The world of electric cars is a battlefield of promises, grand plans, and the occasional letdown that hits harder than a wet rag to the face. But every now and then, something rises above the fray, something that makes your eyebrows shoot up and your wallet twitch. Enter the new MG4, a car that’s not only affordable but also packs a battery technology that leaves the competition eating dust. Yes, we’re talking about a semi-solid-state battery. And no, this isn’t marketing fluff—it’s a serious leap forward in the world of electric driving.
Let’s set the scene. The MG4, that compact Chinese hatchback, has been a quiet contender in the realm of affordable electric vehicles for a while now. With a price that doesn’t gut your savings and a design that doesn’t look like it was sketched by a hungover intern, MG has already built a solid reputation. But now, they’re throwing a grenade into the mix. The new MG4, set to debut in China on August 5, 2025, comes equipped with a partially solid-state battery. And that, dear readers, is big news.
What makes this battery so special? Standard lithium-ion batteries, found in just about every electric car, use a liquid electrolyte to conduct electricity. Handy, but not without flaws: they’re prone to fire risks, lose capacity in cold weather, and have limited energy density. Solid-state batteries, on the other hand, swap that liquid for a solid material. The result? Greater range, faster charging, and less chance of your car turning into a fireball. Sounds like the holy grail, right? Well, the MG4 doesn’t go full solid-state but opts for a semi-solid-state battery with just 5% liquid electrolyte. It’s a bit like eating a burger that’s 95% juicy beef and 5% tofu—still damn good, but not quite pure.
The numbers don’t lie. This battery, developed by QingTao Energy, has a 70 kWh capacity and offers a range of 537 kilometers according to the Chinese CLTC cycle. Now, that cycle is about as optimistic as a real estate agent trying to sell you a fixer-upper, so in the real world, expect around 400 to 450 kilometers. Still impressive for a car that, in China, starts at a converted price of just under 10,000 euros. Yes, you read that right: an electric car with a futuristic battery for the price of a used estate with a rusty exhaust. The battery boasts an energy density of 180 Wh/kg, meaning more power from a smaller package. And as the cherry on top, this battery performs 14% better in cold conditions. So while your neighbors shiver with their old lithium-ion batteries in winter, you’ll be cruising along without a care.
Let’s be real, though: this isn’t a Tesla Model S Plaid that launches you from 0 to 100 km/h in the time it takes to sneeze. The MG4 has a 161-hp electric motor driving the rear wheels, which makes for playful handling but not neck-snapping acceleration. With a top speed of 160 km/h and a weight of just 1,485 kg, it’s no heavyweight, but it’s not a sports car either. This is a car for the everyman, the woman who wants a practical runabout that’s not only cheap but also makes a statement: the future of electric driving doesn’t have to break the bank.
There’s a slight catch, though. This MG4 is launching in China first, and it’s anyone’s guess whether it’ll ever cross the ocean to Europe. The current MG4, which has been on our roads for three years, is already a sharp deal with a price range of 33,950 to 43,950 euros in the Netherlands. If this new version makes it to our shores, expect a price tag significantly higher than that Chinese 10,000 euros. Europe, with its strict regulations, hefty taxes, and knack for emptying wallets, will see to that. But even with a higher price, it’ll still be a bargain compared to the competition. And let’s not forget: MG’s parent group, SAIC, has the resources to refine this technology and bring it to other models. So even if this MG4 remains a Chinese fairy tale, chances are we’ll see this battery tech in other MGs soon enough.
What makes this all so exciting isn’t just the technology but the message it sends. The auto industry is at a turning point. Solid-state batteries have been hyped for years, but most manufacturers are still stuck in the lab, making vague promises about “sometime between now and 2030.” Meanwhile, MG, a brand once known for dusty British roadsters, is outpacing everyone with an affordable car that brings this technology to the road today. It’s like being in a pub and watching the underdog grab the mic and nail a perfect rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody. Unexpected, bold, and damn impressive.
So, what’s the verdict? The new MG4 proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to join the future of electric driving. It’s not perfect, it’s not fully solid-state, and we might never see it in Europe. But it’s a sign that the world is changing, and affordable electric cars are finally staking their claim. Want to dive into the world of 100% electric driving? Check out our marketplace, where you can search and buy the best electric cars: https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/.
