SAIC MG, the Chinese automotive giant, has begun customer deliveries of the MG4 electric hatchback—the world’s first mass-produced vehicle equipped with a semi-solid-state battery. Starting at just 68,800 RMB ($9,800), with the advanced battery model priced at 102,800 yuan ($14,500), this launch marks a pivotal and affordable step toward next-generation EV technology.
Think the solid-state battery revolution is still years away? Think again. While global automakers pour billions into research, a Chinese brand has quietly rolled the technology off the production line and into driveways. SAIC MG isn’t just promising a safer, more advanced battery; it’s selling it today at a price that undercuts most conventional Electric Vehicle, fundamentally chaningg the timeline for the industry’s next big leap.
The milestone was announced this week after the model debuted at the Chengdu Auto Show in August. The semi-solid-state variant, dubbed the “Secure” edition, is one of five trims. It is powered by a 53.95 kWh semi-solid manganese-based lithium-ion battery that delivers an estimated 530 km (330 miles) of range on China’s CLTC cycle. Crucially, SAIC MG states the battery reduces liquid electrolyte content to just 5%, a change that dramatically enhances safety, according to the company’s release.
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In rigorous safety tests, this new battery proved its mettle. During needle penetration tests—a standard worst-case scenario for triggering thermal runaway—the semi-solid-state pack produced no smoke, no fire, and no explosion after two hours of observation. SAIC MG claims this result exceeds industry safety standards by 20%, a significant claim for a technology often touted for its stability.
Beyond the headline-grabbing battery, the MG4 is a competitively specced compact EV. It shares its core dimensions and a single 120 kW (161 hp) electric motor across all trims. Higher-end models, including the semi-solid-state version, feature a large 15.6-inch infotainment screen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, placing it firmly in the modern tech arena.
This launch is more than a product update; it’s a strategic power play. SAIC MG delivered over 13,000 units of the MG4 in November alone and has established itself as a leader in exporting Chinese EVs, particularly in Europe and the UK. By being first to market with this technology, MG secures invaluable real-world data and a powerful marketing advantage as the “pioneer” of solid-state’s practical application.
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The implications are vast. If MG’s semi-solid-state batteries prove reliable and cost-effective at scale, it could pressure rivals to accelerate their own timelines. The affordable price point is perhaps the most shocking element, dispelling the notion that this advanced chemistry would be exclusive to luxury vehicles for a decade. The future of battery tech isn’t just here; it’s surprisingly affordable and already on the road in China.
