MG Motor has opened a new engineering centre in Frankfurt and introduced a semi-solid-state battery technology called “SolidCore,” which is planned for use in its European electric vehicles from late 2026.
The new facility forms part of MG’s “In Europe, for Europe” strategy, aimed at developing vehicles tailored to regional requirements such as climate, road conditions and driving behaviour. The move reflects a broader shift among Chinese automakers toward deeper localisation in Europe, beyond traditional functions such as design or chassis tuning.
Owned by SAIC Motor, MG already operates engineering activities in Longbridge in the UK and a design centre in London. The Frankfurt site will expand this footprint, focusing on vehicle development aligned with European regulatory and customer expectations.
Alongside the new centre, MG unveiled its “SolidCore” battery, a semi-solid-state technology that combines both solid and liquid electrolytes. The company said the system integrates a protective solid-state structure within the cell while retaining some liquid components, positioning it as an intermediate step toward fully solid-state batteries.
The battery features a manganese-based semi-solid cathode and what MG describes as a “semi-solid electrolyte shield,” designed to improve safety and durability. However, the company did not disclose detailed performance metrics such as energy density, charging speed or lifecycle improvements.
MG said the new battery architecture offers advantages in cold climates. “This architecture performs exceptionally in low-temperature conditions, enabling immediate vehicle start-up without preheating and providing improved acceleration compared with conventional EVs under similar conditions,” the company stated.
The technology appears related to semi-solid batteries already deployed in MG models in China, supplied by QingTao Energy, though MG has not clarified specific differences for the European version.
In parallel, MG is continuing development of hybrid systems, including its “Hybrid+” technology, which combines a small battery with a multi-speed transmission and integrated control unit aimed at improving efficiency and adaptability across driving conditions.
The Frankfurt expansion and new battery announcement underline MG’s efforts to strengthen its technological presence in Europe as competition intensifies in the region’s electric vehicle market.