The Basic Supervisor of MG has confirmed that the up to date MG4 electrical hatchback will characteristic a semi-solid-state battery developed by QingTao Vitality, making it the primary EV to undertake such know-how in mass manufacturing. Nonetheless, because the announcement, the battery’s specs—notably its CLTC-rated vary of 537 kilometres and an power density of 180 Wh/kg—have sparked on-line dialogue about whether or not the pack really qualifies as a semi-solid-state battery.
This text explains what defines a semi-solid-state battery, how the MG4’s implementation compares to others, and why its power density stays inside typical lithium-ion territory.
What Is a semi-solid-state battery?
Semi-solid-state batteries cut back the quantity of liquid electrolyte utilized in conventional lithium-ion cells by incorporating gel-like or semi-solid electrolytes. This hybrid design goals to mix the security and thermal stability benefits of solid-state batteries with the manufacturing simplicity and ion mobility advantages of liquid electrolytes.
Though there isn’t a strict industry-wide definition, batteries with lower than roughly 10% liquid electrolyte are generally thought-about semi-solid-state, accordingly to Mitsui & Co. International Strategic Research Institute. Such batteries usually reveal improved security, higher efficiency at low temperatures, and enhanced structural integrity in comparison with typical liquid lithium-ion batteries.
MG4’s battery in context
The MG4’s QingTao-supplied battery makes use of solely 5% liquid electrolyte, putting it inside the semi-solid-state class. It handed a 360-degree puncture security check and claims 13.8% higher vary retention at –7°C in comparison with typical lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries. The battery pack is rated at 70 kWh with an power density of 180 Wh/kg and delivers a 537 km CLTC vary.
Why MG4’s semi-solid state battery provides a reasonable vary
Whereas some semi-solid-state batteries ship excessive power density and lengthy vary, the MG4’s battery provides extra modest figures, in keeping with its deal with cost-effectiveness and security. With an power density of 183 Wh/kg, it falls between different Chinese language EVs, such because the Geely EX5 (192 Wh/kg) and the BYD Han EV (155 Wh/kg). MG has not disclosed the precise battery chemistry for the 70 kWh semi-solid-state pack, however the power density is according to lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP)-based designs. If the battery does use LFP, this might align with the MG4’s emphasis on cold-weather efficiency, longevity, and affordability over most driving vary.
Semi-solid-state know-how primarily focuses on bettering the electrolyte construction and security, slightly than guaranteeing a rise in vary or power density. The vary depends upon numerous elements, together with chemistry, car design, and the scale of the battery pack.
Evaluating semi-solid-state batteries in electrical autos
| Mannequin | Producer | Battery provider | Liquid electrolyte content material | Vitality density (Wh/kg) | Battery capability | Vary (CLTC) | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MG4 (2025) | MG (SAIC) | QingTao Vitality | ~5% | 180 | 70 kWh | 537 km | Mass manufacturing beginning 2025 in China |
| ET5 (150 kWh possibility) | NIO | WeLion | ~10–15% | 360 | 150 kWh | 1,055 km | Restricted rental |
| IM L6 Max Lightyear | IM Motors | QingTao Vitality | ~10% | ~214 | 133 kWh | 1,000 km | Restricted manufacturing |
Why MG4’s battery qualifies regardless of decrease power density
Vitality density is just one issue defining a semi-solid-state battery. The MG4’s battery makes use of a minimal quantity of liquid electrolyte, a key technical marker, and has been examined for security and cold-weather efficiency. Not like full solid-state batteries, which use no liquid electrolyte and sometimes goal power densities above 300 Wh/kg, semi-solid-state batteries embody a spread of designs with various densities.
Editor’s notes
MG’s strategy emphasises bringing the advantages of semi-solid-state know-how—comparable to enhanced security and higher chilly local weather vary retention—to a broader market phase, slightly than maximising power density.
The MG4’s adoption of a 5% liquid semi-solid-state battery marks an essential milestone in electrical car battery growth. Whereas its power density and vary are decrease than these of some premium fashions listed within the desk above, MG is pioneering the mass manufacturing of semi-solid-state batteries for inexpensive EVs, probably increasing this know-how past area of interest, high-end purposes.
