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MG ushers in the semi-solid battery era with the MG4 Anxin Edition
The electric car landscape just hit a milestone. MG has begun deliveries of the MG4 Anxin Edition in China — the world's first mass-produced electric hatchback equipped with a semi-solid lithium battery. This move marks a notable advance toward safer, longer-range EVs and signals growing commercial readiness for next-generation battery chemistry.
Why this matters
Unlike incremental updates, semi-solid battery technology reduces liquid electrolyte content while maintaining energy density and speed of recharge. For drivers, that translates to less range anxiety, faster charging stops and improved thermal safety — all crucial for mainstream EV adoption.
Key specs and performance
The MG4 Anxin Edition pairs a 53.95 kWh manganese-based lithium-ion pack with a front-mounted electric motor delivering 161 hp and 250 Nm of torque. Highlights:
- Claimed range: up to 530 km (CLTC) on a single charge.
- Rapid charging: 30% to 80% in about 21 minutes, a significant improvement for daily usability.
- Acceleration: 0–50 km/h in roughly 3 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 160 km/h.
- Curb weight: around 1,500 kg — slightly heavier than some conventional battery variants but balanced by improved energy efficiency.
These figures position the MG4 as a practical urban and suburban EV, blending brisk city acceleration with competitive range and charging performance for its price segment.
Interior and tech
Inside, the MG4 shows its modern intent with a large 15.6-inch 2.5K central display powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8155 chip. Practicality isn't ignored: cargo capacity is 471 liters with rear seats up and expands to 1,362 liters when folded.
Driver assistance features are robust for a compact hatchback: five cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a Horizon Robotics J6e chip underpin highway-level assisted driving and intelligent parking aids. These systems suggest MG is not just changing battery chemistry but raising the tech baseline in this segment.
Market positioning and price
MG has priced the Anxin Edition aggressively at 102,800 yuan (about $14,600), a strategy aimed at accelerating adoption and giving consumers access to advanced battery tech without a premium electric-car price tag. If broader rollout follows, this could pressure rivals to accelerate their own semi-solid or solid-state development efforts.
"This is more than a new model — it's a test of whether next-gen batteries can scale," industry analysts say. The MG4’s launch is likely to spur competition and accelerate research investment across manufacturers and suppliers.
Takeaway
The MG4 Anxin Edition is a milestone product: it demonstrates that semi-solid battery technology is ready for mass production and real-world use. For buyers, it offers a practical, feature-rich electric hatchback with impressive charging and range for its class. For the EV market, it’s a clear signal that safer, faster-charging batteries are moving out of the lab and onto the road.
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