MG4 with semi-solid-state battery revealed at Guangzhou Motor Show

The news is not entirely new, yet MG drew attention again at the Guangzhou Motor Show, where it unveiled for the first time the near-final version of what will be its first mass-produced car fitted with semi-solid-state batteries.

We first saw the styling of the MG4 successor during the summer - the first generation has enjoyed notable success in Europe - but one of its most significant developments is hidden from view.

MG4 Anxin Edition and its semi-solid-state battery

It is a new semi-solid-state battery, which joins the two LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery options already offered by the new MG4 in China, where sales began in the summer. These have capacities of 42.8 kWh and 53.9 kWh, delivering ranges of up to 437 km and 530 km under the CLTC cycle respectively.

At the Guangzhou Motor Show in China, held last weekend, MG presented this new version, named the MG4 Anxin Edition. It is not the first SAIC model - SAIC owns MG - to introduce the technology, as that distinction belongs to the IM 6 saloon. Nevertheless, the MG4 will become one of the first high-volume models to use this new battery type.

Power output and kerb weight

Its semi-solid-state battery retains the 53.95 kWh capacity of the LFP unit. There are currently no consumption or range figures, although this variant has a total weight 15 kg higher, at exactly 1,500 kg. It has also been confirmed that it will use the same 120 kW (163 hp) electric motor, producing 250 Nm, as other versions.

Advantages of the semi-solid-state battery

The key difference between batteries in today’s electric cars and semi-solid-state batteries lies in the electrolyte. Conventional lithium-ion batteries use a liquid electrolyte, while solid-state batteries use an entirely solid one. Semi-solid batteries sit between these two approaches, with an electrolyte made up of solid particles suspended in a conductive liquid.

Safety is among the first advantages of this battery type, as demonstrated by SAIC’s tests, which included a three-direction puncture test. It also performs better at low temperatures than lithium-ion batteries, both LFP and NMC: in sub-zero conditions, it can retain up to 75% of its range with pre-conditioning.

As well as being safer, semi-solid batteries could provide higher energy density and cost less to manufacture than solid-state batteries. Their manufacturing process is very similar to that used for conventional lithium-ion batteries - a decisive factor in the final price of electric cars.

When will it arrive?

MG has not yet given a date for the MG4 with semi-solid-state batteries to go on sale. The brand has only said that the new variant will join the range once production begins. It is expected to be the most expensive version in a line-up that, in China, is priced from 68,800 yuan (around €8,390) to 102,800 yuan (around €12,535).

There is also still no confirmation of when the second-generation MG4 will reach Europe - it went on sale in China at the end of the summer - let alone whether the semi-solid-state battery variant will be sold here.