MG recently announced a series of upgrades to its electric and hybrid models aimed at improving performance and energy efficiency. The most notable of these is its new semi-solid-state battery technology, which is expected to be the first to be applied to the new MG4 Urban electric hatchback. At the same time, the brand's "hybrid +" system has also been upgraded to improve power performance and driving texture.

This new type of semi-solid-state battery code-named "solid core (SolidCore)" is not new to the MG brand, but this is the first time it has been announced to market outside of China. MG will become the first manufacturer in the world to mass-produce and apply semi-solid-state batteries. We expect that by the end of 2026, the technology will be available locally on models such as the high-end MG 4 Urban.

Solid-state batteries have long been regarded as the next major engineering breakthrough in the field of electric vehicles. It is reported that MG's semi-solid-state batteries have significantly improved in terms of cruising range, charging speed and low temperature performance. The technology replaces the liquid electrolyte (the most unstable part of the battery) with a solid electrolyte. MG said that this has improved energy density, charging speed and service life. SolidCore batteries also use a new lithium manganese oxide (LMO) chemistry, with a semi-solid electrolyte positive electrode that acts as a protective layer over the cell stack. It is said that SolidCore contains only 5% liquid electrolyte, while liquid electrolyte accounts for about 20% of NMC and LFP batteries used in millions of electric vehicles worldwide.

According to MG, with its unique chemical formula, SolidCore batteries can charge up to 15% faster in cold weather than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries of the same size. The brand has not announced more details about the SolidCore (such as size or specific energy efficiency), but the goal is to use semi-solid-state technology to achieve a range of 1000 kilometers in the short term.

In addition to the SolidCore battery, the company also announced an upgrade to the "hybrid +" system, which is currently used in MG3 small cars, ZS small SUVs and HS medium SUVs in the Australian market. It is said that the new version of the software has improved the response speed and optimized the ride comfort. In addition, a new three-speed gearbox (one more gear than the powertrain of HS cash models) has been designed for a wider range of driving scenarios to enhance driving adaptability.

The new eight-mode logic engine software system will "improve power output performance and management"; the new hybrid control unit (HCU) has real-time terrain detection function, enabling the vehicle to make "smarter judgments to adapt to Constantly changing driving conditions, such as on special road conditions such as ramps".

At present, MG Australia has not confirmed when these powertrain improvements will be sold locally. However, given the popularity of its electrified models, it may be surprising if it cannot be launched before the end of 2026.