Introducing the novel MG4 featuring a semi-solid state battery, now available for pre-orders at 10,100 USD in China.
The MG4, a compact electric hatchback, has made waves in the automotive industry with its groundbreaking semi-solid-state battery. This innovative technology offers a pragmatic breakthrough, combining the advantages of solid-state batteries with more manageable production and cost.
The semi-solid-state battery in the MG4 uses a gel-like electrolyte containing about 5% liquid electrolyte, which allows efficient ion transfer while maintaining many of the benefits of a fully solid-state battery. This includes higher energy density, improved safety, and better performance under extreme temperatures.
Key benefits of the semi-solid-state battery in the MG4 include:
- Higher energy density: Estimates suggest an energy density of around 180 Wh/kg, which is about 30-40% higher than typical lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries used in other MG4 variants. This translates to more driving range or a lighter battery pack for the same range.
- Improved range: The MG4 semi-solid-state battery offers ranges of up to approximately 537 km (CLTC cycle), a notable improvement from standard LFP-equipped MG4 models that offer around 437 to 530 km depending on battery size.
- Enhanced safety: The semi-solid-state design improves thermal stability, resulting in better safety, including resistance to risks like thermal runaway, and it has passed rigorous safety tests such as nail penetration tests.
- Better low-temperature performance: The battery retains 13.8% more capacity than traditional LFP batteries at –7°C, making it more reliable in cold climates.
- Faster charging potential: While not fully detailed, solid and semi-solid-state batteries typically allow faster charging speeds, and the MG4's battery is expected to benefit from this trend.
In comparison to other battery technologies, the MG4's semi-solid-state battery offers advantages in energy density, driving range, safety, cold-climate performance, and cost.
| Feature | MG4 Semi-Solid-State Battery | Typical Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) | Fully Solid-State Batteries | |-----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | Electrolyte Composition | Mostly solid with ~5% liquid (gel-like) | Liquid electrolyte | Fully solid electrolyte | | Energy Density | 180–300 Wh/kg (estimated) | ~150–210 Wh/kg | Potentially >300 Wh/kg but expensive | | Driving Range (MG4 example) | Up to 537 km (CLTC) | ~437–530 km (depending on battery size) | Expected longer range, but few in production | | Safety | High thermal stability, passed strict tests | Good but less stable than solid-state| Best safety profile theoretically | | Cold-Climate Performance | Better low-temp retention (13.8% more than LFP) | Worse capacity retention at low temps| Expected to be very good but costly | | Cost and Production | Lower cost, already mass-produced for MG4 | Lowest cost and widely used | Still costly, difficult to mass-produce |
The MG4's semi-solid-state battery positions it as a pioneering model, being the first mass-produced EV with semi-solid-state technology. This innovation could accelerate the adoption of safer, longer-range, and more durable batteries across the EV market.
The MG4's heat pump-based thermal management system supports up to 75% range retention after pre-heating at -7°C. The vehicle is equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 120 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque.
With a starting price of approximately 10,100 USD in China, the MG4 offers advanced battery technology at competitive prices, making it an attractive option for consumers looking for an electric vehicle with superior range, safety, and performance.
- The MG4's groundbreaking semi-solid-state battery, a key component in the automotive industry, is revolutionizing the electric-vehicle sector with its impressive energy density, improved safety, and better performance under extreme temperatures.
- The finance industry is keenly watching the MG4, as its mass-produced electric vehicle with semi-solid-state technology offers a competitive price tag of around $10,100 in China, making it an affordable option for consumers seeking advanced battery technology.
- The transportation sector is set to benefit from the MG4's innovative battery technology, as the vehicle's longer driving range, thanks to its semi-solid-state battery, could lead to reduced charging times and overall improvement in efficiency.
- The lifestyle transformations brought about by electric vehicles are gaining traction, thanks to technical advancements like the MG4's semi-solid-state battery, which delivers on energy density, range, safety, and performance, making it an appealing choice for those embracing clean transportation alternatives.
