It is unthinkable these days to drive a car that does not have a USB port connection. So I was very happy to find out that the MG ZS EV has not one but two of them. The disadvantage is that both are located in the lower compartment of the central console (I will elaborate on this disadvantage later).
Each of the USB ports, however, has a slightly different role.
MG ZS EV has 2 USB ports. One is USB type c, responsible for charging and data transfer and the other one is a 12V socket responsible to supply power to accessories such as smartphones, laptops, and such. Each of them has a slightly different role yet both are located in the lower compartment of the central console. Some MG ZS EV models (like the Exclusive, Exclusive Iconic Ivory) have a wireless charger in them.
You can also find, right near the USB ports a cigarette lighter, which, let’s face it, is rarely used for its original function (are there still people who smoke inside their car? Unfortunately, the answer is probably yes..) instead it is used as a power outlet for portable chargers, GPS and other accessories like smartphones and the like.
In the new models of the MG ZS EV the mobile phone can be charged with a wireless charging pad, and with 3 USB TYPE-A sockets and 2 USB TYPE-C sockets, the level of connectivity is higher than ever with the possibility of pairing the mobile phone with the help of Apple Car Play and Android Auto it really is an upgrade.
But back to the two USB ports as I said the MG ZS EV has two USB ports with two slightly different roles. Let’s get to know them a little more in-depth to understand how to use them effectively.
USB Type C
This USB port is located on the left side of the two, right near the driver’s legs (in countries that drive on the left side that is). It has an icon of a screen above it as you can see in the photo.
In general, the purpose of such a USB port is to quickly transfer data from one device (smartphone or laptop and such) to a second device. It’s usually used for Apple car play or Android Auto, which are setups that basically allow the user to connect one’s smartphone to the car’s information system. That gives the driver a way to approach certain apps they have on their phone through the car media display and controls.
For example information about your contacts on your phone, or navigation software that you have on your phone like “Waze” will show on the center screen of the vehicle, as well as music streaming and so on which makes use of this information much safer while driving.
USB 12V socket
The other USB port you can find in the MG ZS EV is your basic 12V socket. By basic I mean it performs the simple task of charging your smartphone or any other device that can be charged by a USB port (like tablets, speakers, and so on).
This one is located near the passenger leg sitting next to the driver.
This is the sort of port that can be found in any vehicle that is not particularly old, whether it is a car, truck, or even some boats.
I should, however, point out that not all 2V socket has equal power. Some have the ability to charge fast while others are slower. Some have more advanced features like overvoltage and/or short circuit protection which keeps your device from unwanted accidents (and repair costs) you wouldn’t want to deal with.
The Disadvantages of the USB Ports Location on the MG Zs EV
At the end of the day, it’s a matter of poor product engineering (at least in my opinion).
No USB Ports in the Back Passenger Cabin
There are no USB ports in the back passenger cabins. This is not ideal because anyone sitting in the back (probably children) might also need to charge their tablets and their phones from time to time and that requires a very long cable or giving up charging altogether. That is not an experience that anyone wants, and can be frustrating if you have a long drive ahead of you.
USB Ports Location – Poor Product Engineering
Even the location of the existing USB ports is, quite frankly, problematic. Access to them is very cumbersome. It is very difficult to get the USB into the port when you are sitting in the car. I usually connect it when I’m out of the car (you have to bend down and make an effort for it to happen). If by chance the cable disconnects while driving when you need to charge, your chances of connecting the cable to the port while driving without endangering your safety in the process are slim.
As I’ve already mentioned, poor product engineering is too bad because the MG ZS is fantastic in almost every other way.
In Conclusion
The MG ZS EV comes with two USB charging ports. One is more aimed at charging different devices such as phones and tablets, etc., while the other allows you access to the vehicle’s central media screen, accessing various applications and software you have in the vehicle through the system of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
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