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New MG4 Compact Electric Hatchback Offers Revolutionary Semi-Solid-State Battery
The MG Motor Company has unveiled its latest offering, the MG4 compact electric hatchback, which comes with a groundbreaking semi-solid-state battery. This innovative battery technology, developed by SAIC Motor, offers several significant improvements over traditional lithium-ion batteries.
The MG4's battery has passed rigorous three-direction needle penetration tests without emitting smoke, indicating a higher resistance to punctures and reduced risk of fire or toxic emissions. This enhanced safety feature is a crucial step towards ensuring the vehicle's occupants and the environment are protected.
In cold-weather conditions, the battery retains up to 75% of the vehicle’s range when pre-heated at -7°C, providing about 13.8% better cold-weather range retention than lithium-iron-phosphate batteries. This improvement means that drivers can expect a reliable performance even in harsh winter conditions.
SAIC Motor has also invested in a battery structure using an aluminium–rare earth alloy containing lanthanum and cerium, increasing the battery casing’s strength and heat resistance. This investment in material science is expected to contribute to the battery's longevity and overall vehicle performance.
The semi-solid-state battery uses a gel-like or semi-solid electrolyte, reducing the amount of liquid electrolyte below about 10%. This hybrid approach aims to combine the safety and thermal stability advantages of solid-state batteries with the ion mobility and manufacturing feasibility of liquid electrolytes, enhancing both safety and low-temperature performance.
The MG4's battery delivers an energy density of around 180 Wh/kg and a CLTC-rated range of about 537 km, which is comparable to or better than conventional lithium-ion cells while maintaining the advantages of semi-solid-state chemistry. This competitive energy density and range make the MG4's battery a promising solution for mass-market electric vehicles (EVs).
The MG4 is one of the first production vehicles globally to offer a semi-solid-state battery at scale. In addition to the innovative battery, the MG4 features a redesigned LED-backlit MG logo, arrow-shaped LED taillights, and six available colours, including Donglai Purple and Coral Red.
The MG4's interior boasts a 15.6-inch 2.5K floating touchscreen powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8155 chip, providing drivers with a seamless and responsive in-car experience. The vehicle also offers EU Reach-compliant baby-grade synthetic leather upholstery, 30 storage compartments, and optional rosé purple and deep blue color schemes.
Wheel options for the MG4 range between 16 and 17 inches, and the front seats offer integrated backs with heating and ventilation, while rear seats recline up to 27 degrees. The MG4's cargo capacity includes 471 litres in the trunk and an additional 98-litre sub-trunk. Folding the rear seats creates a 1.87 m2 sleeping area.
SAIC Motor has also announced that a semi-solid-state battery version of the MG4 will be available before the end of the year. The MG4 is now available for pre-sales, with prices starting at 73,800 yuan (approx. 10,100 USD). Four variants of the MG4 are immediately available for purchase.
With its innovative semi-solid-state battery, the MG4 represents a significant step forward in the development of mass-market EV batteries. The improved safety, stronger battery casing, better performance in cold climates, and competitive range and energy density make the MG4 a compelling choice for electric vehicle buyers.
- The MG Motor Company's latest offering, the MG4 compact electric hatchback, comes with a revolutionary semi-solid-state battery, which is a significant advancement in the automotive industry.
- The MG4's semi-solid-state battery offers enhanced safety features, such as higher resistance to punctures and reduced risk of fire or toxic emissions.
- SAIC Motor's investment in material science for the MG4's battery leads to a battery casing that is stronger and has increased heat resistance, contributing to the battery's longevity and overall vehicle performance.
- The MG4's semi-solid-state battery delivers a competitive energy density and range that make it a promising solution for mass-market electric vehicles in the face of advancements in technology and lifestyle preferences.
