The “Holy Grail” of EV batteries may be closer than we think. The first mass-produced EV to feature a semi-solid-state battery, the new MG4, was just cleared for sale in China.
Is the MG4 the first EV with a semi-solid-state battery?
After opening pre-orders for the new MG4 earlier this month, starting at about $10,000 (73,800 yuan), SAIC Motor announced that pricing for the semi-solid-state battery version would be revealed in September.
Well, we are already getting a look at the new variant. 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.
According to the regulatory filing, the new EV will feature the same single front-mounted 120 kW (161 hp) electric motor as the other models.
As expected, the biggest change is the battery. The new variant swaps the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that powers other MG4 models for a manganese-based lithium-ion battery. The battery is manufactured by Suzhou Qingtao Power Technology Co, a global leader in solid-state Li-ion EV batteries.
Other optional features include a 360-degree camera, front and rear radars, front badging, a tinted roof, and privacy glass.
Although it has been cleared for sale, we will have to wait until closer to launch for prices, range, battery capacity, and other specs.
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.
Prices start at 73,800 yuan ($10,000) for the base “Comfort” trim, ranging up to 105,800 yuan ($15,000) for the “Smart” edition model.
At 4,395 mm long, 1,842 mm wide, and 1,551 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm, the new MG4 is slightly bigger than the popular BYD Dolphin EV hatch.
Inside, the semi-solid-state battery version is expected to feature the same setup with a 15.6″ floating infotainment and plenty of smart tech.
SAIC MG claims the new MG4 will be the first mass-produced EV to launch globally with a semi-solid-state battery. Prices and more info will be revealed in September, with deliveries beginning by the end of 2025.
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