Over the past few weeks, multiple spy shots of MG’s upcoming Starlight-based hybrid and electric SUVs had fuelled expectations that the company would unveil these models today. Instead, JSW MG Motor India chose to showcase the technology that will underpin its next generation of products, introducing the MG ADAPT (Advance Drive Architecture Platform Technology).
Billed as India’s first Multi New Energy Vehicle (NEV) platform, MG ADAPT is a modular architecture capable of supporting Electric Vehicles (EVs), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Range Extender Electric Vehicles (REEVs). The company has confirmed that one EV and one PHEV based on this platform will debut by FY2026-27.
Likely Base For Upcoming Starlight SUVs
While MG stopped short of revealing any production models, the announcement appears to align with the recent test mules spotted on Indian roads. Over the last few weeks, both the MG Starlight EV and MG Starlight PHEV have been caught testing in India, suggesting these could be among the first products to utilize the ADAPT platform. The timing of today’s announcement also indicates that MG is laying the groundwork for an expanded New Energy Vehicle portfolio before formally unveiling its next-generation SUVs.
One Platform, Four Powertrain Options
The biggest highlight of ADAPT is its flexibility. Rather than developing separate architectures for different powertrains, MG has engineered a common platform that can accommodate four electrified propulsion technologies. According to MG, the modular platform has been designed to improve driving range, charging speed, efficiency, performance, refinement and safety, while also reducing product development time. These include:
– Electric Vehicle (EV)
– Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
– Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
– Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV)
Hybrid Technology Takes Centre Stage
A major focus of ADAPT is its dedicated hybrid system. The platform integrates a dedicated hybrid petrol engine, a dedicated battery pack, India’s first 10-in-1 Intelligent Electric Drive Unit, and what MG claims is the world’s first Electromagnetic Dedicated Hybrid Transmission.
MG says this setup is aimed at delivering better fuel efficiency, improved performance and a smoother driving experience. Powertrain operation is managed by an Intelligent Energy Management System, which automatically switches between four operating modes depending on driving conditions:
– Pure Electric Drive for city driving
– Series Hybrid Drive, where the engine generates electricity while the motor drives the wheels
– Parallel Hybrid Drive, with both engine and motor powering the vehicle
– Engine Direct Drive for efficient highway cruising
REEV Support Also Confirmed
Another key capability of ADAPT is support for Range Extender Electric Vehicles (REEVs). In this configuration, the wheels are always driven by the electric motor, while the petrol engine functions solely as a generator to recharge the battery when needed. This approach combines an EV-like driving experience with significantly higher driving range, helping reduce range anxiety during long-distance travel.
More NEVs Coming Soon
Speaking at the unveiling, Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said the company wants to give customers the flexibility to choose the energy solution that best suits their needs without compromising on performance or efficiency. He added that ADAPT will serve as the technological backbone for MG’s future New Energy Vehicle portfolio in India.
With recent spy shots of Starlight-based hybrid and electric SUVs already surfacing, today’s platform announcement suggests MG’s next wave of products may not be far away. The company has confirmed that its first EV and PHEV based on ADAPT will arrive during FY2026-27, with the Starlight family expected to be among the frontrunners.
