SAIC Motor’s all-new MG4 EV has garnered 11,067 pre-orders within 24 hours of its soft launch. The new electric hatchback is offered in four variants, with pre-sale prices ranging from 73,800 to 105,800 yuan (10,100 to 14,400 USD). However, the semi-solid battery version of the MG4 is not launching until September.
The MG4 EV is built on SAIC’s E3 pure electric architecture platform and is anticipated to officially launch in September.
The exterior of the new MG4 EV retains its hatchback form factor. It draws inspiration from the Cyberster’s front fascia, including an illuminated MG logo.
From the side, the vehicle features dynamic body lines, black window surrounds, and distinctive petal-shaped wheels, contributing to its sporty profile. The MG4 EV measures 4395mm in length, 1842mm in width, and 1551mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2750mm. At the rear, the MG4 EV adopts arrow-shaped taillights, mirroring the Cyberster’s design and inspired by the Union Jack flag. The new model will be available in six different exterior colours. Inside, the infotainment system is a result of a collaboration between SAIC and Oppo, offering smartphone integration that allows users to control their phone’s content directly from the car’s display. Furthermore, the MG4 EV incorporates Cell-to-Body (CTB) battery integration technology, which lowers the floor height and maximises interior space. The new MG4 EV will feature a front-wheel-drive powertrain, with the electric motor delivering a maximum output of 120kW. For charging, the battery can be replenished from 30% to 80% in 20 minutes under optimal conditions. The chassis features a MacPherson independent suspension at the front and a torsion beam non-independent suspension at the rear.
the vehicle’s sales outlook is not without challenges. SAIC’s previous overpromises regarding solid-state battery technology have led to some skepticism among potential buyers, especially since earlier claims of a full solid-state battery in the IM L6 model have yet to materialize. This uncertainty may impact consumer confidence in the MG4’s upcoming semi-solid-state battery variant, scheduled for release in September. Furthermore, the affordable EV hatchback segment is becoming increasingly crowded with strong competitors like the BYD Dolphin, making brand reputation and after-sales support critical factors for sustained success.
Taking these factors into account, it is reasonable to predict that the MG4 EV could achieve between 50,000 and 80,000 units sold in China during its first year, fueled by the strong initial interest and competitive pricing. Over the next two to three years, as SAIC continues to enhance its battery technology and expands the vehicle’s availability, annual sales could surpass 150,000 units. Expansion into international markets such as Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia could further boost sales volumes, although success will depend on local market conditions, regulations, and infrastructure.
When it comes to solid-state batteries, SAIC’s credibility is somewhat questionable. Last year, upon the launch of its IM L6 model, the company claimed the vehicle would be equipped with a ‘full solid-state battery‘, which naturally generated considerable excitement. To this day, news articles regarding IM Motors’ intention to feature a solid-state battery with a 1,000-kilometre range can still be found on the Shanghai municipal government’s website. However, over a year has passed, and we have yet to see an IM vehicle fitted with a full solid-state battery, or even a semi-solid-state one. Indeed, if IM Motors truly possessed a solid-state battery capable of a 1,000-kilometre range, there would be no need for them to develop range-extended vehicles, would there?
Therefore, we remain sceptical ahead of the launch of the MG4’s semi-solid-state battery vehicle. Fortunately, according to SAIC, it is due to be released in September, so we shall see.
To understand why we are skeptical we need to get into the details of solid-state battery:
Solid-state batteries represent one of the most promising advancements in battery technology, widely anticipated to revolutionize electric vehicles (EVs) in the coming decades. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, which use a liquid or gel electrolyte to transport lithium ions between the anode and cathode, solid-state batteries replace this liquid component with a solid electrolyte made of ceramics, glass, sulfides, or other solid materials. This fundamental difference offers several significant advantages, including higher energy density, improved safety, faster charging capabilities, and potentially longer battery lifespans.
How Solid-State Batteries Work
In a conventional lithium-ion battery, the liquid electrolyte facilitates the movement of lithium ions during charging and discharging cycles. This liquid, while effective, comes with drawbacks such as flammability, leakage risk, and degradation over time, which can limit the battery’s performance and safety. Solid-state batteries, on the other hand, use a solid electrolyte, which acts as the medium for lithium ions to travel through. This solid medium is inherently more stable and less prone to risks like leaking or catching fire, thereby enhancing the battery’s safety profile dramatically.
Additionally, the solid electrolyte allows for the use of lithium metal anodes, which can store much more lithium than the graphite anodes commonly used in lithium-ion cells. This means solid-state batteries can potentially store significantly more energy in the same physical space, translating directly into longer driving ranges for EVs.
Advantages of Solid-State Batteries
The potential benefits of solid-state batteries make them very attractive for EV manufacturers and consumers alike:
Higher Energy Density: Solid electrolytes allow batteries to hold more energy by enabling safer use of lithium metal anodes, potentially doubling the energy density compared to today’s lithium-ion batteries. This can mean longer driving ranges without increasing battery size or weight.
Enhanced Safety: The risk of battery fires caused by overheating or electrolyte leakage is substantially reduced. Solid electrolytes are non-flammable and more resistant to mechanical damage.
Faster Charging: Some solid-state designs promise much faster charge times, which could reduce charging from hours to minutes under optimal conditions.
Longer Cycle Life: Reduced degradation means solid-state batteries could last longer over many charge-discharge cycles, lowering long-term ownership costs.
Why Solid-State Batteries Are Not Yet Ready for Widespread Use in EVs
Despite these compelling advantages, the transition to solid-state batteries in mass-market EVs faces major technical and manufacturing challenges that have so far delayed their commercial availability.
1. Material and Interface Challenges
One of the most significant obstacles is the interface between the solid electrolyte and the battery’s electrodes (anode and cathode). The interface must maintain good ionic conductivity and mechanical stability throughout thousands of charge cycles. However, many solid electrolytes crack or degrade when subjected to physical stresses or volume changes during battery operation. Moreover, lithium dendrites—tiny, needle-like formations that can grow inside the battery—pose a risk of short-circuiting. Managing these dendrites in solid electrolytes remains a major research focus.
- Manufacturing Complexity and Cost
Producing solid-state batteries involves highly specialized materials and precise fabrication techniques that are currently expensive and difficult to scale. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which benefit from mature, high-volume manufacturing processes, solid-state battery production lines require new equipment and quality control measures. Until manufacturers can scale production efficiently, these batteries will remain prohibitively costly.
- Durability and Temperature Performance
Many solid electrolytes exhibit poor ionic conductivity at room temperature, requiring either higher operating temperatures or material innovations to perform well in everyday conditions. Additionally, ensuring that solid-state batteries can endure the thermal and mechanical stresses encountered in vehicles over many years is still a hurdle. Early prototypes have often failed to meet the rigorous durability and safety standards required for automotive use.
- Uncertain Industry Timelines
While numerous companies—ranging from startups to automotive giants like Toyota, BMW, and Volkswagen—are investing heavily in solid-state research, many optimistic timelines announced over the past decade have been pushed back. For instance, several manufacturers promised solid-state battery-powered vehicles as early as the mid-2020s, yet no mass-produced models with these batteries have launched yet. The challenges are simply harder to solve than initially anticipated.
When Can We Expect Solid-State Batteries in Electric Vehicles?
Given the current state of research and development, a broad commercial rollout of solid-state batteries in EVs is likely 5 to 10 years away, possibly closer to the latter end of that range. Here is a more detailed outlook:
Near Term (Next 3-5 Years):
Most EVs will continue to rely on increasingly optimized lithium-ion batteries, with improvements in chemistry (like nickel-rich cathodes and silicon anodes) and manufacturing processes to increase range and reduce costs. Some manufacturers may introduce semi-solid-state or hybrid battery technologies that combine solid electrolytes with liquid components to provide incremental benefits while mitigating the current challenges.
Medium Term (5-10 Years):
This period is likely when we will see the first limited production EV models equipped with fully solid-state batteries. These models will probably target premium or performance segments initially due to high production costs. Early adopters may enjoy the improved range, faster charging, and safety benefits, but prices will remain relatively high.
Long Term (Beyond 10 Years):
If technological hurdles are overcome and manufacturing scales up, solid-state batteries could become mainstream in the mass-market EV segment. Widespread adoption would help EVs become more affordable, practical, and attractive, accelerating the global shift away from fossil fuels.