MG New Zealand has announced the addition of a new variant to the upcoming fully electric MG4 range, revealing the 51KWh Excite will become the first new EV in the country to have a sub-$40,000 post-Clean Car rebate price.

The new MG4 51KWh Excite will have a presale price from July 1 of $46,990 which, after application of the $7015 rebate, effectively reduces the transaction price to $39,975. The Excite has a range of 350km.

“This is massive news for the New Zealand EV market and it’s extremely exciting to be able to share this groundbreaking announcement with electric vehicle fans nationwide,” said Arek Zywot, Country Manager for MG New Zealand.

“We are incredibly proud to be able to offer the most affordable new fully electric vehicle to Kiwis who want to adopt zero-emission motoring.

“MG has been leading the charge with attainable electric vehicles since the launch of the local award-winning ZS EV and, with the debut of the dynamic new MG4 and the sub-$40,000 post rebate 51KWh model, we maintain our leadership position in this space.”

The first examples of the new MG4 range are expected in MG dealerships around the country in late Q3.

Its closest competition is fellow Chinese import, BYD, with its Atto 3, priced from $56,990 and its latest model, the Dolphin from $49,990. BYD will be adding the Seal to the lineup later this year with the price to be announced.

A new player to the Chinese EV game here is the GWM Ora with a price from $49,990.