Is this MG wagon poised to be the cheapest family EV in Indonesia?

Within the ASEAN region, it’s well established that Thailand is the electric vehicle (EV) hub. But Indonesia is an up-and-coming force to be reckoned with.

Not only has Hyundai committed to building EVs in Indonesia, Tesla and battery maker CATL is eyeing the archipelago for EV investments.

Also Read: Indonesia starts work on SEA’s first EV battery manufacturing plant – cuts reliance on commodity exports

Joining these companies will be MG, as the brand has teased an upcoming EV for Indonesia.

According to Arief Syarifudin, Marketing and PR Director MG Motor Indonesia, "This will be an important moment in MG's milestone in realizing our commitment in Indonesia."

Said EV will make its debut at this week’s Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show.

Which model will MG introduce in Indonesia?

Judging from headlights in the teaser, the model in question is most likely the MG EP Wagon – a budget electric station wagon that’s currently sold in Thailand.

Also Read: 2021 MG EP budget electric car revealed in Thailand, prices to be announced on 1-Dec

The MG EP is powered by an electric motor that does 165 PS and 260 Nm, whilst returning an NEDC range of 380 km. The MG EP is juiced by a 50.3-kWh battery pack. It takes 40 minutes to quick charge from 0% to 80% using the EU-style CCS2 DC fast charger. If charged using a regular AC charger, it takes roughly 7 hours and 15 minutes to fully charge the MG EP.

Also Read: What is CHAdeMO and CCS? Everything you need to know about charging EVs

In Thailand, the fully-imported (CBU China) MG EP Wagon is priced at THB 988,000 (~RM 124k), making it one of the most affordable EVs in Thailand, even undercutting the recently-launched Ora Good Cat (THB 989,000 to THB 1.199 million).

When it goes on sale in Indonesia, the MG EP could also be the country's most affordable EV. Sure, one could argue that the Wuling Mini EV is even cheaper, but that's technically a first-mile, last-mile vehicle and not a full-fledged car that you would drive for longer distances.