The race to bring next-generation battery technology to the streets has a new leader, and it’s coming from China. SAIC Motor’s MG4 has officially become the first mass-produced EV powered by a semi-solid-state battery to be cleared for sale, following its inclusion in the latest batch of approved vehicles from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
This milestone follows the opening of MG4 pre-orders earlier this month, which kicked off at just 73,800 yuan (around $10,000) for the standard version. While pricing for the new semi-solid-state variant won’t be revealed until September, the regulatory green light confirms that the technology is ready for the market—and it could be a game-changer.
A Battery Upgrade Worth Noticing
The big headline here isn’t about power or design changes—it’s about what’s under the floor. Instead of the familiar lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery used in other MG4 trims, this model swaps in a manganese-based lithium-ion semi-solid-state battery. Built by Suzhou Qingtao Power Technology, a leader in solid-state battery development, the pack promises higher energy density, better safety, and improved cold-weather performance over conventional lithium-ion designs.
Although we’re still waiting on official capacity and range figures, this is the first time a semi-solid-state battery has made it into a mass-produced EV headed for global markets—a breakthrough that could set the tone for the industry.
Familiar Power, New Potential
Aside from the battery, the semi-solid-state MG4 sticks with the same proven 120 kW (161 horsepower) single front-mounted motor found in other models. That should mean similar performance on the road, but with the potential for longer driving ranges and faster charging times once the final specs are revealed.
Optional extras include a 360-degree camera, front and rear radars, front badging, a tinted roof, and privacy glass. Inside, expect the same modern cabin found in the current MG4 lineup, complete with a 15.6-inch floating infotainment display and plenty of smart tech.
The Current MG4 Lineup
In China, the MG4 is offered in four trims—Comfort, Ease, Freedom, and Smart—with two battery sizes: a 42.8 kWh pack good for 437 km (272 miles) CLTC range, and a 53.9 kWh pack offering 530 km (330 miles). Prices range from $10,000 to $15,000, making it one of the most affordable electric hatchbacks on the market.
The semi-solid-state version’s price will land higher, but the appeal is clear: more advanced technology, potentially longer range, and bragging rights for owning the world’s first EV of its kind, if anyone cares about that.
Why This Matters
Solid-state and semi-solid-state batteries have been touted as the “holy grail” of EV tech for years, promising better performance and safety than today’s lithium-ion cells. By launching the MG4 with this battery tech ahead of rivals, SAIC MG isn’t just scoring an industry first—it’s showing that Chinese automakers are willing to push innovation into the hands of everyday drivers faster than their global competitors.
With deliveries expected to begin before the end of 2025, the MG4 semi-solid-state marks a major step toward the next chapter of EV technology. Whether it lives up to the hype will depend on real-world performance and cost—but for now, it’s a historic moment in the electric car race.
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