MG unveils pioneering new battery tech in Frankfurt

Words and report by Jim Starling, notaguru.co.uk

MG has taken a significant step forward in its electrification strategy with the reveal of a new semi-solid-state battery at its 2026 Tech Day in Frankfurt. The technology, known as the SolidCore Battery, is the result of more than a decade of development by parent company SAIC.

MG says it is the first time a semi-solid-state battery has been brought to mass production readiness. Leasing.com’s brand ambassador Jim Starling from notaguru.co.uk was in Frankfurt to report on the announcement and speak with engineers behind the project.

The unveiling formed part of MG’s first Tech Day event, where the brand also outlined its forthcoming Hybrid Plus system and confirmed plans to open a new European engineering centre in Germany.

Together, these announcements underline MG’s intention to strengthen its technical presence in Europe while continuing to expand its electrified model range.

Production of the SolidCore battery is expected to gather pace by the end of 2026, with the updated MG4 Urban set to be one of the first models to adopt the technology.

What is SolidCore and when will it arrive?

While MG has yet to publish full technical specifications, including confirmed energy density and charging speeds, it has stated that manufacturing of the battery has already begun in China. More detailed figures are expected closer to the European launch.

Early indications suggest the new battery will bring meaningful real-world improvements. MG claims charging performance is around 15 percent quicker than its current LFP battery packs, particularly in challenging conditions.

The company also says the battery maintains stronger performance in extreme cold, operating effectively in temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees. This could address one of the most common concerns for electric vehicle drivers, where range and efficiency tend to drop significantly in winter.

MG also points to improvements in power delivery, with a claimed increase in responsiveness, as well as a reduction in overall battery weight. Together, these changes should contribute to better efficiency and potentially improved driving dynamics.

What increase in range can we expect?

While official range figures have not yet been confirmed, the current MG4 EV Urban offers up to 258 miles on a full charge. With the added efficiency benefits of the semi-solid state setup, expectations are that this could move closer to the 300 mile mark, although this remains unverified for now.

Importantly, MG is not expected to replace its existing battery technology entirely. The current LFP versions of the MG4 are likely to continue alongside the new semi solid state models, giving buyers a choice between lower cost and newer technology.

In China, a version of the MG4 fitted with the SolidCore battery is already available, offering an early indication of how the technology could be positioned. Pricing of these SolidCore options in China suggests a noticeable premium over standard battery models, although UK pricing is yet to be announced.

MG is set to introduce the semi-solid state MG4 Urban in Europe later in 2026. Full specifications, confirmed range figures, and pricing are still to be revealed, so further updates are expected in the coming months.