MG has big plans in the US, where it aims to expand its presence with new models, including plug-in hybrids. The company recently revealed a concept that previews a future pure electric rival for the US market, which may be getting the company’s first production semi-solid-state battery. However, MG has confirmed it plans to introduce this battery technology in three new plug-in hybrids.
MG calls its semi-solid-state battery technology SolidCore and says it will eventually appear in three new SUVs spanning the compact, mid-size, and full-size segments. Separately, its Plug-in Hybrid+ system will be offered with dedicated 1.1-liter and 1.5-liter turbocharged engines that achieve claimed peak thermal efficiencies of more than 42% and 43%, respectively.
View Price on AmazonThe system will behave more like an electric vehicle at low speeds, remain efficient when the battery is depleted, and avoid the performance and refinement drop-off that some plug-in hybrids exhibit when they have to both propel the vehicle and charge it at the same time. The system also uses a new power-split hybrid transmission that continuously varies the contributions of the engine and electric motors based on speed and load.
MG claims the engine can maintain above 40% thermal efficiency during around 90% of driving conditions, while electric drive efficiency can reach 90%. The company says vehicles using the new system will be capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds, with the 50-75 mph dash taking as little as 3.5 seconds.
MG’s SolidCore batteries were developed with QingTao Energy, and its cells reportedly use a manganese-based chemistry, a silicon-carbon anode, and only around 5% liquid electrolyte. That’s less than what is typically used in a conventional lithium-ion battery, where the percentage is closer to 10% to 15%.
Source: insideevs.com
