MG’s highly-anticipated Cyberster EV roadster has just finished an 8,500 mile European tour, successfully completing the opening leg of the Charging into the Future adventure which will see the MG EV make its way to Shanghai.
The pre-production Cyberster is being piloted by British adventurers and brothers Ross and Hugo Turner, who covered more miles than originally planned due to the car’s popularity with MG and EV enthusiasts in Europe. To date the MG has visited France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Spain and Italy, and pretty much the whole of MG’s home market, the UK.
The ambitious Charging into the Future tour will see Ross and Hugo travel along parts of the historic Silk Road route with their MG EV visiting the Middle East, India, and the Far East, en-route to Shanghai.
The journey so far
“Like all major projects Hugo and I have undertaken not everything has gone quite to plan. A good few thousand extra miles have already been added to the trip because MG fans and EV enthusiasts have heard about the tour and want to see the car, so we’ve been asked to several extra events.” comments Ross Turner.
Both Hugo and Ross have shared the driving duties and, although they’re driving an early prototype vehicle, they have been impressed by the driving experience.
Hugo Turner said: “All of our experience has been with a pre-production car, but it’s been amazing. The car is very responsive as you would expect from an EV, but also it sticks like glue when you throw it into a corner. We’ve also really enjoyed discovering the Cyberster’s abilities in ever changing environments. It’s hugely capable, powering down an autobahn or taking in hairpin turns up a mountain.”
A true Grand Tour
Talking about the Cyberster’s comfort, the twins were not simply describing the ride quality. The MG Cyberster has proved to be a practical convertible, more than capable of being driven the long distances found on legs of the Charging into the Future adventure.
Hugo continued: “Most people would expect a head-turning convertible like the Cyberster to have no luggage space, but I can fit in the boot! And there’s plenty of room in the cabin. We’ve spent most of the time with the roof down too, and there hasn’t been wind noise or buffeting, despite both of us being over six feet tall.”
“We’ve driven more than 8,500 miles, and I have a bad back having broken my neck many years ago, but it’s been outrageously comfortable. At no stage have I got out the car in any pain, and there were days when it covered more than 250 miles between legs.”
Long distance capabilities
With many people curious about electric vehicles, including questions about driving range and charging, the Charging into the Future project is showcasing what an electric car can really achieve.
David Allison, MG Motor UK Head of Product and Planning, said: “Hugo and Ross are giving the Cyberster the ultimate engineering shakedown and we’re very pleased with how it is performing over such long distances.”
To follow the trip in the New Year, follow the Charging into the Future campaign on social media channels, or visit the site to watch regular video updates from the twins. (https://chargingintothefuture.com/the-journey)
