Solid-state and semi-solid-state batteries have been “coming soon” for years. Now, one has made it to the showroom floor. The MG4, built by SAIC Motor, is officially the first EV approved for sale with a semi-solid-state battery, a milestone that could shift the way electric cars are built in the next decade.
The news comes after SAIC opened pre-orders for the new MG4 earlier this month, starting at about $10,000 in China. The variant with the new battery tech will hit the market soon, with pricing revealed in September. For now, the big story is that it has passed regulatory approval from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
“The MG4, equipped with a semi-solid-state battery, was included in the latest batch of vehicles cleared for sale by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) this week.”
So what’s different? Instead of the familiar lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack, this MG4 gets a manganese-based lithium-ion battery from Suzhou Qingtao Power Technology, a global leader in solid-state Li-ion cells. That switch could mean higher energy density and improved safety, especially in high-demand driving conditions.
Performance stays the same a single 120 kW (161 hp) front-mounted motor drives the car, just like other MG4 models. Optional tech on the semi-solid-state version includes a 360-degree camera, front and rear radars, tinted roof, privacy glass, and front badging.
“For now, the new MG4 is available in four trims: Comfort, Ease, Freedom, and Smart. Two battery pack options are available, 42.8 kWh and 53.9 kWh, providing CLTC ranges of 437 km (272 miles) and 530 km (330 miles), respectively.”
The company hasn’t released the official specs for the semi-solid-state variant yet, no capacity, range, or charging speed numbers but expectations are high. If this tech can deliver more range without adding weight, it could be the first step toward mainstream adoption in everything from small hatchbacks to performance EVs.
This isn’t just a win for MG4 buyers. It’s a sign that semi-solid-state batteries are finally moving from lab tests to daily commutes. Tesla owners might want to watch closely this could be the type of battery tech that trickles into performance EVs in the near future.
Source: electrek
Photo credit: MG