Get ready, EV fanatics, because MG is about to drop some serious tech in 2025! Zhou Yu, the savvy GM of SAIC’s MG brand division, recently spilled the beans on Weibo: we’re talking semi-solid state batteries as standard and a brand-new plug-in hybrid power system, the DMH. And get this, he claims it won’t break the bank. Sounds like MG is making some big moves to shake up the market!
New Models, New Tech, New Direction
MG’s 2025 lineup for China promises a thrilling ride with two entirely new models and two refreshed facelifts. This all comes after some intriguing twists in the road for SAIC. Previously, insiders like Yu Jingmin, executive deputy general manager of SAIC Passenger Vehicle, hinted that a full solid-state battery was headed for an MG car, possibly by Q2 2025. Now, it looks like we’re getting semi-solid state. It’s either a slight delay to 2026 or 2027 for solid-state, or a strategic shift. Either way, progress is progress!
The Heart of the Beast: Semi-Solid State Power
It’s highly likely MG’s new semi-solid state battery will be a close relative to the one flaunted in the IM L6, another SAIC product. Remember the buzz around the Light Year edition of the IM L6? It was supposed to drop in September but just got its MIIT listing in December, meaning actual sales are still a few months off. This suggests that cutting-edge battery tech takes time to perfect and integrate. Expect the upcoming MG Cyber GTS to be the first recipient of this powerful pack, likely leading the charge as one of the new 2025 models. Despite Zhou’s assurance of affordability, such advanced tech usually finds its home in more premium offerings first.
Now, let’s talk numbers for a minute. The IM L6 battery clocks in at a hefty 123.7 kWh. We’re looking at an energy density exceeding 300 Wh/kg, which translates to a mind-blowing range of over 1,002 kilometers on the CLT cycle. Charging won’t be an issue either, supporting quasi-900V ultra-fast charging and a 400 kW power delivery, you’ll be able to add over 400 kilometers of range in just 12 minutes! That’s seriously impressive for those long hauls or quick top-ups during your daily grind.
Beyond the Battery: DMH Hybrid System
While the battery tech is exciting, MG isn’t stopping there. The brand is also integrating its DMH plug-in hybrid power system in 2025. What could be the second all-new model joining the Cyber GTS? MG already offers several newer models overseas that haven’t hit the Chinese market yet, like the second-gen MG3 supermini, the second-gen MG ZS compact SUV, and the second-gen MG HS SUV.
Given that the DMH powertrain has already been introduced in the MG HS in other markets, it makes perfect sense that the second-generation MG HS could be the next new contender in China. For example, the British market MG HS uses a GS61H 1.5T plug-in hybrid system, cranking out a combined 220 KW of power and 350 Nm of torque. With a 24.7kWh battery, it delivers an EV range of up to 75 miles (120 km) (WLTP). Interestingly, MG’s DMH system is pretty much the same as what its SAIC sibling, Roewe, uses in its D7 sedan and D5X SUV.
The Big Picture: SAIC’s Solid State Ambitions
This whole semi-solid state battery announcement from MG comes at a time when SAIC itself has been vocal about its battery advancements. Just recently, SAIC Motor revealed plans for mass delivery of solid-state batteries in 2027. It makes you wonder how these timelines align and what other incredible innovations SAIC has in store for us. Are we witnessing a stepping stone towards a fully electric, solid-state future? It certainly seems that way.
MG is clearly pushing the boundaries, offering advanced battery technology and robust hybrid options that could make a real splash in 2025. It’s a compelling blend of excitement and practicality, demonstrating China’s relentless pace in the EV race. Keep your eyes peeled, because the future of mobility is getting seriously interesting!
