First deliveries of the MG4 version with semi-solid-state battery pack

The Chinese automotive giant SAIC has begun making the first deliveries of the Anxin Edition of the new MG4, a model that stands out for being the first affordable electric vehicle to fit a semi-solid-state battery pack. This technology represents an important step forward ahead of the day when the long-awaited solid-state batteries finally become a reality.

SAIC unveiled a complete overhaul of its MG4 electric model last March. This was an unexpected move on the company’s part, considering the first generation of the MG4 had been on the market for just over two years. According to some analysts, this early update of the MG4 was a consequence of the limited sales volume achieved by the brand in the Chinese market, below initial expectations.

Although the new MG4 is not yet available in the European market, and is not expected to reach the continent until well into next year, this model has the honour of becoming the first global model of the British brand, aimed at Chinese customers as well as European and other very diverse markets.

Already on sale in China and coming soon to Europe too

In China, sales began at the end of last summer, with five versions to choose from, instead of the four initially available for the first-generation MG4. The fifth new version is precisely the Anxin Edition, equipped with a semi-solid-state battery pack developed by the start-up QingTao Energy, in which SAIC made a significant investment a few years ago.

These semi-solid battery packs use an electrolyte that reduces the liquid component to a certain extent, while promising greater range, faster charging times and better safety levels compared with conventional liquid-electrolyte batteries. Until now, only premium brands such as NIO had incorporated this technology into some of their series-production models, which is why the MG4 is the first affordable compact to offer this innovative technology.

In China, the Anxin Edition is sold for around 102,800 yuan, which is a little over 13 thousand euros at the current exchange rate, while the versions with conventional batteries start at 68,800 yuan, a little under 9 thousand euros. The price difference is therefore quite significant. For the time being it is unknown whether this version of the new MG4 will reach the European market, and there are certain doubts in this regard, as its price on the continent could perhaps be somewhat excessive given that the first-generation MG4 went on sale from around 35 thousand euros in its most affordable version.

Finally, it is worth noting that, as regards its technical specifications, the semi-solid-state battery pack of the Anxin Edition of the MG4 has a capacity of 53.95 kWh. Combined with a 120 kW permanent-magnet synchronous motor, it offers a CLTC range of 530 km, with an energy consumption of 11.9 kWh per 100 km travelled. When recharging, it is possible to increase the state of charge from 30 to 80 per cent in just 21 minutes.