MG Motor is taking a giant step in the global automotive industry and announcing that its next generation of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) will be equipped with semi-solid-state batteries. This innovative technology, usually associated with fully electric vehicles, will debut on the market starting in 2027 under the new Plug-in Hybrid+ badge. Meanwhile, the manufacturer controlled by the Chinese group SAIC is consolidating a strong position in Romania, quickly becoming the best-selling Chinese car brand on the local market.
The new battery architecture, dubbed SolidCore, first debuted on the all-electric MG 4 EV Urban compact model. But brand officials have confirmed that the benefits of the technology will soon be extended to a new line of hybrid SUVs. The first model to benefit from this radical change in 2026-2027 will be the new generation MG ZS, closely followed by the larger MG HS and MG S9 models.
Unlike conventional batteries with liquid electrolyte, semi-solid technology brings clear advantages for users: a considerably extended autonomy, reduced charging times and much better stability of performance in extreme freezing temperatures. In addition, the brand's engineers emphasize that the new PHEV+ system will ensure a faster power response and optimized performance at low speeds, when driving on the highway, but also when approaching steep slopes.
The Plug-in Hybrid+ range will be structured around two distinct technical configurations, both coupled to a new generation hybrid transmission that promises driving efficiency very close to that of a 100% electric vehicle:
In addition to optimized consumption, the new engines promise much better noise insulation, increasing acoustic comfort in the cabin. In parallel with electrification, MG is also taking important steps towards autonomous driving. The brand will introduce the Navigate on Autopilot system, an advanced assistance technology (ADAS) that will allow limited autonomous driving on highways from the end of 2027, with the functionality to be extended to urban environments from 2028.
This global technological offensive comes at the best time for the British-Chinese brand in Romania, where MG is recording record numbers. Officially imported through Quantum Auto Max, MG has achieved a historic performance on the local market: it has become the best-selling car brand of Chinese origin in Romania.
In the spring of this year, MG delivered almost 500 units in a single month on the Romanian market, a figure that propelled a brand produced in China to the top of the best-selling brands in the country for the first time. The local success is not at all accidental; after the MG4 Electric was designated "Car of the Year 2024 in Romania", the national dealer network accelerated strongly. For the entire year, the manufacturer has set itself an extremely ambitious goal on the Romanian market: reaching a volume of 5,000 units sold.
This target is supported by an aggressive pricing policy, extended warranties (up to 7 years) and an extremely competitive hybrid range, which already includes models highly sought after by Romanians, such as the new MG3 Hybrid+, ZS HEV+ or HS Hybrid+. With the introduction of semi-solid battery technology, MG has all the assets to directly challenge the top positions of traditional European manufacturers, offering cutting-edge technology at extremely competitive prices.