SAIC Motor’s new MG4 has been cleared for sale by Chinese regulators and is set to become the first mass-market electric vehicle equipped with a semi-solid-state battery. The new variant, named the MG4 Anxin Edition, will feature a manganese-based lithium-ion battery supplied by Suzhou Qingtao Power Technology Co., a leader in solid-state battery innovation.
A Leap in Battery Technology
Semi-solid-state batteries represent a significant advancement over conventional lithium-ion technologies. By replacing part of the liquid electrolyte with a solid or gel-like material, they offer several key advantages :youtube
- Higher Energy Density: The technology is expected to boost energy density by 30–40% compared to typical LFP batteries, allowing for longer range from a smaller, lighter pack.youtube
- Faster Charging: Charging times from 10% to 80% could be cut by 25–35%, potentially reducing a 40-minute charge to under 30 minutes.
- Enhanced Safety and Stability: The design improves thermal stability, making the batteries safer and less prone to fire. The battery has passed rigorous three-directional needle penetration tests without smoke or fire.
Market Implications
While the standard new MG4 models are already available for pre-order in China at prices starting from approximately $10,000 (73,800 yuan), the pricing for the semi-solid-state battery version will be announced in September 2025, with deliveries expected before the end of the year.
Although the initial cost of semi-solid-state packs may be higher than traditional LFP cells, the large-scale production of the MG4 could still allow it to undercut many competitors on total vehicle cost. The introduction of this technology in an affordable, mass-market vehicle like the MG4, rather than a high-end flagship, marks a pivotal moment in the EV industry, signaling that next-generation battery performance is becoming more accessible.
The new MG4 EV will feature a 120 kW (161 hp) front-mounted motor, with standard LFP battery options of 42.8 kWh and 53.9 kWh, offering CLTC ranges of 437 km (272 miles) and 530 km (330 miles) respectively. The specifications for the semi-solid-state version’s battery capacity and range have not yet been disclosed.
