The all-new MG4, the Chinese brand’s new budget electric hatchback, will debut a new type of battery technology that bridges the gap between current technology and the highly anticipated solid-state batteries. However, the numbers of the MG4’s ‘semi-solid’ state batteries aren’t as impressive as you might think.
MG promised last year that it would debut solid-state batteries in its range by 2025 – before clarifying that these new batteries wouldn’t be fully solid-state, but rather ‘semi-solid’. They still use a small amount of liquid electrolyte to enhance stability and reduce costs. It was expected that the Cyberster would get the new battery tech, but it appears the cheaper MG4 will get the honor instead.
Only 5% liquid electrolyte
MG General Manager Chen Cui confirmed at a media event last week that the all-new MG4, which has just entered production, will be the first mass-produced electric vehicle with a semi-solid-state battery. The official Chinese debut is planned for August 5, but the model is also expected to launch an international career, similar to the successful first-generation MG4.
According to Chen, the new semi-solid-state battery utilizes 5% liquid electrolyte. It is based on LFP technology, but offers an energy density comparable to that of NMC batteries: 180 Wh/kg. It should also perform better in cold conditions, with MG promising 13.8% better range retention at -7°C compared to traditional LFP batteries.
Up to 537 km range for under €10,000
We already knew that the second-gen MG4 would utilise a 120 kW (163 hp) rear-mounted electric motor, but now we also see the range. It will use a 70 kWh battery pack, which provides a CLTC range of 537 km. For Europe, the WLTP range will likely hover around 400-450 km.
Those numbers don’t sound as impressive as expected for a new generation of battery tech, but they have to be seen in the context of the price. The new MG4 is expected to cost between 80,000 and 120,000 yuan (€9,500 to €14,300).
It directly targets the BYD Dolphin, which is available from €29,000 in Belgium. This provides an indication of the potential final price of the new MG4 in Europe.
