Mark, read this for some info. Both types are affected by cold weather but the lfp (SR) having shorter range has a greater impact because of that very fact. LR, although similarly affected, still maintains for some, a more acceptable range imo
So, I did a video on getting a pre-order of an MG4 in Australia: One of the commenters said the MG4 base has an LFP battery, and the others have NMC. I didn't believe it at first (none of the YouTube reviews said this iirc), but checked on it and it's true apparently...
www.mgevs.com
My 2 cents:
Conversely, the NMC (on the long range) may have problems with heat becuase its cooling system is not as efficient. This is the reason
the Long Range was not initially released in Australia and is now under testing by authorities to better understand if that vechicle may be considered safe in this country. Still, the last MG ZS EV is only a rather mild 'facelift' to an ICE drop-in.
Next 2024 model will be based on a new dedicated skateboard as per the MG4.
Odd how MG chose to use two different battery chemistries for the two ZS EV models, the SR being newer tech & the LR range older & both with different charging profiles & potential reliability over time. Likely a cost issue I imagine & one of the defing features of SIAC in this segment has been how they keep the cars relatively affordable. However, meanwhile the
BYD Atto 3 w/ its highly successful
blade battery tech has become the go-to for the 'cheap' EVs in this country, 2nd in sales numbers only to Tesla.
Re. battery chemistry in general. I think that this will be the defining feature of EVs over the next few years & will be unrecognisable from EVs of today. If one already had an EV (like myself with a Mk1 ZS EV) I'd be a little more patient and hang onto that for a little while yet. Next gen batteries (eg, sodium, solid state etc) will continue to be developed as safer, faster charging, greater range, lighter and cheaper.
Most recent research indicates that battery tech is by far the most rapidly developing area of this market, but not to dismiss other revised approaches & innovations. Most of what we're seeing right now tends to be knee jerk, predatory & fast moving, many just as realively simple ICE conversions. Next gens are revising efficiencies and performance overall & incl. the electric motor design itself (eg
Megane eTech), breaking, steering, everything. Then there's price which over time should be become less expensive /better value and certainly more accurate vs. the utter BS of manufacturer's current WLTP guesstimates ... One of the most recent fascinatingdevelopments is in a
new BMW patent which uses the suspension much like KERS. Interesting times.