Sino-British marque MG announced that the company is currently developing an all-new plug-in hybrid powertrain. Dubbed by the company as the “Plug-in Hybrid+” powertrain. Dubbed by the company as the “Plug-in Hybrid+” powertrain, the system consists of a semi-solid-state battery named the ‘SolidCore’.
The integration of the battery follows the marque being the first to mass-produce semi-solid-state batteries, which first made their debut on the second-generation MG4 in China.
This advanced battery will be paired with a new generation of dedicated hybrid petrol engines, available in 1.1- or 1.5-litre variants, both turbocharged.
The 1.1-litre mill produces 99 hp and 175 Nm, while the 1.5-litre mill produces 163 hp and 255 Nm. These engines are developed specifically for hybrid applications, and both have a claimed thermal efficiency of 42% and 43% respectively.
The powerplants operate alongside an all-new dedicated hybrid transmission that automatically selects the optimal operating mode across the full speed range. The system uses electric drive at low speeds, power split at medium speeds, and direct engine drive at high speeds.
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This functionality enables the engine to maintain a thermal efficiency above 40% across approximately 90% of driving conditions, while delivering a claimed 90% electric drive efficiency.
Claimed performance figures from MG’s new PHEV powertrain include achieving 0-100 km/h in under 6 seconds and 80-120 km/h up to 3.5 seconds. Furthermore, the enhanced torque figures provided by this powertrain improve hill-start capability by up to 72% on steep gradients.
MG claims the new powertrain is ‘significantly’ enhanced, featuring a motor decoupling function that reduces noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) by up to five decibels in EV mode compared with a conventional PHEV system, contributing to a quieter, more refined cabin.
The first car to receive the new “Plug-in Hybrid+” will be the MG ZS, which will launch in 2027. Furthermore, MG announced new ADAS features for the European market, which include autonomous parking assistance, while simultaneously confirming the development of its highway navigate on autopilot (NOA) system, expected to debut in 2028.
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