New MG4 is Ready to EV Market with World's First Semi-Solid State Battery

The latest MG4 EV with a new design. (Photo: CarNewsChina)

JAKARTA – The electric vehicle battery revolution is fast approaching, despite some skepticism. MG Motors, a brand under the SAIC umbrella, announced that its latest electric hatchback, the New MG4, will be the world's first mass-produced electric vehicle to use a semi-solid-state battery.

This breakthrough, reported by CarNewsChina on Monday, July 21, was confirmed directly by MG brand General Manager Chen Cui at a media event on July 17, ahead of the New MG4's official debut on August 5.

This innovation marks a significant milestone in the evolution of electric vehicles. The battery, supplied by QingTao Energy, is claimed to contain only 5 percent liquid electrolyte, making it a crucial step towards fully solid-state batteries. This technology promises higher safety and greater energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries.

The latest MG4 is equipped with a 70 kWh semi-solid-state battery capable of delivering impressive performance. With an energy density of 180 Wh/kg, the MG4's range on the CLTC test cycle reaches 537 kilometers on a single charge, placing it at the forefront of electric vehicles with the best range in its class.

Not only is this battery capable of range, it has also undergone extreme safety testing, including puncture tests from various directions. The results demonstrate a significantly higher level of durability compared to conventional batteries that still use a large amount of liquid electrolyte. The risk of fire and thermal runaway is significantly minimized.

Even more interestingly, this technology also offers more stable performance in cold temperatures. In tests at -7°C, the MG4 semi-solid-state battery maintained a range up to 13.8 percent better than Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP) batteries. This is a major plus for consumers living in areas with extreme climates.

The new MG4 also offers a more engaging driving experience thanks to its 120 kW rear-wheel-drive electric motor, which is claimed to deliver improved dynamics. Coupled with its larger body dimensions, measuring 4,395 mm in length and 2,750 mm in wheelbase, this vehicle also promises more spacious cabin and luggage space.

Produced at SAIC's Nanjing facility, the New MG4 is clear evidence that future battery technology is no longer exclusive to premium vehicles or concepts. Now, MG is bringing this technology to the global market in the form of a more affordable and accessible mass-production vehicle.