MG MG4 debuts near-final semi-solid-state battery version at the Guangzhou Motor Show

The news is not entirely fresh, but MG has once again grabbed attention at the Guangzhou Motor Show, where it revealed for the first time an almost production-ready version of what will become its first mass-produced car fitted with a semi-solid-state battery.

Back in the summer, we got our first look at the design of the MG4 successor - and the first generation has enjoyed a notable run in Europe - yet one of the biggest talking points is not something you can see from the outside.

MG4 Anxin Edition showcased at the Guangzhou Motor Show

The headline addition is a new semi-solid-state battery, joining the two LFP (lithium iron phosphate) packs that the new MG4 already offers in China (sales began in the summer): 42.8 kWh and 53.9 kWh. These deliver ranges of up to 437 km and 530 km respectively on the CLTC cycle.

It was at the Guangzhou Motor Show in China (held this past weekend) that MG presented the new version it calls the MG4 Anxin Edition. This is not SAIC’s (MG’s parent company) first model to introduce the technology - that distinction went to the IM 6 saloon - but it does not diminish the MG4’s significance as one of the first high-volume models to adopt this newer battery approach.

Battery, weight and motor specifications

The semi-solid-state battery fitted to this version keeps the same 53.95 kWh capacity as the LFP battery. For now, there are no official consumption or range figures, but the overall kerb weight of this variant is 15 kg higher, landing at an exact 1500 kg.

It is also confirmed that this version will use the same 120 kW (163 hp) electric motor and 250 Nm as other variants.

Advantages of the semi-solid-state battery

The key difference between today’s EV batteries and semi-solid-state designs lies in the electrolyte. In conventional lithium-ion batteries, the electrolyte is liquid. In solid-state batteries, it is fully solid. Semi-solid-state solutions sit between the two: the electrolyte is made up of solid particles suspended in a conductive liquid.

The benefits begin with safety, something SAIC says it has demonstrated through its own testing, including a three-direction penetration test. Performance in low temperatures is also improved compared with lithium-ion chemistries (LFP and NMC): in sub-zero conditions, it can retain up to 75% of range with pre-conditioning.

Alongside the safety gains, semi-solid-state batteries have the potential to provide higher energy density, while also carrying lower manufacturing costs than fully solid-state batteries. Their production method is also closer to that used for conventional lithium-ion cells - an important factor in the final pricing of electric cars.

When does it arrive?

MG has not yet provided a date for the start of sales of the MG4 with a semi-solid-state battery. The brand has only said that the new variant will be added to the line-up once production begins.

It is expected to be the most expensive version in the range, which in China is priced between 68 800 yuan (around €8,390) and 102 800 yuan (around €12,535).

There is still no confirmation of when the second-generation MG4 will reach Europe - it started being sold in China at the end of the summer - and even less certainty over whether the semi-solid-state battery variant will be offered here.