 Luxury owner (UK, 2024): "I've been driving the MG4 Luxury for almost 2 months now. So far very satisfied with both comfort and consumption, which in October was 14-16 kWh, while November is already 16-18 kWh. Despite the relatively short body, there's plenty of space in the back seat."

MG4 Standard owner (Germany, 2023): "Bought MG4 Standard on promotion for €28,000. After 15,000 km I'm satisfied. Minuses: AC charging only 6.6 kW (single-phase), meaning 8 hours to full charge. Should have paid extra for Comfort version with 11 kW AC."

Battery Degradation

According to Battery Life data (2024), battery degradation in MG4 after 50,000 km averages:

• MG4 51 kWh (LFP): 2-3% degradation
• MG4 64 kWh (NMC): 4-6% degradation

LFP batteries have slightly less degradation than NMC, but in both cases it's minimal performance loss.

Bottom Line

The MG4 Electric is one of the most cost-effective EVs on the European market. For around €30,000 you get a car with 350 km range, rear-wheel drive, and 5 Euro NCAP stars. For €35,000 (Comfort version) you get 465 km range and 11 kW onboard charger. These are numbers that were impossible at this price point just 3 years ago.

Who is MG4 for?

• People looking for affordable but solid EV for city and medium trips
• Families needing spacious hatchback (trunk 363-1177 l)
• Drivers appreciating dynamics (rear-wheel drive, 7.9 s to 100 km/h)
• Homeowners with ability to install CEE socket

Key decision: If buying MG4, don't save on Standard version (51 kWh, 6.6 kW AC). Pay €5,000 extra for Comfort version (64 kWh, 11 kW AC) – you gain:

• 115 km more range (465 km vs 350 km)
• Faster AC charging (6h vs 8h)
• Faster DC charging (140 kW vs 88 kW)
• Better resale value (Comfort version more sought after)

And remember: To fully utilize MG4 you need the right home charger. For Standard version – Q74 or P72. For Comfort, Luxury, XPower versions – Q11 or P11. Without this, forget comfortable charging.

Sources

(1) ADAC – Test: MG4 Electric (2023) (2) What Car? – MG4 Electric: long-term test review (2024) (3) Autokult.net – Pros and cons of MG4 EV: what you need to know (4) Allego – MG MG4 Electric 64 kWh: charging guide (5) MG Motor – Electric MG4: revolution in electromobility (6) Battery Life – Battery degradation: MG4 Electric (2024) (7) InsideEVs – MG4 Electric: detailed review (2023) (8) Euro NCAP – MG4: safety rating (2022) (9) Electrive.com – MG4 charging analysis (2024) (10) CarWow – MG4 Electric: owner reviews and ratings

Check out our chargers:

Q74 7.4 kW – for MG4 Standard

Q11 11 kW – for MG4 Comfort, Luxury, XPower

Q11 with adapters – for flexibility

P72 7.4 kW – for MG4 Standard

P11 11 kW – for MG4 Comfort, Luxury, XPower