MG debuts iEV12LE electric low-entry intercity bus to IAA Transportation, claiming up to 650 km range

MG Commercial has presented the iEV12LE, a 12.15-metre electric low-entry intercity bus with a 489 kWh battery and a stated range of up to 650 kilometres, at IAA Transportation in Hanover.

The vehicle was presented during a press conference held at IAA Transportation on September 14th. The iEV12LE extends MG Commercial’s bus activities into the low-entry intercity segment, following the introduction of the iEV12 city bus concept and B12E electric chassis at Busworld Europe in October 2025. Technical information distributed at IAA specifies an overall length of 12,150 mm, a maximum passenger capacity of 80 and a gross vehicle weight of 19,500 kg.

As just mentioned, MG Commercial entered the bus sector at Busworld Europe 2025 with the iEV12, a 12-metre Class I electric city bus concept developed in cooperation with Shanghai Sunwin Bus Company, which is part of the SAIC Motor group. The vehicle was presented on the MG B12E electric chassis with Cell-to-Pack battery technology and battery capacities of 417 or 489 kWh. At that stage, MG stated that the project remained at concept level and that its European business model had yet to be defined.

However, to date, no orders or sales of the MG electric bus have been announced. Both bus models presented by MG therefore remains, based on the information currently available, at the market-launch stage.

MG iEV12LE: 489 kWh battery and up to 650 km range

According to the technical documentation provided by MG at IAA Transportation, the iEV12LE measures 12,150 mm long, 2,550 mm wide and 3,320 mm high, with a 6,100 mm wheelbase. The interior compartment height is at least 2,300 mm, while entrance height is 350 mm and the passenger-door opening has a net width of at least 1,200 mm.

The passenger layout provides 41+1 seats, including one wheelchair area, with maximum passenger capacity set at 80. The bus has a GVW of 19,500 kg, minimum ground clearance of 145 mm, approach and departure angles of 7 degrees and a stated gradeability of at least 20%. Maximum speed is 100 km/h. The figures are reported by MG in the technical material distributed at the event.

Energy storage capacity stands at 489 kWh. MG states a maximum driving range of up to 650 km according to eSORT2. The technical material describes an integrated battery and chassis architecture using a 140 mm Cell-to-Pack battery system integrated directly into the chassis.

Charging is based on dual CCS2 interfaces supporting simultaneous charging at up to 500 A. According to MG, a full recharge can be completed in 1.5 hours under the specified charging conditions. A roof-mounted OppCharge pantograph is also offered for opportunity charging.

The 140 mm Cell-to-Pack architecture was already part of the MG iEV12 and B12E platform presented at Busworld, where MG specified battery configurations of 417 and 489 kWh and compatibility with both socket and opportunity charging.

Low-entry layout and safety equipment on the MG iEV12LE

Interior configuration combines forward-facing seating with a low-entry section, and the specifications include a dedicated wheelchair area. The manufacturer also lists an electronically controlled air suspension system with CDC, or Continuous Damping Control, among the vehicle’s equipment.

The body combines a high-strength steel chassis with a lightweight aluminium structure. MG states that the vehicle is certified according to UN ECE R66 rollover requirements. The braking system uses all-wheel disc brakes integrated with EBS.

For the traction battery, the documentation specifies continuous thermal monitoring together with automatic fire-suppression systems. Driving-safety equipment includes full-HD cameras and Class V and VI Camera Monitor Systems. The systems identified in the material include ADAS, a 360-degree monitoring system, MOIS and BSIS, TPMS, an alcohol interlock, DDAW and ADDW.

The driver’s area has been designed in accordance with ISO 16121, according to MG’s documentation. The material also identifies the cabin layout and forward-facing seating configuration among the features developed specifically for the low-entry intercity application.

In brief

• What is the MG iEV12LE?
  A 12.15-metre battery-electric low-entry intercity bus presented by MG Commercial at IAA Transportation.
• What battery does the MG iEV12LE use?
  MG specifies a 489 kWh Cell-to-Pack battery integrated into the chassis.
• What is the stated range?
  Up to 650 km according to eSORT2, based on MG’s technical documentation.
• How many passengers can it carry?
  Maximum capacity is 80 passengers, with 41+1 seats and one wheelchair area.