Electric mobility is big business in China. With more than half a million public charging stations at last count – compared to South Africa’s, ahem, 180, as reference – it’s got the best electric infrastructure in the world for a wholesale shift towards electric.
It’s little wonder then that the nation has an almost accelerated fascination with the electric car and continues to build them as quickly as it adds public chargers to the grid. The latest in this line of EVs is a concept car from Chinese-owned MG. It’s called the MG Cyberster, and it gets our approval on looks alone.
The Sino-British company, SAIC Motors, which is also responsible for Roewe (Rover), builds a mostly dreary selection of SUV crossovers and sedans in the markets it plays in, but the brand is still famous for spirited two-seater sports cars like the MG B and MG TF that helped make its name in decades gone by. Enter the Cyberster concept that’s been revealed ahead of its official debut at Auto Shanghai later this month.
Beyond the claimed figures – zero to 100 km/h in less than 3,0 seconds, a cruising range beyond 800 km (which sounds a little ambitious if we’re honest) – the concept looks the business and reminds everyone that the Chinese design industry is in rude health at the moment.
With low-slung, sleek design lines that put us in mind of an original Tesla Roadster, LED lighting that simulates the headlights of classic MG roadsters and those bold Union Jack-style taillamps, there is no denying this is one great-looking concept car. Likewise, the interior shows a futuristic design that will scan the driver’s palms as a security feature before activating the electric motor.
Expect the MG Cyberster to be revealed in full on April 21st in China, and a production version to be introduced by 2022.
