MG unveils new ADAPT platform for future EV, hybrid models

MG Motor India has provided the first look at its new platform, ADAPT. An acronym for ‘Advanced Drive Architecture Platform Technology’, this NEV (New Energy Vehicle) architecture will underpin MG India’s upcoming plug-in hybrid (PHEV), strong hybrid, range-extender hybrid and EV models. There will seemingly be no pure-ICE offerings based on ADAPT.

MG ADAPT platform: The finer details

Petrol engine with up to 43 percent thermal efficiency

Hybrid offerings based on ADAPT will feature a new naturally aspirated petrol engine that boasts lower fuel consumption and a thermal efficiency of up to 43 percent. Considering petrol engines usually yield thermal efficiencies in the 20-35 percent range, this is quite impressive. MG has not revealed details such as displacement, cylinder count and power output for this hybrid-focused engine, but it did confirm that the mill will be paired with a DHT (dedicated hybrid transmission).

DHT with world-first electromagnetic e-clutch

The DHT gets an electromagnetic e-clutch that claims four times quicker responses than conventional units. Compared to the e-CVTs usually seen in hybrid cars, a DHT is a more complex mechanism with mechanical gears, enabling better torque delivery and a more traditional driving experience. There’s also a 10-in-1 drive unit that integrates a permanent magnet synchronous motor and a 2-stage reduction gearbox, managing the outputs of the engine and electric motor and delivering them to the wheels.

All of the aforementioned powertrain components, combined with the battery, can operate in four driving modes: Parallel, Series, Engine Direct and Pure EV. In Parallel mode, both the petrol engine and electric motor drive the wheels, while in Series mode, the engine acts as a generator for the battery, and the motor solely handles propulsion duties. In Engine Direct mode, as the name suggests, only the engine drives the wheels, whereas in Pure EV mode, the engine shuts off and the battery and motor take over.