MG4 Electric previewed with a semi-solid-state battery, 537-km range

The next generation of the compact-sized MG4 EV is slated to go on sale in China on August 5 and reach dealerships in September. According to CarNewsChina quoting MG Brand General Manager Chen Cui, it will become the world’s first affordably priced vehicle running on “semi-solid-state” batteries.

The media first learned in December 2024 that MG – a SAIC Group company – was planning on releasing a mass-market electric car powered by solid-state battery technology. Back then, rumors claimed IM Motors, the exports handler for MG, would provide the necessary components.

As it now turned out, though, the actual MG4 EV utilizes a 70-kWh battery pack supplied by another vendor – QingTao Energy. It is being described as “semi-solid-state”, but the company claims that only 5% of the cell volume is occupied by liquid electrolyte, implying that the remaining 95% is solid. In practical terms, this means that such a battery can store up to 180 watt-hours of energy per kilogram of mass and deliver up to 537 kilometers (333 miles) of range per charge, despite its low cost. In cold weather, this battery pack can deliver 13.8% more range on average than traditional LFP designs, the company claims.

The new MG4 EV debuted during a dedicated presentation event in China in late June. Its production began in Nanking in July. Compared to the previous generation, the new hatchback looks rather more reserved, but is sized considerably larger at 4,395 mm (171.7 inches) long with 2,750 mm (107.4 inches) of wheelbase. That’s 108 mm (4.22”) of extra length and 45 mm (1.76”) of extra space between the axles. While this may not seem like a drastic change, the MG4 is now finally larger than its main domestic rival – the formidable bestseller BYD Dolphin.

At this time, the MG4 EV only has one powertrain listed in the certification database. It is represented by a single 163-PS (161-hp / 120-kW) electric motor driving the rear wheels. Other options may become available soon after launch, though, as usual.

Prices are expected to lie in the range of 80,000–120,000 Yuan depending on the trim.