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Today we’re talking about one of the most important developments in electric vehicles—the arrival of semi-solid state battery technology in a car you can actually buy.
SAIC, the parent company of MG, has just announced that the MG4 will become the first mass-produced EV in the world to launch globally with semi-solid state batteries. Think about that for a second. Not a prototype locked behind a showroom display. Not a futuristic promise set a decade away. A real car, cleared for sale in China, that will soon reach Europe and other markets.
This is a huge moment because it signals the first step away from conventional lithium-ion chemistry and toward the next chapter of battery innovation.
What Semi-Solid State Batteries Are
So, what exactly makes these semi-solid state batteries different? Traditional lithium-ion packs, like the familiar lithium iron phosphate (LFP) used in many Teslas and BYDs, rely on a fully liquid electrolyte. Solid-state batteries, which everyone in the industry is chasing, replace that liquid with a solid material like ceramic or polymers. Semi-solid falls somewhere in between—it uses a gel-like substance that’s not fully liquid, not fully solid, but something that combines the best of both.
This middle ground offers several advantages: lighter and smaller battery packs thanks to higher energy density, safer operation due to the non-flammable electrolyte, slower degradation that extends lifespan, and the potential for much faster charging speeds.
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Why Range Isn’t the Headline
Now, here’s where things get interesting. The semi-solid MG4 doesn’t dramatically boost range. We’re looking at around 333 miles – not that different from the cheaper LFP variants. That might sound underwhelming at first. But the true value of semi-solid chemistry isn’t just about squeezing out a few more miles. It’s about making EVs safer, longer-lasting, and more practical in the long run.
And this raises a big question about where the industry is headed: if semi-solid batteries are already hitting the market, what does this mean for the race toward solid-state batteries that we’ve been hearing about for years? If you’ve been following industry updates, you know there’s been a lot of hype, and a lot of skepticism. For example, the CATL chief recently discussed three major problems holding solid-state commercialization back, reminding everyone that solid-state EVs might still be years away.
Pricing That Changes the Conversation
Here’s another shocker: the MG4 with semi-solid state batteries will start at under $14,000 in China. Even the base LFP models are under $10,000. For context, that’s cheaper than some gasoline-powered economy cars.
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By delivering cutting-edge chemistry at an everyday price, SAIC isn’t just pushing technology forward – it’s reshaping the conversation around EV affordability. Compare that to the global race for solid-state tech, where startups and big automakers alike have struggled to showcase a working product. In fact, when one company shipped a solid-state EV battery earlier this year, it highlighted just how soon existing lithium-ion packs might be replaced – and how unprepared some rivals are.
Beyond the Hype
It’s tempting to think of solid-state batteries as the magic bullet for all EV problems: longer range, lightning-fast charging, and lower fire risk. But the truth is more complicated. Not all solid-state designs are created equal, and the road to commercialization is messy. If you want a deeper dive, there’s a great breakdown on why solid-state batteries aren’t ready for primetime and why hype doesn’t always equal reality.
That’s where semi-solid comes in. It’s not perfect, but it bridges the gap. It allows automakers like SAIC and MG to offer safer and more advanced chemistry today rather than waiting a decade.
China’s First-Mover Advantage
There’s also no ignoring China’s role here. Battery makers like QingTao Energy and Gotion have been moving aggressively, and announcements like Gotion’s 7-minute solid-state battery are already sending shockwaves through the industry. Even if true solid-state is years away, semi-solid products like the MG4 show China’s ability to leapfrog competition by getting new chemistries on the road first.
Looking Beyond Solid-State
Of course, semi-solid and solid-state aren’t the end of the story. The EV battery landscape is broadening quickly, with alternative chemistries and hybrid approaches being explored. From sodium-ion to next-gen lithium-metal, the future may not belong to just one technology. If you’re curious about what comes beyond solid-state and how the EV battery landscape is evolving, there’s an in-depth piece you can check out.
What It Means for Drivers
For drivers, here’s what matters most: the MG4 with semi-solid batteries promises faster charging, better safety, and longer battery life – at a price everyday carmakers can actually afford. That combination could make EVs more appealing to buyers who are still on the fence.
Meanwhile, global automakers are taking different approaches. Some, like Tesla, are noticeably cautious. In fact, both CATL and Panasonic recently signaled reasons Tesla isn’t jumping on the solid-state hype train just yet. Others, like Lucid, are experimenting with how to navigate the wave of solid-state technology while improving efficiency for the next battery era.
The Takeaway
So where does this leave us? The MG4’s semi-solid state battery doesn’t deliver a dramatic leap in range, but that’s not the point. It’s about building the bridge between today’s lithium-ion and tomorrow’s solid-state breakthroughs. It’s about offering progress without the eye-watering price tag.
The real revolution will come when full solid-state packs hit the market, delivering ranges of 600 miles or more with charging times measured in minutes. But until then, semi-solid technology might be the stepping stone the EV industry needs – and SAIC and MG have just shown the world they’re willing to lead that charge.
So, what do you think? Will semi-solid state technology convince more drivers to buy EVs, or is it just a teaser for the next big leap? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.
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Source: torquenews.com
