The MG Comet EV has garnered a lot of positive attention from Indian car buyers due to its small proportions and futuristic design. The compact footprint of the Comet EV also makes it a great car for battling traffic congestion in urban areas, which is a major problem faced by those driving in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
A compact footprint also means that Comet EV packs in a smaller battery compared to other electric cars on the road, leading to a lower range. While it’s designed for use inside urban areas and packs in enough range for such usage, knowing how to increase the driving range of the MG Comet EV will bring a greater peace of mind and flexibility when you occasionally need to travel longer distances in the Comet EV.
So, if you own the Comet EV or are looking to buy one, here’s how you can eke out the maximum range from MG’s smallest electric car.
Understanding the MG Comet EV’s Battery and Range
The MG Comet EV is equipped with a Lithium-ion which is located underneath the front two seats. While there are types of Li-ion chemistries for car batteries, the Comet EV utilises a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery. Such batteries are known for a slightly lower energy density than other types of Lithium-ion batteries.
However, more importantly they are also better at heat regulation which is a desired trait in EV batteries, as it makes them safer to use. To maximise space efficiency, the Comet EV uses prismatic cells packed together inside the battery pack. Prismatic cells are rectangular in shape and quite thin, which makes it easier to pack them into a battery pack.
According to ARAI, the MG Comet EV has a range of 230 km. However, ARAI tests are conducted in ideal situations and don’t take real world situations into account. Tests conducted by third party organisations show that when it is driven only in Eco mode, the MG Comet EV has a real world range of approximately 190 km on a single charge. However, the speed of the MG Comet EV is limited to 80 km/h in Eco Mode.
The range can further drop to 150 to 160 km in Normal mode and 120 to 130 km in Sports mode. However, the top speed of the MG Comet EV increases to 100 km/h in both Normal and Sport mode. Ultimately, the range of the Comet EV, like any other electric vehicle, will depend on the driving style and real world conditions.
Battery Capacity, Charging Time, and ARAI Range
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion (Lithium Iron Phosphate) |
| Battery Capacity | 17.3 kWh, 17.4 kWh (FC variants) |
| Claimed ARAI Range | 230 km |
| Real World City Range | 190 km (Eco Mode) |
| Charging Time (0-100%) | 7 hours using 3.3 kW AC Charger, 3 hours 30 minutes using 7.4 kW charger |
| Fast Charging Support | No DC Fast Charging Support, AC Fast Charging Up To 7.4 kWh On Certain Variants |
Factors That Affect MG Comet EV Driving Range
As we have mentioned earlier, the real world range of any EV depends upon real world conditions and the driving style. Based on that, here are the different conditions that can affect the driving range of the MG Comet EV.
1) Aggressive Acceleration: Aggressive driving such as sharp acceleration or hard braking can reduce the range of an EV. Gradual and smooth inputs can reduce the energy consumption.
2) Speed: A higher speed requires more energy from the battery, and it also means the vehicle has to overcome a higher aerodynamic drag. Highway cruising at higher speeds depletes the battery more quickly than driving at slower speeds in the city.
3) Use of AC/Heater: The AC or heater of the MG Comet EV draws power from the battery pack. Excessive use of the AC system will deplete the battery quicker, leading to a lower overall range.
4) Terrain: Driving up inclines uses more electrical power than driving on flat roads. Furthermore, driving down an incline will consume even less energy.
5) Tyre Pressure: A decreased tyre pressure can increase the rolling resistance, which means that extra energy is required to rotate them. This can considerably reduce the overall range of the MG Comet EV.
6) Load: An increase in the number of passengers or carrying heavier cargo can result in an increase in the electrical consumption, thus depleting the battery of the MG Comet EV faster.
7) Ambient Temperature: The cells inside the battery packs are vastly influenced by the ambient temperature outside. Temperatures that are either too low or too high can result in a decreased range for the Comet EV.
8) Traffic Conditions: While stop and go traffic does give the Comet EV to recharge its batteries through regen, however, the usage of peripheral systems such as the AC or the infotainment system can go a long distance in depleting the range of an EV in bumper to bumper traffic.
Driving Tips to Improve Range of MG Comet EV
While the overall range of an electric vehicle is vastly dependent on the size of the battery pack, there are small things that can come together to offer an increased range in the MG Comet EV.
1) Smooth Driving Inputs: Gentle acceleration reduces the amount of electricity consumed and can greatly increase the range of the MG Comet EV. Alternatively, reducing harsh braking also has the same effect.
2) Use Regenerative Braking: The Comet EV is offered with three levels of regen braking, and the most extreme setting will help you regain the most amount of charge. However, regenerative braking only works when braking gently, and harsher braking inputs will also use the actual brakes.
3) Maintain Moderate Speeds: Moderate speeds of 40 to 60 km/h work best for the MG Comet EV. At these speeds, it is able to cruise along at traffic speeds in an efficient manner. A constant speed also helps in using minimal electricity to keep the vehicle moving forward.
4) Use AC/Heater Efficiently: Using the AC at its maximum setting is a major drain on the battery of the MG Comet EV. Instead, using the AC or Heater efficiently will prolong the range. Your best bet would be to park under shade so that the cabin doesn’t heat up too much.
5) Plan Your Route: Google Maps doesn’t just give you directions, but it can also suggest which routes are the most eco-friendly. Planning your route in advance will allow you to use routes that consume the least energy, thus increasing the range of the MG Comet EV.
6) Use ‘Eco’ Mode: The Eco mode of the MG Comet EV is designed to reduce the amount of power output to the electric motors. It still keeps the Comet EV chugging along in traffic at moderate speeds by using the charge in the battery in a judicious manner, thus increasing the range.
7) Reduce Unnecessary Weight: Carrying along unnecessary weight in the car means that extra energy is being consumed for no reasons. If you have unnecessary items in your boot, you should offload them at home to reduce any unnecessary weight. Ultimately, the lesser the overall weight, the better range you will get from the MG Comet EV.
MG Comet EV Maintenance for Better Efficiency
Apart from adopting best practices, certain maintenance activities will also help you eke out a better range from the MG Comet EV.
1) Maintain Correct Tyre Pressure: The correct tyre pressure can greatly reduce the effects of rolling resistance of tyres. You should check the tyre pressure twice a month, and make sure it matches that specified by the manufacturer.
2) Regular Servicing: Following the regular service schedule laid out by the manufacturer will ensure that your Comet EV functions smoothly and efficiently. Worn out components can create inefficiencies that can reduce the range of the vehicle.
3) Battery Health Check: Electric vehicles also undergo periodic battery checks to ensure that all cells are operating properly. Any issue with the battery of a vehicle can have a great impact on its overall range. LFP batteries, like the ones used in the Comet EV, are considered more robust, however, they also need to be checked periodically for any irregularities.
4) Tyre Alignment and Rotation: Proper alignment of the wheels and timely rotation of the tyres ensures even wear and tear and it contributes to the overall range efficiency of the Comet EV.
5) Keep The Vehicle Clean: Keeping the exterior of the vehicle clean will improve its aerodynamic abilities and it can increase the efficiency of the vehicle, albeit marginally.
Conclusion
The MG Comet EV is the perfect car for solving urban congestion, and by understanding the battery better and implementing these small habits in your driving, you can increase its overall range. Ultimately, adopting these mindful habits will also make you a smoother driver and the regular maintenance of your Comet EV will also ensure that it is less susceptible to unwanted breakdowns.
FAQs about MG Comet EV range
Q. What is the range of the MG Comet EV?
The MG Comet EV has an ARAI certified range of 230 km on a single charge from its 17.3 kWh battery pack. In the real world, it equates to about 190 km of driving distance when using the Eco mode. Using Normal mode can further deplete this range to about 160 km on a single charge. Lastly, using Sport mode, the Comet EV will offer a range of about 130 to 140 km on a single charge in real world conditions.
Q. Does the MG Comet EV support fast charging?
Traditional electric vehicles feature DC fast charging, however, this feature is not available on the MG Comet EV. It does however support 7.4 kW AC charging, which is doubly faster than the 3.3 kW AC charging capability that is standard on the MG Comet EV.
Q. What is the price of the MG Comet EV?
The MG Comet EV has an ex showroom price range of Rs. 7.36 lakh to Rs. 9.86 lakh. The MG Comet EV is also available under the BAAS (Battery As A Service) scheme from MG Motor. Under this, the price range of the Comet EV is reduced to Rs. 4.99 lakh to Rs. 7.50 lakh. Additionally, the company charges a Rs. 2.9/km charging for using the battery pack.
Q. Can using the AC reduce the range of my MG Comet EV?
Yes, the AC of the Comet EV draws its power directly from the battery pack and thus reduces the overall range of the vehicle. Using the AC at 24 degree celsius and lowering the fan speed can help conserve some of the range.
Q. What is regenerative braking in the MG Comet EV?
Regenerative braking is a feature in electric vehicles like the MG Comet EV. It temporarily reverses the direction of the electric motors, which not only slows down the vehicle, but also acts as a generator to make current, which is then stored in the battery packs. The MG Comet EV has three levels of regenerative braking, and the higher the force of retardation, the more energy the electric motors are able to recuperate.
Q. How many people can sit in the MG Comet EV?
The MG Comet EV is four seater and can seat two people in the front row and two people in the back row. However, it only has two front doors for getting in and out of the car.
