Less than two months after the update MG ZS Hybrid+ Launched in Australia, the Chinese brand has announced it is rolling out a software update to fix a powertrain issue.
Reports indicate that when the SUV’s hybrid battery is low, power delivery can be dramatically reduced, leaving the car without the power needed to safely overtake or comfortably climb a steep hill.
Now MG has provided full details of the update being released for the ZS Hybrid+, which was already rolled out in mid-December 2024 on both new and used vehicles – the latter of which was handled by an MG dealer.
MG Motor Australia product head Akshat Ahuja says the brand is “committed to continually improving the driving experience” for ZS owners.
“We focus on fine-tuning power delivery under different driving conditions to ensure every drive in the ZS Hybrid+ is efficient while delivering power when it’s needed,” he said.
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As part of the update, MG Australia says the ZS’s hybrid powertrain will offer improved performance in three different scenarios.
“The Hybrid+ powertrain will actively charge the battery when more load is detected on the powertrain, the engine will charge the battery to maintain a moderate State of Charge (SoC),” the brand wrote.
“On a slope, the Hybrid+ powertrain is recalibrated to engage the engine when the vehicle is traveling at moderate or higher speeds. The overall experience will be a balanced one of power delivery and efficiency.
“When the vehicle speed exceeds 100 km/h, the Hybrid+ powertrain will engage the engine to ensure sustained power depending on the battery SoC.”
The updates are intended to provide ZS Hybrid+ owners with “a more responsive driving experience.” MG also says it will “continue to evaluate its products to improve the customer experience,” opening the door for similar updates for the MG 3 Hybrid+, which uses the same powertrain.
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MG3 Hybrid+ -
From AutoExpert video review of the MG 3 Hybrid+ from June 2024 revealed a similar problem as described with the ZS Hybrid+.
After extended periods of demanding driving, the battery would discharge, leaving the hatchback with almost a third of the power normally available.
Images from the video with a charged battery show that approximately 120 kW of power is supplied AutoExpert founder Paul Maric describes it as “colossally fast once it all comes online”.
When the battery is empty, the MG 3’s instrument cluster shows that only 45 kW of power is being produced. As mentioned in the video, there is no direct way to control the hybrid system’s power delivery and charging, much like the ZS Hybrid+.
The update addresses issues seen in similar circumstances on the ZS Hybrid+, meaning it’s likely the MG 3 Hybrid+ will receive a similar update in due course if deemed necessary.
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