SAIC MG4 Electric Could Feature Solid State Battery; Priced around $10K
A bold move in the electric vehicle (EV) segment is on the horizon as SAIC Motor prepares to launch the MG4, the world’s first mass-produced EV featuring a semi-solid-state battery. Recently cleared for sale by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, this model elevates the conversation around battery innovation, cost competitiveness, and EV range. With pricing for the semi-solid-state version forthcoming and initial deliveries expected by the end of 2025, the MG4 stands as a testament to China’s leadership in next-generation battery technologies. Investors and industry players alike should pay close attention to this pivotal shift in the EV landscape.
China Fast-Tracks the First Semi-Solid-State Battery EV
SAIC Motor, a major force in global automotive manufacturing, has moved decisively towards commercializing semi-solid-state battery technology. Its new MG4 model, which has just been approved for sale by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, marks a watershed moment for the sector. The car, which first opened for pre-orders earlier this month, starts at an aggressively priced $10,000 (73,800 yuan), underscoring the company’s ambition to make cutting-edge EV technology accessible to a broad consumer base. Pricing details for the headline-making semi-solid-state battery variant are expected by September.
Core Specifications: What Sets the New MG4 Apart?
The newly-cleared MG4 keeps its tried-and-tested powertrain: a single front-mounted 120kW (161hp) electric motor that mirrors its siblings in performance. Fundamentally, however, it breaks new ground under the hood by swapping out the standard lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery for a manganese-based lithium-ion battery. This pivotal component is manufactured by Suzhou Qingtao Power Technology Co, recognized globally as a leader in solid-state Li-ion EV battery development.
Other enhanced features available on the new MG4 include a 360-degree camera system, comprehensive front and rear radar coverage, distinctive front badging, a tinted roof, and privacy-enhancing glass, providing a premium feel even at the entry-level price.
Trim Levels, Range, and Competitive Pricing
The MG4 rolls out in four trims: Comfort, Ease, Freedom, and Smart. It offers two battery configurations—42.8kWh and 53.9kWh—which translate to a driving range (under China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle, CLTC) of 437km (272 miles) and 530km (330 miles) respectively. This flexibility allows buyers to select a model tailored to their driving needs and budget.
The following table summarizes the key options:
| Trim | Battery (kWh) | Range (km) | Starting Price (yuan/USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 42.8 | 437 | 73,800 / $10,000 |
| Ease | 53.9 | 530 | 85,800 / $12,000 |
| Freedom | N/A | N/A | 93,800 / $13,000 |
| Smart | N/A | N/A | 105,800 / $15,000 |
Size-wise, the MG4 boasts dimensions of 4,395mm (L) x 1,842mm (W) x 1,551mm (H) with a 2,750mm wheelbase, making it slightly larger than the highly popular BYD Dolphin EV hatch.
Interior and Vehicle Technology
Inside, the semi-solid-state MG4 aligns with its standard counterparts, featuring a 15.6-inch floating infotainment screen and an abundance of smart features aimed at enhancing the driving experience. With a focus on digital integration and user-centric technology, the cabin further cements the model’s balance between affordability and sophistication.
Strategic and Industry Implications
SAIC MG’s bold move to commercialize semi-solid-state batteries at scale could be transformative for the global EV market. Not only does this address core consumer anxieties surrounding battery safety, cost, and range, but it also signals a shift in the competitive landscape. Chinese manufacturers, through advanced supply chains and strategic partnerships, are rapidly closing the gap in battery innovation and cost efficiency versus established Western rivals.
With deliveries scheduled by the end of 2025 and full specs to be revealed in September, analysts and investors should monitor how international markets and legacy automakers respond to this technological leap. Should SAIC MG’s roll-out prove successful, it may catalyze a new era of affordable, high-range EVs leveraging semi-solid-state technology worldwide.
Bottomline
The MG4 cements China’s leadership in solid-state battery innovation.
Aggressive pricing could pressure global EV makers to accelerate solid-state adoption.
The model’s range and technology suite put it in strong competition with rivals.
Broader adoption of semi-solid-state batteries could increase market penetration and reshape cost structures industry-wide.
