Over the past few weeks, several spy shots of MG’s upcoming Starlight-based hybrid and electric SUVs had raised expectations that the company will unveil these models today. Instead, JSW MG Motor India chose to showcase the technology that will underpin its next-generation products by introducing MG ADAPT (Advanced Drive Architecture Platform Technology).
billed as India’s first multi new energy vehicle (NEV) platformMG 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 be launched by FY2026-27.
Possible base for the upcoming Starlight SUV
While MG hasn’t revealed any production models, the announcement seems to be in line with the test mules recently spotted on Indian roads. Over the past few weeks, both the MG Starlight EV and the MG Starlight PHEV have been spotted testing in India, suggesting that they could be one of the first products to use the ADAPT platform. The timing of today’s announcement also signals that MG is laying the groundwork for an expanded new energy vehicle portfolio before formally unveiling its next-generation SUV.
One platform, four powertrain options
The biggest attraction of ADAPT is its flexibility. Instead of developing separate architectures for different powertrains, MG has designed 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, as well as reduce 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 center 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 that this setup aims to provide better fuel efficiency, better performance and a better 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 produces electricity while the motor drives the wheels
– Parallel hybrid drive, powering the vehicle from both the engine and the motor
– 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 acts solely as a generator to recharge the battery when needed. This approach combines an EV-like driving experience with significantly greater driving range, helping to reduce range anxiety during long distance journeys.
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 energy solutions that suit their needs without compromising on performance or efficiency. He said ADAPT will serve as the technological backbone for MG’s future new energy vehicle portfolio in India.
With recent spy shots of the Starlight-based hybrid and electric SUV already emerging, today’s platform announcement suggests MG’s next wave of products isn’t far away. The company has confirmed this The first EV and PHEV based on ADAPT will arrive during FY2026-27The Starlight family is expected to be at the forefront.
